Calum’s Belgian Adventure: A Visit to the Ridley Factory
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Belgium and explore the renowned Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF), home to Ridley bikes. It was an unforgettable trip, full of insights into the world of cycling innovation and Ridley’s vision for the future. Here’s a recap of the highlights from my two-day adventure.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome in Hasselt
Our journey began in the charming city of Hasselt, where we settled in on the first evening. The following morning, we headed to BCF headquarters, eager to see what Ridley had in store.
We kicked things off with an exclusive presentation of Ridley’s 2025-2030 strategies. It was great to see a company of their size remain deeply committed to supporting small, independent bike shops. This dedication to grassroots cycling is a testament to Ridley’s values and their Belgian heritage.
Next came the highlight of the day: a sneak peek at Ridley’s 2025 bike lineup. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there are some absolutely stunning models on the horizon. The designs are sleek, innovative, and sure to make waves in the cycling community. Keep your eyes peeled for official announcements and releases in early January—you won’t want to miss it.
We ended the day in style with a sit-down dinner under BCF’s impressive wind tunnel. It was a surreal experience to dine in a space dedicated to perfecting aerodynamics and speed, a fitting conclusion to an incredible first day.
Day 2: Behind the Scenes at BCF
Day two was packed with even more excitement. We delved into a series of business presentations that outlined Ridley’s plans for growth and innovation over the coming years. It’s clear that BCF is not just a cycling brand—it’s a hub of creativity, technology, and vision.
The real treat was the in-depth tour of the factory. From the state-of-the-art wind tunnel to their cutting-edge bike fitting, testing, and studying facilities, BCF has everything they need under one roof. It’s a cyclist’s paradise, where technology and passion come together to produce world-class bikes.
One particularly exciting announcement? Ridley is making a triumphant return to the Tour de France with Uno-X for the next 10 years. This partnership is set to bring Ridley back to the global stage in a big way, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Looking Ahead
This trip was a fantastic reminder of why Ridley remains a leader in the cycling world. Their commitment to innovation, local bike shops, and the sport itself is unmatched. A huge thank you to Ridley and the Belgian Cycling Factory for hosting us and giving us a glimpse into the future of cycling.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit—and of course, those new bike releases in January. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, there’s plenty to be excited about.
Stay tuned for more updates, and happy riding!
Click the link below to see what we have in-store
