A new way of exploring
Neither walking nor cycling, I visited the Belgian Ardennes by Segway!
5 mins OF ESCAPE
Reaching terra incognita
I must confess, I wasn't really interested in the Segway gyroscope scooter, the futuristic motorised device that I'd only ever seen in town and driven by tourists who I thought were pretty lazy. Firstly, I thought the sensations must be fairly dull and disappointing. Secondly, as a nature lover, I imagined the device could only be used on tarmac and was therefore not suitable for admiring the beauty of the great outdoors. But it has to be said, I was way off the mark and I apologise for the many times I've made fun of this means of locomotion. Mea Culpa. Driving on the beautiful Walloon roads around Bouillon (which, incidentally, is well worth a visit!) I find myself stopping at the
‘Ti’ Bou de Refuge, at Sensenruth, a place like no other, to test these activities like no others, the segway and the electric skateboard. I park the car and immediately fall under the spell of this old renovated farm. The tranquillity of the small Ardennes village is the promise of an excellent day ahead.
I'm greeted by the owner, Hans. He's a real live wire and this promises to be an unforgettable experience. We start the day with a coffee and Hans introduces me to this heavenly spot, an outstanding property that he purchased with his wife and which they run with great enthusiasm and delight as visitors come to explore their beautiful region. The main gite is surrounded by gardens where romantic gypsy caravans are partially hidden among the trees. Chickens, cats and dogs as well as horses and donkeys live in this harmonious haven of peace where the dwellings blend into the natural surroundings. An invitation to unwind, but there's more to it than that. Nights may be gentle and peaceful here but, when daylight comes, the adrenalin starts pumping!
Here, thrills and relaxation come in the same package
So visitors can enjoy a combination of relaxation and adrenalin by taking to the nearby paths on the exhilarating machines provided by Hans. A weekend to totally switch off, in other words! For me, after visiting the premises, it's time for my first Segway session with a quick practice outside the gite. First, Hans explains where this device originated from, how it works and how to drive it. It seems segways can be scary, but not dangerous, and they're suitable for anyone to use. So I'm reassured... Until it's time to get on. Placing one foot, then the other, and standing up straight, what a weird sensation this is! I expected the machine to tip up and make me fall, but the gyroscope system instantly counteracts my slightest movement. To succeed, all I have to do is place my trust in the machine. Once standing on it, by leaning slightly forward or backward, I can make it move acccordingly. What feels strange is that you have to lean with your entire body, not just your torso. Then the machine does the rest (or nearly), its engine propelling you along.
Doubt gives way to elation
Would you believe me if I told you this machine had been invented to help old people get around? Can you believe that, after just a few minutes' practice, anyone can drive a segway? Okay, so the first few metres are a bit shaky and a little scary, but Hans says that whatever obstacle I come to, I can continue moving forward and the machine will compensate for my movements. Right, so I negotiate the approaching pavement, an insignificant obstacle which feels to me like the challenge of the century. Then we're off for a gentle, 3 km ride on the nearby country paths, through forests and glades. The first section takes us through the village's little tarmac streets, so no major difficulty there. But then we have to go downhill to reach the forest. Normally I wouldn't have even noticed this gentle slope, but on my segway I'm wondering if I'll make it. Spontaneously, I'm reassured by the pleasant sliding sensation and regain faith in the machine's stability.
These new sensations are highly addictive
At the bottom, the small road becomes a beautiful forest path and we continue under the autumn hues of the trees. It's very pleasant but all I can see ahead are major obstacles in the form of stones and bumps in the path. But this segway is an off-road model! "Go on Julia, don't worry, just keep going," Hans shouts, with more faith in me than I have in myself. So I rise to these new challenges and have no trouble getting past them. The segway's huge 4x4 wheels are incredible shock absorbers, to the extent that the driver isn't even aware of the nature of the terrain. Suddenly I'm an expert and the stones, fragments of branches and small puddles are now child's play. I follow the path with increasing affection for this new way of exploring the hiking trails. You can choose your speed, accelerate for a more thrilling ride on the long straight sections, or just stay at cruising speed. I opt for the latter so that I can admire the surroundings, just as I would if I were walking or cycling, but with that wonderful sliding sensation as a bonus. After a few more minutes I've tamed the beast and feel ready for some more challenging terrain! But it's time to return to the gite for my next training session. This time I'm going to learn to ride an electric skateboard.
More than one way to slide
We keep our helmets on and gear up with knee and elbow pads and wrist protectors. Holding a small remote to control the forward and backward movement, I stand on the skateboard of the future with Hans helping me keep my balance. Board sport fans will get used to this more quickly, but I've never tried skateboarding before and have no idea how to turn it. It's much more complicated than steering a segway and I'll need many more hours to tame this beast. We go back to the forest path to test the device off the tarmac, which is what these big-wheeled off-road skateboards are designed for. Besides, the ground is softer in the forest, which reassures me a little. At ease like a fish in water, Hans does an amazing demonstration on one of the boards. As for me, I'm a fish out of water! I'll have to come back for a more intensive training session and work on my sense of balance. We head back and I thank Hans and his wife for the lovely excursion which was a real change from what I'm used to. They warmly invite me to come again to try the accommodation as well as the other facilities, including a spa and electric bikes. In the meantime, I'm pleased by what these new experiences have taught me. You live and learn!
Try this experience
Segway and electric skateboard rides with 'Ti 'Bou de Refuge
Rue de Bernifalouche 6, 6832 Senseruth, Belgium
+32 475 46 02 90
Visit 'Ti 'Bou de Refuge
Location and offers of restaurants/accommodation "brand Ardenne" nearby
Neither walking nor cycling - I visited the Belgian Ardennes by Segway!