In the summer of 2022, the Rinus' (Pini) grandad cycled on the Via Lemovicensis and Via Francés, two of the oldest medieval pilgrimage routes, 2700 km to Santiago de Compostela for the benefit of the Rinus Pinifonds. Many friends and sympathizers have supported this initiative financially; for which we are very grateful.
In the summer of 2023 opi will cycle from Leuven on two other medieval pilgrimage routes through France and the north of Spain. He leaves in mid-July on the Via Turonensis passing through Laon, Beauvais, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Saintes and Bordeaux to Saint Jean de Pied-de-Port, an important stopover on the Camino de Santiago. From there he cycles over the Somport Pass to Jaca in Spain to cycle part of the Via Aragones through the Val de Boi. He finally reaches Lagrasse back in France over the Pic de Baracena. After a few days of rest in the area it joins the Via Podensis at Navarrenx to reach Le Puy-en Vélay via Toulouse, Moissac and Conques. From there it goes to Vézelay to then cycle back to Leuven via the Via Campanienis with Auxerre and Reims where he hopes to arrive on September 15 at the latest. This year Flokey, the eldest brother of Rinus, is cycling with opi during the outward journey. On the return journey bicycle the eldest cousin Bruno with opi part back.
Even now, friends and sympathizers of the Rinus Pinifonds can financially support these cycling tours through a transfer on the number of the Rinus Pini Fund at the King Baudouin Foundation. On the website van Fonds clearly states how one can deposit. You will also find information about which projects the Rinus Pini Fund has supported and will support. Thank you in advance for your financial support and sympathy.
You can follow opi, Flokey and Bruno on the blog on the Rinus Pini website, on Instagram opi4rinus2santiago and on Facebook RinusPinifonds.