Planning my bucket list trip to the Spring Classics

[steelbikerider]

I'm looking to go to Belgium/Northern France to watch Flanders and Roubaix in either spring of 2021 or most likely 2022. I'm hoping to ride a sportif for Flanders and spend the week before Roubaix riding the cobbles.

What travel groups should I look into? Should I rent a bike or bring my own? If I bring my own, what gearing would I need for Flanders? I'm a 61 year old former cat 2/3 racer in the last century, currently riding 150 - 200miles/week. My weight would be in the 190 range with an FTP of 250-260w with some real training.

[FlashUNC]

Bring good walking shoes for Flanders. I've heard the bergs get so jammed with riders putting a foot down that you're walking them unless you're in the front.

FWIW, I would highly recommend the Roubaix sportive. Incredibly festive atmosphere and if you ever wanted to feel like a pro getting cheered on by randos at the side of the road, that sportive is it.