Claire Guidas
Twenty-five SaddleBrooke residents and friends of residents went on a bike and barge trip to the Netherlands for two weeks this past summer at the end of June/beginning of July. The trip started and ended in Amsterdam and included cycling along bike trails adjacent to the Vecht, Rhine, and IJssel Rivers, generally in the central area east of Amsterdam.
The weather was perfect for cycling, and daily biking choices featured either a 30- or 40-mile guided ride. In addition to numerous villages, bikers visited amazing castles, such as Muiderslot dating from 1280, historic World War II bridges, cemeteries, museums, and the “Venice of the North” village of Giethoorn, where access is only by bike, foot, or boat.
Each evening, two knowledgeable guides went over the following day’s ride choices, followed by a guided village walk wherever the barge was anchored for the night. Hybrid 21-gear touring bikes were provided by the barge company and were both easy and comfortable to ride. While bikers were out riding during the day, the barge was busy travelling from one village to the next. Other highlights of the biking trip included gourmet meals on the barge every night, along with generous breakfast buffets and food to pack for lunches “on the trail.”
Many bikers took advantage of stays in Amsterdam before and at the end of the trip to visit the many well-known museums there, including the Van Gogh, Rijks, and Anne Frank House. Others took the time to walk through the famous “Red Light” district and/or take a canal tour by boat.
All in all, those in attendance concluded that bikes were an insightful way to tour the Netherlands “up close and personal” and a truly unique experience. Many were amazed at the thousands of Dutch using bikes as their main means of transportation, along with the incredible and extensive bike trail system in the Netherlands.
For more information about upcoming biking trips with Cyclemasters and/or to join the club, feel free to contact Gail Bouffard at [email protected] or visit the Cyclemasters website saddlebrookecyclemasters.org.