8 Intrepid Women Go Cycling in Holland

Big thanks to Judith Waddington, our intrepid reporter from the all female cycling trip to The Netherlands, for this creative report. Spot the WVCC ? (it doesn’t show up so well in this somewhat restricted format)

Well planned

Route  –  thanks to Judith R, Mark and Jane

Hotels – safe bike storage

Essential lists – for bikes – thanks to Geo Hall for support

– for cyclists -many compromises necessary to fit essentials and perceived necessities  into bags

Very well navigated – Garmin by Jane, Sal and Ali; sense of direction by Alice

Great cycle paths everywhere, so many in places to be very confusing (3 times round on windmill – opposite directions to interest of people sitting on the steps in the sun)

Buses, trains and trams in towns by Nina

Complicated rights of way and road signs, understood by 3^rd day

Compromises –          General agreement that original route distances too challenging so shortened to 80 km per day

Nav decided to go it alone on original route 100km a day – heroic

Nina decided on public transport and scooter

Judith opted out 2^nd day of sand dunes and trialled public transport with Nina

Ros forsaking flipflops for trainers

Conclusions

Cycling a great way to see Holland; diversity of countryside – dunes, woodland, farmland, sea, rivers and canals, fine villages, towns  and cities – Haarlem, Den Helder, Edam, Amsterdam  and Delft  but surprisingly few bike shops

Idiosyncratic hotels with wonderful breakfasts to set us up until coffee time, friendly helpful people

Superb food and good beer – as seen by the many photos sent and comments, (but by far the best photo opportunities for the whole group were at these times)

Best of all – the companionship, support and humour of the group, on the road, at mechanicals, at breaks and meals – the friendship and chat . Overwhelming thanks to Judith R for the idea and invigorating all of us to participate