Garmin Activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1774061987
160km, 5h50, 270hm
160km, 5h50, 270hm
Departure at ten. Mission of the day: cycle to Oisterwijk (80km) and visit family members, cycle back in the evening, thus totalling 160km.
Already quite warm upon departure, didn't wear too much clothes
And off we go! First through the nature area of Lummen. I used to cycle to work like this
Not a single cloud in the sky and a fierce sun. It is a high day
Compared to the Czech winter, this was a blessing
Connecting to the Albert Channel
I made my way on the channel here and got comfortable for a long stretch of 40 km.
Windmills in the Low Lands
Awesome: as soon as I entered the cycling path, I could feel the tail wind. This has got to be compensation for Wednesday
This was a lot of fun with headwinds
The channel splits to Antwerp or Kwaadmechelen; I took option two. 15 km further down the road there will be another split.
A beautiful sunny day indeed
Over 30 km done already in just over an hour. Still some 15 km of channel left
These roads are so familiar to me. I explored these in 2013 and found them as best alternative to cycle to Holland.
In the town of Arendonk; I had to leave the channel and continue on normal roads. I used my Apicura back to put in some regular clothes for during the day.
I was heading to the small border town of Reusel next
50 km down the road I entered the Netherlands. I did not see a sign for that, so I photographed the Belgian one instead. Another international bike ride is a fact
Province of Brabant. That's where my relatives live.
Dutch traffic code
The remainder of the ride in Brabant was between 25-30km. It was all along cycling paths next to big roads.
It made things go so fast, it was all so flat.
Dutch style houses
The weather was like a fairy tale
Utrecht?
The town of Hilvarenbeek
It was going super fast, only 15km left after this bridge. I knew I would do it in just 3 hours.
On my way to Oisterwijk
Back in 2013, I was using a Mio GPS, which sent me quite differently; Garmin's selection of roads made me see new territory
This was so relaxing; no long distance; no steep hills. Just a routine ride
This bike and I spent some time together over the last ten days
It was now well north of 30 degrees Celsius.
I wore these glasses for most of the ride
The typical Dutch windwill, old style one
I thought I was there already, but it turns out there were two streets with this name. So five km to be added.
Oisterwijk via bike paths. I arrived there a little after one; changed and spent the afternoon with them.
The babies played in a small garden bath and we chatted a lot.
We had Chinese food around six and a little to seven, I had to hit the road. After all, it would be a three hour ride.
Dutch way of transporting little ones
With a full stomach and two water cages, I found myself heading back home at seven. I was mainly following the same road as in the morning
More Dutch houses
It was still around 25 degrees and daylight was bright. A genuine summer day!
Long and flat Dutch roads
It was only 25 km to the border
The setting sun was still bright
Again; this was very relaxed
Leaving Reusel; approaching the border. BTW there is a river called Reusel too.
Awesome bike! Even on the flats
Welcome back to Belgium! 50 km left!
Dutch Belgian border
To my big surprise I had headwind again! Therefore, the return home was also relaxed.
Rarely have I had such welcome cycling conditions as today.
Swans enjoying their evening as well
The romantic evening ride along the channel.
Beautiful evening it was
I did feel some rain drops and I was sure there would be trouble; but it didn't pull through
The tailwinds made sure I would be home before darkness
It was 160 km but it went by so fast
I left the channel and rode six more kilometers home. Yes, I put on my lights by now.
After my Prague ride; this was extremely easy and lay back. No shame in that!
There you have it; a hundred miles in less than six hours. Virtually no elevation gain.
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