Rotterdam 2010

[Marek]

Friday morning Steve and I set off for the 100 mile ride to Harwich. Panniers set up on the steel bike with the luggage for our 4 day trip. Steve thought it would be a good idea to go over Gravel Hill I think it was just after Tandridge. That was a bit tough with panniers, just about got up it without stopping. Most of the rest of the ride was pretty uninspiring, went through the Dartford tunnel, there is a free service that transports the bikes and riders from one side to the other which is pretty good. The run in to Harwich was horrible going up the A120 as lots of trucks. We arrived in Harwich at about 6pm and had a few beers in a local working mens club, they were all interested in what we were up to and was good fun.

We then got on the ferry about 8pm, a few more beers and some dinner. Shower in the nice cabin that we had booked and then a good nights sleep. Arrived in Hoek Van Holland at 6.00am and we then rode down the great bike routes all the way into Rotterdam. About 45km or so. The bike lanes in Holland are awesome, they give priority to cyclists over cars and have their own traffic light system. Really is something to experience and I am tempted to take the family over for a cycling holiday in Holland as they would love it.

Got into Rotterdam and dropped bikes off in the hotel and got changed in the toilets as our room was not ready. Then walked down to the bridge where the prologue was to take place. Managed to find a good spot in the middle of the bridge and watched the caravan come through. Then got a bit bored waiting for the race so went and had a couple of beers in the People Village. 30 mins before the start we went back onto the bridge and found a reasonable spot. Problem was that then it started to rain, Steve and I were dressed in shorts and T-Shirts. We braved it until after about 60 riders, waited for Wiggins to go past and then we decided to retire to the hotel and watch the rest on the screen as too cold.

Evening on the town was fun went to an Argentinian steak house and had a few beers. Next day the tour was coming past almost the entrance of our hotel, so we watched the Caravan go past from the balcony. Then we went down and watched the tour come through the town. We had a good spot where we saw them go under a bridge, and then we ran over the road and saw them come down the main road to the bridge again. And that was it, the Tour had been and gone.

We packed up our stuff and then cycled back to Hoek. Took it easy, had to as a stinging headwind. Then a few coffees and lounging in the sun at Hoek and then ferry arrived. Dinner and then to bed. Alarm off at 5.30am and we were out on the road by about 7am on Monday morning. Rode back to East Grinstead, unfortunately Steve had to pull off at Chelmsford way and get the train as his knee gave in. I managed to get home, via a sarnie and drink in Westerham at about 3pm.

Good fun weekend and would recommend Holland for a cycling friendly family holiday.

[Marek]

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[Andrew G]

So you had a few beers then .

[Snoop Doug]

Nice one - Marek your cyclo tourism is very impressive. I rode across Holland a few years ago and you're spot on - it's very cycle friendly, and as you found out - they like a beer or three too. Good story - glad you and Steve had a good time.

[Dombo]

That's a steep hill