The Land of the Bicycle


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Europe » Netherlands » North Holland » Haarlem
May 26th 2010
Published: May 26th 2010
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Amsterdam CanalAmsterdam CanalAmsterdam Canal

Canal with swans typical of those in Amsterdam and just a few blocks from our hotel.
When I think of the Netherlands (NL) I think of tall skinny buildings and canals. There certainly is a lot of each, but what struck me the most is the bicycles. They are everywhere. There are more people on bikes in Amsterdam than in cars. The sidewalks are all quite wide with a slightly different surface on half. That is for bikes. If a bike lane isn't part of the sidewalk there is one on the street. You can bike anywhere in the city; in the NL even, and feel quite safe. Many bike paths in the countryside also. It takes awhile to get used to traffic signals because there are separate signals for pedestrians, cars and bikes. When it comes to right of way, bikes rule. Don't cross a bike lane without looking both ways. They aren't looking for you; you are expected to look for them and they move at a good clip. There is a list of bicycling rules, but they don't include helmets. Have only seen helmets on a few people - mostly racers. Have seen people in casual wear, business suits and dresses and high heels on bikes. Talking on a cell phone while biking is
Bicycling on the DikeBicycling on the DikeBicycling on the Dike

Beautiful view as you bike along the dike. Did this on Sunday so lots of walkers and bikers out for the day.
common. Almost all bikes have bags or carrying cases of some type on the back. Many have seats for small children between the rider's seat and the handlebars. Have also seen quite a few with an extended frame so there is room for a rectangular box below the handlebars and behind the front wheel. This is for carrying larger objects including a baby in an infant seat.

We spent 4 days in Amsterdam. Visited the Anne Frank house the first morning. Just finished rereading the book so quite moving to see. We also spent an afternoon at the Historical Museum which we enjoyed. Spent most of one day wandering the city (walked about 10 miles) looking for used bikes. Also saw a lot of the different neighborhoods in the process. Found bikes at a shop close to the main train/bus station which was convenient.

Picked up our van on Friday, found a campground across the IJ River from the main part of the city and then took the free ferry to get our bikes. Came back on the ferry and had an easy ride back to the campground. Took one bicycle trek before leaving Amsterdam. Rode from the
Campground and VanCampground and VanCampground and Van

Campground in Zandervoort. Van is very compact, but easy to drive and meets all our needs.
campground east out of the city to the dike that runs north along the eastern side of the peninsula. Bike path is on top of the dike so great view of the IJ Meer with sailboats to the right and low open farmland with cows and sheep to the left. Followed the dike north to the island of Marken which is now linked to the peninsula via a causeway. Marken is an old traditional Dutch village - very quaint. Had a light lunch, wandered through the village and visited their small local museum. Headed back to Amsterdam about 4 PM, just in time for the late afternoon breeze (wind) that comes up every day. Riding the causeway was quite chilly so took an alternate route home through the low farmland. Beautiful ride and not as cold.

From Amsterdam we headed west to a campground near Haarlem and Zandvoort right in the dunes along the North Sea shoreline. Had planned to visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens just south of here. They are only open 2 months of the year during tulip season, but they closed on May 16 so missed them. Yesterday we rode the bikes through a national park
Non-Dutch Biking GearNon-Dutch Biking GearNon-Dutch Biking Gear

David says it is perfect bicycling weather. I would prefer to not need a winter hat. Had a great ride and wasn't cold.
that goes through the dunes. Very breezy and only in the high 50's, but great ride. We ended up overlooking a nude beach. Almost nobody on the beach and none nude. They would have gotten wind burn if they had attempted it.

We are having a great time as you can imagine. The weather has been beautiful with bright blue skies and temps in the 70's. Not what the weather report predicted and unusually warm for mid-May. That started to change yesterday when the high was 59. We were really bundled up for our bike ride, but many we saw were biking in short sleeves. Locals I'm sure. Low last night in high 40's. Is supposed to stay like this for the next week with some rain thrown in. Checked weather in Belgium, Denmark and western Germany, but they all say the same so will continue in the Netherlands and take our chances. Fortunately the van has a heater to provide heat when it isn't running.

Campground we are in now is very large and spread among the dunes with low hedges separating the camp sites. Not very full at this time of year. Lots of little bunnies
David RelaxingDavid RelaxingDavid Relaxing

David has on his 2006 World Cup scarf and is ready to enjoy a brisk evening in the van with the door open for the illusion of sitting outside.
to watch in the evening. David saw a fox twice, once with an egg in its mouth. Because we are so far north it stays light until almost 10 PM. Most people are hunkered down in their campers by around 8 PM, however. Too chilly to sit outside until dark.

Au Revoir until our next report (don't know how to say good bye in Dutch).


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