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55 KM To Amsterdam
Categories: amsterdamize, photos

Last Friday I decided to ride back to Amsterdam, instead of taking the train (with Mr Freight). The door-to-door distance is 55 km. It could have been a bit less, as they are more routes than one, but on a nice day like that and in no hurry at all, I chose the more scenic route alongside the Vecht river.

I packed my bike like a mule (that’s what it’s for), got three bottles of water out of the fridge (as it was too humid for comfort), smiled at the absence of wind and I set off at a slow pace (as I usually do), passing through Utrecht and then all the pittoresque towns bordering on and around the river.

55 km to Amsterdam

55 km to Amsterdam

55 km to Amsterdam

Halfway the wind did pick up in a big way and there were some looming clouds, but I was lucky, it never amounted to anything…although at some point I actually wished for that cold shower :).

55 km to Amsterdam

You understand that I had to stop many times to record bits and pieces for prosperity, not just for this blog, but my own appreciation of this beautiful part of the Netherlands. Sure, I know it well (historically) and I’ve been here before a few times in my life, but as it goes, you take it for granted until you actually go the extra mile…I mean kilometer, and take it all in. I sure did.

55 km to Amsterdam

55 km to Amsterdam

55 km to Amsterdam

Even being a native Dutchie and having lived in Amsterdam for almost half my life, entering the city still was something special. One minute you are all alone in rural ecstacy, the next you find yourself in civilization…on two wheels, that is. Of course.

55 km to Amsterdam

Things That Prove You've Arrived in Amsterdam

Things That Prove You've Arrived in Amsterdam

See all pictures of:

First vacation sample.

First vacation sample.

And to finish, a notice: last Friday my summer vacation also officially started. Next Saturday (July 11) I will fly to Rome and later on explore Tuscany. I don’t know whether I’ll be doing any more posts the coming week (also dependent on whether my Nikon can be fixed in time), but be sure I will squeeze in some Italian Cycle Chic momentos ;).

With that said, hope you are all well and on two wheels and I wish you an awesome summer! Ciao!

  • Oh wow, Rome and Tuscany sound lovely! Enjoy your vacation, dear!
  • Thanks, Liebchen :), what are your plans?
  • Besides working? I don't have any, as always. Bundesliga'll be back soon, that'll do the trick for me :-)
    I'm kinda surprised you're taking a flight to Italy! I'd thought you'd go by bike ;-)
  • Oh come on, you MUST take some time off, who are you kiddin'! :)

    I'm a cycle nut, but not THAT crazy...maybe after retirement :)
  • No kidding! My last "real" vacation were back in 1999, when I spent three weeks in the USA with my former boyfriend. Since then, I've always been studying and working. But I did take a day or two off every now and then, visiting my family or attending a Soccer match. :)
  • I had the same problem for years (read: xolo) until my most recent epiphany: I just need it. :)

    So you got my blessing, get that world map, cover your eyes and land your finger somewhere...:)
  • Yeah, I guess you're right. I should get over my "I don't wanna travel all alone"-vanity, or I'll be stuck here for another 10 years. :-)

    How long will you be in Italy?
  • You're on to something :)

    A little over a week, 5 days in Rome, 5 in Siena.
  • I almost forgot: If you're up for some ice cream, make sure to drop by Gelateria Della Palma (near the Pantheon, Via della Maddalena 20-23) - they have more than 100 different flavours and they (at least the ones I tried) are all awesome!! :)
  • Always up for that! Thanks, putting the info in my phone right now.
  • Catsnapper
    Hi Marc, congrats on finally doing the Utrecht to Am'dam trip, it's a really nice ride.
    Enjoy the Rome/Tuscany holiday and everything that goes with it!
  • hey Alan, thanks! I'm certainly going to do that route again, just like I said back in February :)
    It looks like we (me and the significant other) will be cycling on car-free Sunday, for one :)
  • Catsnapper
    Marc, that's a good day to ride when the sun is setting. Everything (well, most things!) looks wonderful in the light, the city feels and sounds totally different, almost relaxed........And of course you'll both be in a very romantic city:-))
  • I believe every word you're saying, just how I envision it :)

    Hope your summer is equally mesmerizing (wink, wink), my friend
  • pat2757k
    I'll be interested in your cycle exploits in Rome! My wife and I have plans to go there this November!
    Enjoyed your post on the ride back to Amsterdam!
  • anthonysiracusa
    Hello, Amsterdamize! I'm on an international fellowship travelling around studying bicycle cultures, and I plan to come to the Netherlands in Early August. I'll be taking the bicycle there, as I'm in Copenhagen now soaking it all in with plans to ride from Copenhagen to your fair country pulling a Burley Nomad trailer. I would be delighted to talk with you while in the Netherlands. Keep up the great work!
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