Cycling, bicycle parking facilities [which include services such as toilets, bicycle repair service, lockers and nappy area for babies] and public transportation, this combination should continue to be the prime urban and intercity transit solution. Watch my personal experience, one of my daily commutes from Amsterdam to Utrecht, 50 km south of this fine city.

[I filmed this with my phone, so please forgive me for the lack of quality]

Convenience from Amsterdamize on Vimeo.

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.

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 :).

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.

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.

See all pictures of:

• 55 KM to Amsterdam
• Things That Prove You’ve Arrived In Amsterdam

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!