Shadow
member
- Location
- edge of the south downs
A super place to visit with a bike, touring, adventure or otherwise. I have just returned from Belgium where I rode my bike in the country for the first time. I would imagine Nederland to be very similar. This is a 35 km stretch of flat tarmac about the width of a narrow-ish country lane in the UK, maybe not quite wide enough for 2 cars. It was being used by leisure cyclists and practising time-trialists and all in between. Over a distance of 34 km my total ascent was 12 m. At home I would exceed 12 metres within 2 km, riding along the least upward route!
I was impressed by the courtesy shown by motorists on narrow country lanes, most slowing and moving to their right. Later, nearing Gent (a very bike friendly city), the canal disappeared and I was riding parallel to a dual carriageway. I was then amazed to discover that cyclists on the continuing cycle path, had priority over cars driving onto and off the dual carriageway.
It was good to see the canal being well used to transport goods/materials on huge barges, some carrying containers. So large, most had a vehicle sitting behind the wheelhouse. All new to me.
Lots of friendly folk and wonderful beer - a super place to ride.
I was impressed by the courtesy shown by motorists on narrow country lanes, most slowing and moving to their right. Later, nearing Gent (a very bike friendly city), the canal disappeared and I was riding parallel to a dual carriageway. I was then amazed to discover that cyclists on the continuing cycle path, had priority over cars driving onto and off the dual carriageway.
It was good to see the canal being well used to transport goods/materials on huge barges, some carrying containers. So large, most had a vehicle sitting behind the wheelhouse. All new to me.
Lots of friendly folk and wonderful beer - a super place to ride.
