Leeds to Amsterdam... anyone tried it?

[phy9pas]

I'm planning an expedition from Leeds to Amsterdam and I was wondering if anyone had tried it or had any good advice for me.

We're going to roughly follow the canal from Leeds to Hull, then get the ferry to Rotterdam overnight, then to amsterdam the next day.

Should be a nice ride I think, not too challenging, and nice and flat!

Can anyone recommend any good bike-friendly hotels in Amsterdam? Nothing too hostel-ey but where we can leave our bikes without worrying about them getting nicked.

We're planning on raising some cash along the way and we'll be posting our progress on our blog (http://sandjam.co.uk/leedstoamsterdam/).

Also, what's the route like between Leeds and Hull, I can't find a lot of chatter online about that area so I'm guessing it's not a popular cycle route.

 

[Cathryn]

Sounds brilliant!!!

I've not cycled to Hull but my gut feel is that it'll be pretty flat. I've also heard you have to book a cabin for the ferry which has made it prohibitively expensive versus the plane. Is that right??

In Amsterdam, I stayed at the Citizen M hotel at the airport which is utterly gorgeous. They have a second hotel in the city centre as well, and I'd definitely stay there if I was staying in town. They put my bike very safely away in a corridor in the staff quarters for me when I stayed there last.

 

[HelenD123]

I've done the Trans Pennine Trail from Selby into Hull and it's a nice ride. I've also cycled to the ferry port. There's a section where we had to carry our bikes up a flight of steps but I'm sure there must be a more sensible way round. The Sustrans map shows an off-road route from the city centre to the port.

 

[slowmotion]

Can anyone recommend any good bike-friendly hotels in Amsterdam? Nothing too hostel-ey but where we can leave our bikes without worrying about them getting nicked.

.

I stayed at the Van Onna on the Bloemgracht last September. It is on a really pretty canal, and is quite central. I think it cost 40 Euros, B and B. It is quite basic, but very clean, and there was bags of hot water.

Another major plus is that they have a small, secure garage where you can lock your bike.

Here is a link..

http://www.hotelvanonna.nl/

Holland is a cyclist's paradise. Have fun.

 

[Brains]

I was about to recommend the hotel Van Onna on the basis that it cheap, central and has indoor secure bike parking

But I see I've been beaten to it !!

PS - They don't take credit/debit cards - cash only

 

[slowmotion]

I was about to recommend the hotel Van Onna on the basis that it cheap, central and has indoor secure bike parking

But I see I've been beaten to it !!

YEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAA! I scalped somebody for the very first time .....

 

[friedel]

Surely it has to be the Bicycle Hotel in Amsterdam?
http://www.bicyclehotel.com/

 

[phy9pas]

Cheers for all the suggestions guys... I'm really looking forward to it!
You've hit the nail right on the head, Cathryn, the biggest stumbling block at the moment is the ferry which is £200 return p/p. Hoping to get a group or discount rate nearer the time, but we'll have to wait and see.
I'm sure it'll be worth it either way.

 

[Cathryn]

See, that's ridiculous!!! Three times the price of a flight and takes MUCH longer. I would have taken it SO many times if it was cheaper, even though I hate ferries.

 

[HelenD123]

How long are you planning to stay in Amsterdam? Would one of the mini cruises be suitable? They look a lot cheaper.

 

[phy9pas]

The Mini Cruise would be considerably cheaper, however they only offer those during the winter months and we are hoping to go over the may bank holiday. I'm going to keep an eye on the site though and see if they release any other offers nearer the time.

What's it like flying with your bike? Do they charge you a fortune in excess baggage? Or do you just rent a bike on the other side?

 

[Haitch]

If you're only going for the weekend, jet2.com will fly you from Leeds to Amsterdam and back for about 80 pounds, plus 27.50 for a bike. Renting a bike in Holland will cost less than 10 euros a day but it will be probably be a sit-up-and-beg bike, perhaps with coaster brakes, perhaps with a basket.

 

[MarkF]

Shame about the ferry, I used to use them a lot but the prices are now, firmly, mental, it would be Jet2 for me too.

 

[bembledak]

Hi

Not sure if you have already attempted Leeds to Amsterdam (sounds like great fun) but I thought I would add that you can do a mini-cruise and take you bicycle on the ferry for free. I've enquired myself as I was looking to do the same thing.

The only problem is that a mini-cruise is basically a 9 hour stay in Amsterdam but you can book another mini-cruise for the return journey. P&O ferries weren't too keen on the idea but the nice lady I spoke to at the Hull terminal said they couldn't stop you. That would save £60 off the cost as it's £70 per person. Out of season they usually offer 2 for 1 too.