Hi there. I'm planning to do a London to Amsterdam charity ride in 2013 but want to do it independently of the big organised events. It will be a work event and there will likely be 10-15 of us, very mixed ability.
I've looked at the obvious routes. It would seem that Ramsgate to Zeebrugge will not carry foot or cycle passengers so that's out - is this right? Also, given the group and available timing, a quick hop to France and then cycle 300ish miles is not going to be acceptable. The quick option, London to Harwich to Hook of Holland to Amsterdam is a bit lighter than we'd like ideally - 200 and a bit miles is the target.
I therefore hit on an idea and would welcome any advice from those in the know. I'm proposing that we go to Harwich, jump on the overnight ferry, then head North up the coast on (or close to) the North Sea Cycle Route. Rather than turning right at Haarlem, I' thinking we carry on up to say Alkmaar before turning right to Enkhuizen and then looping back to Amsterdam via the N302 "Houtribdijk" which crosses the Markermeer to Lelystad. This produces a route of circa 220 or so miles which I think will suit our group over three days.
Am I missing anything obvious? The idea of the 27km cross water dyke route appealed to many of us but am I setting us up for trouble (thinking weather/wind/restrictions)?
Thanks in advance.
I've looked at the obvious routes. It would seem that Ramsgate to Zeebrugge will not carry foot or cycle passengers so that's out - is this right? Also, given the group and available timing, a quick hop to France and then cycle 300ish miles is not going to be acceptable. The quick option, London to Harwich to Hook of Holland to Amsterdam is a bit lighter than we'd like ideally - 200 and a bit miles is the target.
I therefore hit on an idea and would welcome any advice from those in the know. I'm proposing that we go to Harwich, jump on the overnight ferry, then head North up the coast on (or close to) the North Sea Cycle Route. Rather than turning right at Haarlem, I' thinking we carry on up to say Alkmaar before turning right to Enkhuizen and then looping back to Amsterdam via the N302 "Houtribdijk" which crosses the Markermeer to Lelystad. This produces a route of circa 220 or so miles which I think will suit our group over three days.
Am I missing anything obvious? The idea of the 27km cross water dyke route appealed to many of us but am I setting us up for trouble (thinking weather/wind/restrictions)?
Thanks in advance.