Where too next year?

[Dave Davenport]

Just got back from our two week summer tour, Bilbao to St. Malo. Worked out at 700 miles over 13 days including a rest day in the middle and left a day to relax in St. Malo before catching the ferry home. Weather, food (except one meal at a campsite bar/cafe run by an English couple), drink etc. all great and didn't want to come home.

So, as usual after a tour we're feeling a bit flat and need to think about next year to cheer ourselves up. Think we've had enough of France and Spain for a bit so maybe Germany, prefer not to fly if possible and the beer can't be too expensive so Scandinavia is out. Suggestions on a post card or this forum please!

 

[snorri]

Suggestions on a post card or this forum please!

You will have to give us a little more information.
Are you one of these people who needs to sweat up a mountain in order to enjoy yourself, or do you prefer sightseeing on fairly level ground?
Following the Radwegs on the Elbe or Rhine might appeal if you like flat territory with campsites and eateries at regular spacings. Or perhaps along the LF1 in the Netherlands up to Den Helder and over to Texel, and if time permits, more of the west Frisian Islands.
The ferry to Esbjerg opens up possibilities for round tours in Denmark which is not as expensive as its northern neighbour.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Re. more info.

Apart from the first couple of days this year was pretty flat, but then we did the southern alps last year so varied would suit us best I suppose. We're rubbish tourists and take half an hour to see something that a guide book would suggest a day for, but we do like our food and drink and prefer a well appointed campsite if possible (well we are on holiday). I'll have a look at the redwegs now I know what they're called.

 

[willem]

For guide books to cycling in Germany:
http://www.esterbauer.com/
Willem

 

[rich p]

I loved Slovenia, Dave, but you'd have to fly I suspect

 

[Dave Davenport]

Thoughts at the moment are;

Ferry; Harwich to Hook of Holland
North sea cycle route to Esbjerg, Denmark
Ferry back to Harwich

 

[CopperBrompton]

How many miles is that, as a matter of interest?

I've done a little bit of LF1 (Hook of Holland to Amsterdam) and absolutely loved it, so the idea of following it on up for a while is very appealing.

 

[Dave Davenport]

How many miles is that, as a matter of interest?

I've done a little bit of LF1 (Hook of Holland to Amsterdam) and absolutely loved it, so the idea of following it on up for a while is very appealing.

About 600 odd I think.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Thanks - sounds like a potential touring holiday sometime

 

[Peter10]

Just to jump in here although a month old. I plan on doing the same thing but backwards. Esbjerg to Hook of Holland. Two reasons really, one; the ferries from Esbjerg seem to be 1 every few days so I can't afford to miss one on a busy schedule to get home and two; I want to get to Amsterdam and have a few days to do nothing. At least on the way Home I can work out how long it till take me to get to the ferry rather than doing it on the way. Last thing I want is 2 days after stopping in Amsterdam having a major issu and running days late.

 

[snorri]

I plan on doing the same thing but backwards. Esbjerg to Hook of Holland.

I can understand your thinking, but do be aware, you stand a much higher chance of encountering head winds going east to west.

 

[ComedyPilot]

I rode round The Netherlands in May - 800+ miles. Well worth it.

 

[Peter10]

I can understand your thinking, but do be aware, you stand a much higher chance of encountering head winds going east to west.

Ahh, thanks for the info. How bad of a headwind could I expect during May-July times? If it is bad, I may have to rethink my trip.

 

[snorri]

How bad of a headwind could I expect during May-July times?

I wouldn't like to put a figure on likely wind strengths, but obviously a tail wind is preferable.
Perhaps someone with better local knowledge will post on this thread soon.

 

[slowmotion]

The headwinds in Holland on the LF1 are always in your face. The weathermen say that they should be from the south-west, usually. The locals know better, and I briefly met one who told me the truth...." If you ride in this direction, the wind will be against you, but if turn around, it will be as well. That, in Holland, is your Destiny" Sound advice!