Cyclists, the Netherlands, and Assumptions

I can’t think of a better country to start a long cycling trip in than the Netherlands. When we arrived at Harwich to get the ferry to Holland it was clear we weren’t the only people who thought that. We met a lot of cyclists heading the same way as us including a group of 24 pensioners on their yearly vacay who loved to talk about our tandem with us. We have found the rare tandem sighting is a great conversation starter. Everyone we’ve crossed paths with has been super friendly and people always show a great interest in our trip.

As I sit, on our third day, writing this in a campsite by the Rhine (which we had a very cold and very very quick paddle in) I feel like I’ve been on the trip for weeks, but at the same time it’s flown by in a blur. We’ve seen endless windmills, crossed more bridges than I can count and even seen a few castles already. With the excitement of it all, I had assumed I wouldn’t miss home too much at this point but as the cat at our second campsite nuzzled my leg I got a strong wave of missing my furry friend back in Oxford. This is one of the moments that has made me realise that assumptions are a very dangerous thing. 

I had assumed that Dutch cycle paths were good but they are actually way beyond good, not least because of the giant basket ball hoop style bins that they have for cyclists to throw their rubbish in from a distance. 

I had also (I admit, quite arrogantly) assumed that everyone in the Netherlands would speak English but after staring at a ferry timetable for 10 minutes and having a long “conversation” with a helpful Dutch man which consisted of only hand waving, pointing and holding up fingers to indicate departure times I regretted not learning some basics. Yes, I have downloaded Duolingo and will be studying for the next countries already. 

Finally, I had assumed that I would spend some time each day writing and blogging about the trip. It turns out cycling through unfamiliar places and thinking about where to stay next is a pretty much full time job!

Speak soon,

Jack and Baz