Today’s ride is more about getting to Amsterdam and getting our bikes packed away. We thought it was partly a country ride, but we are in urban areas the whole time.
Our route has one last ferry ride. A small pedestrian only ferry across the Spaarne River. The river is an idyllic setting, with houses on the banks and ducks floating on the river.
When we started out, we could see airplanes in the distance. As we ride closer to our airport hotel the airplanes get closer and closer until we are riding right under the ones taking off. It is so thrilling to see an airplane belly close up.
We arrive safely at the Ibis Styles Amsterdam Airport hotel. We cannot get into our room yet, so we immediately take our bikes apart and stow them in their bike bags. By the time we are done, our room is ready. We then unload everything from our panniers and make three piles – Murray clothes to wear and airplane stuff, Debbie clothes to wear and airplane stuff and riding gear that can be packed right away. We load up one suitcase and the other partially. We are now ready for our two days in Amsterdam and the trip home.
Some Debbie thoughts about the riding:
- I really wish the locals would ring a bell or say “Passing” when they go by me on the path. Scared me almost every time. They just silently cruise by. Sigh.
- I am glad we did so much training at home. A couple of the days were long, but I never felt I couldn’t make our destination.
- Note to self: Train with more weight than you think you will carry as inevitably you end up carrying more weight! Belgium chocolate!
- Wind. It comes from all directions. In our face, gusting to 40 kph. At our backs, blowing us faster and faster. On our side, tossing us across the road.
We have two days in Amsterdam. We will go to the two art museums we missed when we first arrived in Amsterdam and maybe do some shopping. We will endeavour to eat more fries, pancakes and waffles.
