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Hook Of Holland to Utrecht
This was a stage of around 65 miles only.
For some reason we both felt really tired last night and, after having boarded the ferry at around 10pm, rather than going to the bar for a drink or checking out the onboard cinema (which was showing the latest of the Jurassic Park films), we both retired straight to our cabin where we slept solidly through to when the reveille was sounded at 6am.
Leaving the ship, we headed east, through Rotterdam and the then took the Gouda cycle track. North East. Cycling in Holland is just such a better experience than in the UK due to its extensive and comprehensive network of well maintained and well signposted cycle paths.
The Dutch still don't wear helmets when cycling - even the small kids being carried on their parents bike aren't protected. Perhaps we worry too much? I wonder what the statistics show for cyclists head injury.
The weather started out ok but when we stopped for a coffee at about 11:30, an almighty thunderstorm erupted around us. Torrential rain, thunder and lightening trapped us inside the café for over an hour. At least we were inside. We could so easily have been forced to take cover under a tree or something when the storm hit.
It was actually a very upmarket café and the waiter had an app which showed the exact location, intensity and direction of the thunderstorm - like they must have on F1. He confidently predicted that the storm would worsen before clearing up just after 1pm. Thereafter it was going to be good. He was right. He added that, unfortunately, the weather didn't look good for the next few days.
This evening we located a hostel in Utrecht then jumped on a train to The Hague, where we took part in a 7K run with The Hague Hash House Harriers. After the run, we were invited back to a house party where a lovely homemade curry was served. There we met Carol Vorderman's brother, Anton, who is in the process of opening a bar in The Hague.
We hopped back on the train to get back to Utrecht/our bed for the night by around midnight.
We need to be up and away early tomorrow as we need to cover many miles. There's still a long long way to go to Kelbra.
The flag on my bike was only put there for the roll out from Frampton Cotterell. However, it's still in place, albeit looking rather bedraggled. Perhaps it'll make it all the way to Kelbra.
We still need to raise a lot more money for the Members of Paul's Place. This is how you can help,
https://www.justgiving.com/Steve-Green20
- comments
Gazza I'm afraid, as your occasional weather forecaster, your cafe owner was right. A few days of showery, sometimes heavy showery rain, through to the weekend. Up to Sunday so far. But a decent westerly to northwesterly wind which will help on the bike the way you are going.....