Cycling by numbers in the Netherlands
Every time we reach an intersection, Rowan calls out a number and I follow the corresponding arrows on the signs. For 27, turn left, for 39 go straight ahead, and for 12 go right. Every intersection on this massive network of cycle trails that covers the Netherlands (and neighbouring Belgium) has a number.
When you’ve figured out how it works, it’s super easy to navigate. All you need is a cycle route map which has all the numbers marked on it, and to know your point A and point B. Then you take note of the numbers along your route, and follow the arrows on the signs. You don’t even need to know your lefts and rights, let alone north, south, east, west. Which is perfect for someone like me, and perfect for beginners to the cycling life.
Cycle touring, or bike-packing, is a great way to travel. I’m really enjoying the slow pace and the concept that our mode of transport is also our main entertainment and activity each day. We’re averaging about 40–50km per day through the ever-changing scenery. On a typical day, we’ll pass through small villages, and alongside canals, windmills, farms, forests and ocean paths.
We carry everything we need with us on our bikes – a bag for clothes, for sleeping bag and mat, for the tent and for the ‘kitchen’ and food. Most nights we camp out – although now, one week in, we’re taking a break at a hostel on the coast for a couple of nights for the chance to do some laundry and for me to fully recover from a lingering cold.
In a couple of nights we will be staying with a couple in Gouda who offer their home to weary bike-packers like us through the ‘Warm Showers’ app, which is like Couch Surfing for cyclists. What an amazing community!
We are now halfway through our Netherlands tour. We started in Breda where a legendary friend of ours had bought our bikes for us off Maarktplaats (Dutch Trademe) and had them ready and waiting for our arrival. From Breda we cycled out west to Zeeland and up the coast as far as Noordwijk aan Zee. Next we will head east through the colourful tulip fields of Lisse towards the German border, from where we’ll follow the Rhine down towards Stuttgart… and beyond?
