The weather forecast for today is definitely mixed with rain and even some thunder and lightening predicted. However, it takes more than that to deter the determined cyclists and we set off shortly after 09:00 determined to reach a well known village called Megen on the river Maas. The weather was lovely as we set off northwards towards Megen and the cycling was easy through pleasant farming country. The Dutch have an excellent system of cycling routes and there are so many that they frequently cross one another. One route may follow consecutive markets say from 20 to 21 etc. However, a chosen route may involve going from 21 to 47 to 18. This may sound confusing but in reality the routes are incredibly well marked and when you arrive at 21 the way to 47 or indeed 22 is made quite clear. I do hope you kept up with that explanation!
After about 7 miles we arrived at Megen and very lovely it was too. In contrast to Ravenstein there were no modern housing estates on the outskirts and we were straight into the old village. We cycled around past churches, cloisters and along the Maasdijk before the LLW decreed it was time for coffee and apple tart!
The Maas river is quite extraordinary here, wide but also with lots of offshoots and lakes. A lone sailor was doing a very good job of navigating this tricky river.
We decided to take a fairly direct route back to our hotel (Brasserie Den Handwijzer) as the weather looked to be changing. With about 3 miles to go it started raining heavily and by the time we reached the hotel, we were very wet but satisfied with a 17 mile ride which was very interesting and easy.
The Maashorst area is another paradise for LLW cycling!
After a short rest and the LLW doing some legal work we drove a short distance up the road to the venue for the final event of the weekend, a family and friends BBQ. Fascinating to experience the meeting of Greek Cypriot and Dutch cultures with a few Brits included. A great time was had by all and in spite of the inclement weather the BBQ was a big success and in true greek style the food kept coming and coming.
After about 7 miles we arrived at Megen and very lovely it was too. In contrast to Ravenstein there were no modern housing estates on the outskirts and we were straight into the old village. We cycled around past churches, cloisters and along the Maasdijk before the LLW decreed it was time for coffee and apple tart!
The Maas river is quite extraordinary here, wide but also with lots of offshoots and lakes. A lone sailor was doing a very good job of navigating this tricky river.
We decided to take a fairly direct route back to our hotel (Brasserie Den Handwijzer) as the weather looked to be changing. With about 3 miles to go it started raining heavily and by the time we reached the hotel, we were very wet but satisfied with a 17 mile ride which was very interesting and easy.
The Maashorst area is another paradise for LLW cycling!
After a short rest and the LLW doing some legal work we drove a short distance up the road to the venue for the final event of the weekend, a family and friends BBQ. Fascinating to experience the meeting of Greek Cypriot and Dutch cultures with a few Brits included. A great time was had by all and in spite of the inclement weather the BBQ was a big success and in true greek style the food kept coming and coming.
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