08.03.25 East of Amsterdam

 Naarden - Muiden - Durgerdam - Ransdorp and back, 67km

Cycling in the Netherlands certainly sounds less exciting than cycling to Nordkapp, especially when you live in the Netherlands. But it is certainly rewarding, especially in spring with weather like today, 17-18 degrees, sunshine and just a little wind.

I know the first part pretty well, but coming further from Naarden, there are many new experiences for me. The lovely spring, the sunshine and the flowers remain the same though.

Approaching Weesp, I turn right on a narrow, picturesque road along the river Vecht. Many houseboats here, and the view on the road if often restricted. So I understand people don't want racer bikes passing in high speed. But why may cars drive faster than bicycles?

Funny distinction between bicycle and car maximum speed

In any case, I don't have a racer bike, so it doesn't count for me 😀.

After passing Muiden I cross the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, connecting Amsterdam with the river Rhine.

Less shipping on the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal on a Saturday

Following the channel in Northwestern direction, I end up crossing the stretch of water called IJ, connecting Amsterdam with the IJsselmeer. There is a bridge here, passable by bike. After that, you come to a rural area, really close to Amsterdam, but quiet (apart from all the cyclists 😆).. Several nice, small villages.

Durgerdam

The church in Durgerdam

Ransdorp

Still being the engineer (bear over with me), I also see other interesting stuff.

Now here you do have some kWs of solar power

Turning back to the IJ, I take a look at the "Oranje sluizen" (locks), that make it possible to regulate the water levels. Opened first in 1872. Annually 120000 ships pass here, both recreational and professional.

Finally, riding home again (in a pretty strong headwind), I pass the Diemen power plant, owned by Vattenfall.

Diemen gas-fired power plant, 684MW. Also supplies Diemen and Almere with district heat

I guess this was my last Dutch ride for now, returning to Trondheim on Monday.

Statistics:

67 km, total time 4:00, active time 3:41 which gives a moving average of 18.4km/h.