Source: https://www.klimtijd.nl/beklimming/kopje-van-bloemendaal-noord

A couple of fast riders quickly disappeared out of sight. We did catch them later as they had to wait - like us - to catch a ferry across the Noordzee Kanaal, which links the North Sea with Amsterdam's harbours. After the ferry ride (cyclists travel free) we moved through an industrial zone and then found ourselves in the open spaces of the polders, areas that were reclaimed in the 15 and 1600's. The result is that one cycles below sea level. The reclaimed areas have numerous drainage ditches and canals as well as wind mills and other pumping stations to keep the area dry. The bigger canals are of course contained by dikes. The water levels in these canals are well above the prevailing landscape. This creates some interesting experiences when one cycles behind and on paths lower than dike. One sees ships moving sort-of above the land. The land reclamation in these and other areas of the Netherlands represent a fascinating history, an engineering and planning wonder, resulting in a unique cultural landscape, giving rise to the saying that "God created the Earth, but the Dutch created their own land." This is obvious when one cycles there.

Most of the riding was on designated bicycle paths, on or beside the many dikes. While this separated us from vehicular traffic on the adjacent highways, paying attention was still important as there was a quite a bit of oncoming traffic, mainly cyclists that is. Our first control was in the City of Hoorn (Km 60), where we stocked up and quickly thereafter continued to City of Enkhuizen. Except for an unscheduled 'tire-repair-break' and an 'exchange' with pedestrians and dogs on long leashes across a winding bicycle path, this section was uneventful. A bit of a tailwind helped of course. After Enkhuizen, we left the mainland and cycled into the IJsselmeer. While we did not submerge ourselves, we were surrounded by water on both sides as we cycled some 27 km on the Houtribdijk into to stiff wind to Lelystad (Km 105). Here we had our second control and a lunch break: after all, food is important, especially knowing that we'd have more (head) wind ahead of us. The section from Lelystad to Almere was again along a dike with reclaimed land on the one side, water on the other a headwind in the middle. Maintaining a decent speed was a challenge. Luckily, conversations with other cyclists helped us ignore the wind and prevented us from feeling sorry for ourselves. As we noted a lone rider plodding ahead of us, one my companions wondered what this person would be thinking. We surmised, "most likely the same thoughts milling and rotating through his head like the pedals on his bicycle or the turning rotors of the many windmills dotting the landscape".

Almere posed a few challenges as we cycled through incomplete subdivisions and landscapes that looked quite unnatural. As quickly as we entered, we exited it and were on the mainland again. We cycled through Muiden with its historic castle, the 'Muiderslot' a place I had visited more than five decades ago during a school trip, evidence that history does repeat itself. Had to stop for a few minutes to put a few calories in the tank. After that, back in the saddle, moving through small villages along the many rivers Vecht, Gein and Amstel to name a few. In Weesp the situation got a bit dicey as we might had missed a turn, however before long we were able to get back on track on the road through an intriguing landscape. Quintessentially Dutch, with water, water, water everywhere: rivers, lakes, canals and drainage ditches. Dikes, windmills, you name it. The route followed small roads through the many small villages, neatly contained because of thoughtful regional and national planning. The result is a well preserved and vibrant cultural landscape that maintains its attractiveness. Weeping willow along the water's edge created a dreamy and placid environment. Watercraft of any type were as numerous as bicycles or other modes of transportation. They were ever present.

In Uithoorn (Km 177) we took a break to get the control cards signed, and the body replenished with the essentials. The 'poffertjes' went down very well and helped to get the final leg to the finish done. After some 11 hours underway we pulled into the finish. Marvelous ride, good company with some challenges: route finding in urban areas and of course the headwind. Notwithstanding, a more than worthwhile brevet. After arriving at the finish, I enjoyed a great brew, something I had been looking forward to since the last control. It was more than worth it. Cheers. Thanks to Ernst for organizing this brevet.