“Rest day” in Holland

Wytze was busy in the morning so Andrew and I had time off from riding. We did laundry and he built up his bike. After lunch Wytze was back and said we had to go riding, but of course didn’t say where to or how long. He just took off at his typical speed and we had to follow. It was pretty flat (no surprise) but there was some wind. We rode on bike paths (also no surprise) and along levees. Eventually we saw a big chimney by a river and Wytze said we could stop to visit an old brick-making factory. It had been closed down for quite a while but was still impressive.

Back on the cycles we had a second break in the cute old town of Wijk bij Duurstede. Don’t ask me how to pronounce it but it’s very nice and they have great ice cream there. After that we rode for quite a way including a rare thing: an ascent. It was maybe only 50m but still, that’s uncommon. It was climbing an old glacial moraine. Then we turned in a different direction. I asked Wytze what’s up and he said, “I thought we could visit my parents.” They are both 88, living in their own apartment in nice complex. They had just finished happy hour and we visited for half an hour before heading on. I had lost my mental directions so was just following but suddenly we turned into Wytze’s driveway. But we weren’t done; this was just a stop for warm clothes. We headed back down the road and bike path, 5 km to Teahouse Rhijnauwen, a beautiful outdoor restaurant in the middle of the forest. We met Wytze’s two sons and one of their partners for a long and relaxed dinner.

It was so un-American there it was amazing. There is a small parking lot for cars with a few but the bike parking! Row after row after row. We arrived late so had to go park in the 25th row or something. So many bikes. It was crowded and lively and at least they got beers and snacks for us quickly. We were warned that the pancakes would take an hour and I think that was about right. Mine was “Super Sem”, apples, tons of roasted shaved almonds, with hazel nuts. Powdered sugar on top, then add syrup. It was pretty big but looked thin so didn’t seem like a giant dinner but it was – I could barely eat one serving! Just delicious.

It was getting late so we headed home, blasting along at full speed in the dark on the deserted bike paths, so fun. Andrew had a light so it wasn’t too unsafe. My alarm is set for 6 tomorrow morning. We’ll have about 10 km to ride to the station, the real start of what we’re hoping will be an amazing adventure. La Bella Italia here we come!

Strava: 70.9 km, 153m, 2:50, 61 shifts