Hello my fellow Steemians,
I'm still in Amsterdam and the weather has been fine these last few days.
Therefore we had plenty of opportunities to check out the bicycle routes that were on the complimentary map we got at the rental shop.
I have already told you about our first trip into the western suburbs and honestly, it wasn't a very beautiful experience.
We started out through the Westerpark which is nice but then the route leads you through deserted commercial quarters and run down apartment buildings.
We altered the proposed tour to ride around the Sloterplas and Park which is a big body of water and used for recreation by a lot of Dutch people.
The way back was overshadowed by the loud planes that prepared for landing at the airport in two minute intervals. The last stretch leads through the Vondelpark which is super busy but still nice.
I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this tour!
The next day though was so much better!
We went to the south of the city centre and it's so much more beautiful there!
We rode past the very busy Rijksmuseum and the park behind it with all the other museums. Then heading east into the Pijp or Old South. We went past the Zoo and the Botanical gardens but there is not much to see there. So we went to the Sarphatipark and explored the trendy cafes and restaurants scattered throughout this hip and artsy suburb. We stumbled upon the best ice cream at Massimo's Ijsfabrik and on our way back we hung out at the Waterkant a trendy hangout at the waters edge. Don't let yourself get put off by the location behind a service station and a multi level park garage. This place is cool!
The day after the weather was even better and we headed north this time.
Taking the free ferry from behind the central station to Buiksloterweeg.
There our group split up. Some were going up the A'dam building to hang out on the rooftop bar, go on the swings over the edge of the building and take picture of the incredible view over the city.
We got on our bikes and time traveled back into the old Netherlands, riding along tree lined canals under a cool canopy. Past old windmills and picturesque little villages full of ponds boats and flowers. Too soon we finished the round course and returned to the ferry. A day away from the masses and the noise of the city to truly feel refreshed although your legs are hurting.
All in all. The suggested tours from the map don't necessarily lead you through the most beautiful places but there are bicycles tracks everywhere, so just hop in the saddle and find your own hidden treasures it's way more fun and adventurous.
We will leave for Munich tomorrow so that's all from my Dutch cycle stories.
