ACME goes Dutch

[Oscar's dad]

Might there be an actual 200km ride in there as well at some point?  Can sometimes help with the "But why are you spending all your valuable leave away cycling?" question.

I think psyclist's plan involved cycling more than 200k so that's alright then    Its all about the spin 

[Nik's Nick]

Heh, very good. 
I'm sure I won't actually feel like doing a 200 at any point, but I might plan to do one all the same. 4x90 degree "turn lefts"= straight on + extra distance.

[Ham]

I'd like to drop an early marker of vague interest for next year. And, here's a suggestion - Merge "ACME goes Dutch" with the "Bong" thread - you did say there would be coffee shops ? 

[psyclist]

Nice to see such a cacophony of requests coming in, from Nick’s desire for an SR in 4 days ‘to make it worthwhile’ to Ted’s I want to be within sight of the next night’s accommodation when I set out in the morning. Route planning will start in the spring, and aim to cover a variety of options through the 4 days. We are an inclusive group … albeit with OD as the self-appointed gatekeeper!

[Oscar's dad]

BTW this afternoon in put these shenanigans in my diary so that makes it more likely I can take part.  I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous two iterations I've done.

[Ivo]

Might there be an actual 200km ride in there as well at some point?  Can sometimes help with the "But why are you spending all your valuable leave away cycling?" question.

On Saturday la 10th of september is a 200km audax ride in Valkenswaard (near Eindhoven).

[psyclist]

Might there be an actual 200km ride in there as well at some point?  Can sometimes help with the "But why are you spending all your valuable leave away cycling?" question.

On Saturday la 10th of september is a 200km audax ride in Valkenswaard (near Eindhoven).

Thanks Ivo. Added to the list of possibilities.

[quixoticgeek]

I'd like to meet up with you at some point. I'm not sure what state I'll be in. So will confirm nearer the time worst case meet you at the end of the day for food.

J

[Ivo]

Might there be an actual 200km ride in there as well at some point?  Can sometimes help with the "But why are you spending all your valuable leave away cycling?" question.

On Saturday la 10th of september is a 200km audax ride in Valkenswaard (near Eindhoven).

Thanks Ivo. Added to the list of possibilities.

There's a direct train connection from Eindhoven to Rotterdam. The amount of bikespots is very limited though (4-6 per train at the max).

[Oscar's dad]

I'm getting a bit worried by all this talk of an audax, you lot are obsessed!

[psyclist]

I'm getting a bit worried by all this talk of an audax, you lot are obsessed!

In the spring we’ll put a route with options together. The main objective is to be cycling for 100-120km-ish each day, travelling through nice areas with some places of interest along the way. We’ll also look for options to decrease that distance slightly for those who are preferring a more sedate experience. If that audax fitted in for those who were so inclined, it might be an option. It would be a sideline, and will not dictate the route overall.

From previous experience we’ve found that generally the larger, cheaper hotels that can accommodate us and have food options nearby are in the larger towns. So places like Eindhoven are good in that respect.

[tedshred]

To slightly contradict myself,  the Valkenswaard ride looks like a fine adventure.  The snag being it leaves a c. 150km ride back to ferry on the Sunday.

It is not the daily distance that concerns me, it is the balance between moving around the country and being able to stop and enjoy places, food, beer, etc and arrive in the destination town before dark.

[Jes]

... it leaves a c. 150km ride back to ferry on the Sunday.

Imagine the joyous lunch-time group photo that'll provide....

[tedshred]

The infamous "grumpy lunch" was one of the highlights for me - every picture tells a story 

[aidan.f]

Ohh! This reads as type #1 fun could  I possibly tag along on my barrow?

[Oscar's dad]

Ohh! This reads as type #1 fun could  I possibly tag along on my barrow?

Of course!

[psyclist]

I've checked with Erik about the Valkenswaard ride. He's expecting about 50-100 riders, and is happy if some of us wanted to join in. No rush to enter. I'll check if anybody is interested when we put the touring route together in the spring, and can enter a small group of riders directly nearer the time, if that is what some people wanted to do.

I've also checked the distance, and its 140km to Hook of Holland from Eindhoven.

[Deano4]

I have handed my holiday slip in with plenty of time! So will book my ferry ticket for this once it has been approved  .

[tedshred]

I am out.  One of my Xmas presents involves being in Glasgow that weekend.

At least now you can all ride 200km a day at 25kph plus 

[Oscar's dad]

At least now you can all ride 200km a day at 25kph plus 

Not if I have anything to do with it!

[psyclist]

At least now you can all ride 200km a day at 25kph plus 

Not if I have anything to do with it!

Nothing has changed ...

In the spring we’ll put a route with options together. The main objective is to be cycling for 100-120km-ish each day, travelling through nice areas with some places of interest along the way. We’ll also look for options to decrease that distance slightly for those who are preferring a more sedate experience. If that audax fitted in for those who were so inclined, it might be an option. It would be a sideline, and will not dictate the route overall.

[felstedrider]

At least now you can all ride 200km a day at 25kph plus 

Not if I have anything to do with it!

Nothing has changed ...

In the spring we’ll put a route with options together. The main objective is to be cycling for 100-120km-ish each day, travelling through nice areas with some places of interest along the way. We’ll also look for options to decrease that distance slightly for those who are preferring a more sedate experience. If that audax fitted in for those who were so inclined, it might be an option. It would be a sideline, and will not dictate the route overall.

Ferry Thursday night.   Ride to Valkenswaard Fri.   200k Sat and back to the ferry Sunday ?   Quite like the sound of that.

[Deano4]

Just confirming I am in!

Booked the ferry this morning  .

[psyclist]

Just confirming I am in!

Booked the ferry this morning  .

Cool.

I've been looking at a couple of different route options. One looping around the north, and one heading south and skirting into Belgium. Both would allow a Friday night near Valkenswaard for those interested in the 200km Audax on the Saturday, but with a leisurely option for those more keen on sedate riding, cafes and such like.

As a reminder, I'm arranging the route as per the dates in my original post:

Acme Goes Dutch by psyclist, on Flickr

[Ivo]

Just check this page for a number of semi official permanents of 100km starting at Valkenswaard: https://www.mybrevet.cc/nl/randonneursnl/brevet/100-km