Glad I booked this weekend excursion some time ago and the experience did not disappoint.
Last Saturday morning, the 14 tour party was ready to roll across the Dutch/Belgian flatlands. Mission day 1 involved a 200km ride to Breda. The tandem pair of Chris and Pat went ahead on a more direct route, whilst the remaining party of 12 headed southerly in the direction of Belgium at a leisure pace. Having total faith in my ACME hosts, I did not even bother bringing or uploading the 200km route onto a GPS device; just solely relying on following the wheels in front.
After the 1st coffee stop, I decided to do a rare stint at the front alongside Psyclist and Jibbers and got caught into matching their natural pace which accidently caused a split in the group. Sorry folks.
A welcoming 2nd stop lunch at Tholen where I sampled a pineapple cheese toastie which was remarkably filling and inexpensive. Shortly after, Team Turn Left (Oscars Dad and Oaky) routed a shorter detour to the 4th stop.
At the next 3rd stop in Lillo-Fort, I thought Ted was practising a ‘More Tea Vicar’ tour as he refrained himself to consume an ACME tour beverage all day. Upon leaving the cobbled section of pave, the Lynx somehow managed a somersault over the handlebars but uncharacteristically failed to land feet first.
Some 15km before the 4th control dinner at Bergen op Zoom, bhoot tandem, Jem, Lynx and myself opted to accept the opportunity to take in a logic short ice-cream break; whilst Jibbers, Ted, Grey Sheep, Huggy & Psyclist decided to rush on ahead.
Upon leaving the 4th control, dusk began to fall on the remaining 50km back to Breda and the drama continued with Jem colliding with a bollard, Ted and the Lynx being dimmed out with headlight issues. Finally reached a lively and busy Breda for a quick pitstop before heading back to the hotel. It had seemed a really long day, not just with the extended rest stops but with the numerous sharp right angle turns encountered during the ride.
2nd day’s quest was a classic continuation to yesterday’s experience with a much appreciated 90km return leg to the ferry. A bit more of a breezy day, but with four relaxed and stress free fuel stops in the company of Psyclist, OD and Oaky. It was just the perfect tonic to finish off a brilliant trip, the right balance between time spent on and off the bike.
Interesting observations: virtually every countryside road seemed to have a dedicated separate cycle path adjacent or alongside the traffic road, unaccustomed behaviour of motorists giving way to cyclists on roundabouts in urban areas. Loved the continental atmosphere, the bitterballen snacks and of course, the finest light ales. There’s always more to a tour than just pedalling the bike.
Special thanks to those who spent valuable time in preparing the routes, ACME group being such welcoming hosts, and finally much appreciation to Jem and Oaky offering their valuable Dutch translation skills with the food menus. Perhaps this tour should become an annual Acme Pilgrimage?