Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Ivo on 17 October, 2017, 08:55:56 am
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The Dutch calender was published a few days ago so you can complicate your season's planning by adding in a few continental brevets ;).
Most Dutch events are organised by Randonneurs Netherlands (formerly known as ERN), only the Zwolle events are organised by the Swolland club. For registration and information purposes we closely cooperate so you can do your registration and payment via www.randonneurs.nl. Also all pre ride information is available there.
The calender for the 2018 season is:
saturday 04-11-2017 200km 9:00 Maasland
saturday 04-11-2017 200km 9:00 Bosschenhoofd
saturday 18-11-2017 200km 9:00 Boekelo
thursday 28-12-2017 200km 9:00 Boekelo
saturday 27-01-2018 200km 9:00 Bunnik
saturday 10-02-2018 200km 9:00 Zwolle
saturday 24-02-2018 200km 9:00 Maastricht
saturday 10-03-2018 300km 8:00 Bunnik
saturday 24-03-2018 200km 9:00 Maastricht
saturday 07-04-2018 200km 9:00 Merselo
saturday 21-04-2018 300km 9:00 Maastricht
saturday 05-05-2018 400km 21:00 Boekelo
saturday 19-05-2018 300km 6:00 Merselo
saturday 26-05-2018 400km 9:00 Maastricht
saturday 09-06-2018 400km 20:00 Amsterdam
saturday 23-06-2018 600km 9:00 Maastricht
saturday 07-07-2018 600km 8:00 Merselo
saturday 21-07-2018 300km 9:00 Maasland
thursday 02-08-2017 1000km 10:00 Maastricht
saturday 11-08-2018 200km 9:00 Overveen (Haarlem)
monday 27-08-2018 1200km 5:00 Merselo
saturday 08-09-2018 600km 9:00 Boekelo
saturday 22-09-2018 200km 9:00 Groningen
saturday 06-10-2018 300km 9:00 Boekelo
saturday 20-10-2018 200km 9:00 Eindhoven
saturday 03-11-2018 200km 9:00 Zwolle
saturday 17-11-2018 200km 9:00 Bergen op zoom
The Maastricht 1000 and Merselo-Verona attract enough YACF interest so I'll open seperate threads at a later stage for both events.
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Thanks for this Ivo - food for thought :) :thumbsup:
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Is the December 200 actually on Thursday 28th?
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Is the December 200 actually on Thursday 28th?
Yes indeed. It's already a tradition that Boekelo organises a weekday brevet between christmas and new year.
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What civilised start times you have.
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What civilised start times you have.
Presumably at the expense of potentially uncivilised finish times (300km/600km) and more riding in the dark.
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What civilised start times you have.
Presumably at the expense of potentially uncivilised finish times (300km/600km) and more riding in the dark.
It's a flat country - we'll all be finished by tea-time.
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What civilised start times you have.
Presumably at the expense of potentially uncivilised finish times (300km/600km) and more riding in the dark.
It's a flat country - we'll all be finished by tea-time.
Providing the prevailing wind is being supportive of our desire for an early tea.
Just like a jaunt across the Fens innit!
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Thanks for the heads up. Am thinking of the Dutch Capitals in 2020, one of these would be a fine introduction. Love Dutch cycling.
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What civilised start times you have.
Presumably at the expense of potentially uncivilised finish times (300km/600km) and more riding in the dark.
It's a flat country - we'll all be finished by tea-time.
Especially the Maastricht brevets aren't flat.
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Cool, so many 1000km+ events to choose from next year. :P
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Thanks Ivo
Look like some interesting opportunities there, I guess Maasland starts are the easiest from Hoek, all the others look to be a reasonable ride away from the ferry (although that isn't necessarily a bad thing, just requires a bit longer away!)
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I guess Maasland starts are the easiest from Hoek
Just checked where that is, and it looks like its 10km from the ferry. So plausible to get the overnight ferry and be in time for the start at 9am. Is that your thinking?
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I guess Maasland starts are the easiest from Hoek
Just checked where that is, and it looks like its 10km from the ferry. So plausible to get the overnight ferry and be in time for the start at 9am. Is that your thinking?
13.8km from the Stenaline in Hoek van Holland to the start in café het Wapen van Maeslant.
The entries are open at http://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-voorschoten-nl/
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Thanks, I ought to take my recumbent to its birthplace at some point.
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The entries are open at http://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-voorschoten-nl/
You could even get the overnight ferry back after finishing if you got a move on. Mind you there is a massive climb about halfway - you rise above sea level.
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The entries are open at http://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-voorschoten-nl/
You could even get the overnight ferry back after finishing if you got a move on. Mind you there is a massive climb about halfway - you rise above sea level.
The route passes through a lot of tunnels, so yes you have to climb from below sea level ;).
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That list looks interesting. Am pondering signing up for the Bunnik ride in January. This will be my first ever Audax. Will I need to worry about not having very good Dutch? How far in advance is the route published?
J
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That list looks interesting. Am pondering signing up for the Bunnik ride in January. This will be my first ever Audax. Will I need to worry about not having very good Dutch? How far in advance is the route published?
J
The route is usually published two weeks before the event. But it'll be hardly different from january 2017, my Strava log of this year is:
https://www.strava.com/activities/848607068
My photo's of the event are here: https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/brm200bunnik2017
The start is at Bunnik YH so you can easily arrange your stay for the night before and after the event.
There's usually an international crowd starting with quite a few riders not speaking any Dutch at all.
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The route is usually published two weeks before the event. But it'll be hardly different from january 2017, my Strava log of this year is:
https://www.strava.com/activities/848607068
Cool. Is it published as a GPX?
My photo's of the event are here: https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/brm200bunnik2017
The start is at Bunnik YH so you can easily arrange your stay for the night before and after the event.
There's usually an international crowd starting with quite a few riders not speaking any Dutch at all.
Cool. I think if public transport behaves I can get there from Amsterdam in time for the start, tho staying over may make a bit more sense.
How does one go about signing up?
J
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The route is usually published two weeks before the event. But it'll be hardly different from january 2017, my Strava log of this year is:
https://www.strava.com/activities/848607068
Cool. Is it published as a GPX?
My photo's of the event are here: https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/brm200bunnik2017
The start is at Bunnik YH so you can easily arrange your stay for the night before and after the event.
There's usually an international crowd starting with quite a few riders not speaking any Dutch at all.
Cool. I think if public transport behaves I can get there from Amsterdam in time for the start, tho staying over may make a bit more sense.
How does one go about signing up?
J
Transport from Amsterdam will be easy, Utrecht railway station is about 5km from the start.
Registration will be opened a few weeks before the event on http://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-bunnik-nl-onder-n-a-p/
You can find the gpx on the same page, probably mid january.
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Transport from Amsterdam will be easy, Utrecht railway station is about 5km from the start.
Registration will be opened a few weeks before the event on http://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-bunnik-nl-onder-n-a-p/
You can find the gpx on the same page, probably mid january.
Sounds great. Now I just need to get fit enough to cycle 200km in January. Last time I tried a long ride in January in the Netherlands, I got first stages of frost bite on one of my toes...
J
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Oh, are there any rules about bike spec? Mudguards? tribars (I see even Oma fiets with these) ?
J
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That list looks interesting. Am pondering signing up for the Bunnik ride in January. This will be my first ever Audax. Will I need to worry about not having very good Dutch? How far in advance is the route published?
J
The route is usually published two weeks before the event. But it'll be hardly different from january 2017, my Strava log of this year is:
https://www.strava.com/activities/848607068
My photo's of the event are here: https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/brm200bunnik2017
The start is at Bunnik YH so you can easily arrange your stay for the night before and after the event.
There's usually an international crowd starting with quite a few riders not speaking any Dutch at all.
38 metres of ascent on a 200km? Blimey, makes our Fens seem positively hilly!
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Oh, are there any rules about bike spec? Mudguards? tribars (I see even Oma fiets with these) ?
J
Just the general rule, the traffic rules. Nothing outside of that. Mudguards are used by some riders but certainly not all. Tribars are permitted if you prefer them. Lights are required due to the traffic rules whenever it's dark. Reflective stuff is your own choice.
But please beware that according to the Dutch road rules flashing lights aren't permitted, just like using multiple lights (only one light at a time at the front and one at the back).
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I believe the Dutch police is on record (somewhere) that they're glad when cyclists have lights at all and won't write you a ticket if you have a flashing light. Technically you need (orange) reflectors on your pedals and reflectors in your wheels as well. I have never been stopped for using "illegal" lights or lacking these reflectors; and you can always act the "dumb foreigner" and get them to sympathise by telling you came all the way to the Netherlands to ride a bike for 200km ;)
A helmet is not required by law, nor by the organisation of the brevets; but most Dutch randonneurs wear one.
It's always windy over here, so keep wind chill in mind! You'll suffer without proper gloves (I like the "lobster" type, using it with a thin merino liner) and shoes with covers; MTB SPD cleats act like heat sinks, thicker insoles and/or heat packs (that are more like luke-warm than hot, for at most 3 hours IME) may be worth looking into.
I would recommend "warme chocolademelk met slagroom" to warm up at the controls :)
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I believe the Dutch police is on record (somewhere) that they're glad when cyclists have lights at all and won't write you a ticket if you have a flashing light. Technically you need (orange) reflectors on your pedals and reflectors in your wheels as well. I have never been stopped for using "illegal" lights or lacking these reflectors; and you can always act the "dumb foreigner" and get them to sympathise by telling you came all the way to the Netherlands to ride a bike for 200km ;)
Yeah, if the Dutch police enforced the rules then they would solve any budget issues in one evening of stopping people in Vondelpark...
My bike has all the reflectors needed by law, as well as a vast array of blinky, flashy, and steady lights (including attached to my body). I'll of course switch all bar 1 off on an Audax.
A helmet is not required by law, nor by the organisation of the brevets; but most Dutch randonneurs wear one.
I wear a Helmet to cycle even in Amsterdam, I just can't get used to not wearing one...
It's always windy over here, so keep wind chill in mind! You'll suffer without proper gloves (I like the "lobster" type, using it with a thin merino liner) and shoes with covers; MTB SPD cleats act like heat sinks, thicker insoles and/or heat packs (that are more like luke-warm than hot, for at most 3 hours IME) may be worth looking into.
Aye, I've got quite a nice collection of gloves for keeping my hands warm in various temps. I need to work on some nice overshoes tho.
I would recommend "warme chocolademelk met slagroom" to warm up at the controls :)
Lekker.
That bit I've got the hang of...
J
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We were almost fined at about 3am near Utrecht on the Dutch Capitals. It was the beginning of day 5 and the cycle path was pretty rough so I moved onto the smooth tarmac of the road for a bit of respite on the hands/arse. I figured as it was dead that we'd be Ok for a few miles.
We were stopped by a police car what must have been 10 minutes later and given a bit of a dressing down by the junior officer, before the more senior of the 2 stepped in. Myself and the German rider I was with got out of it by a) acting the dumb tourist and b) showing our DCT jerseys and how far we had ridden.
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I can only once remember an officer threatening to ticket me for not having a white section on my mudguard (this rule doesn't exist anymore). But that was at a peace protest and it was an MP so he had an axe to grind.
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If I'm still on my current project which looks like i will then I'm up for the 200k from Bunnik. My Airnimal lives in the Hilton staff bike park in TheHague so will do it on that.
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I'll be riding the Maasland 200 on Saturday. Anyone else?
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I'll be riding the Maasland 200 on Saturday. Anyone else?
I'll be there
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I'll be riding the Maasland 200 on Saturday. Anyone else?
I'll be there
Nice. I’ll be riding with Oliver (American guy that rode LEL) who I guess you know.
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I'll be riding the Maasland 200 on Saturday. Anyone else?
I'll be there
Nice. I’ll be riding with Oliver (American guy that rode LEL) who I guess you know.
If you can keep up with Oliver you're a bit too fast for me.
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Current project has been extended so the Bunnik 200km on 27th January is definitely on the list. Are we able to get credit for these towards AUK points, eg to count for an SR series, as my opportunities to get rides next year will probably be few and far between, and it would help to not have to find a UK based 200.
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Any BRM around the world counts towards your AUK palmares, though you have to notify the AUK Recorder of such things.
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After a while the organiser will publish the results (including ACP homologation number) on http://lowlands1000.nl/ (http://lowlands1000.nl/); I just send the URL to the relevant brevet results to the AUK Recorder. Eventually you'll get your brevet card in the mail as well.
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Do I need to be a member of the Dutch equivalent of AUK to take part? Do I need any insurance?
J
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Do I need to be a member of the Dutch equivalent of AUK to take part? Do I need any insurance?
J
You can take part as an individual, so no need to be a member of any cycling union. The reduction for members of cycling federations also applies for members of cycling federations abroad.
You are expected to have an insurance though, in case you cause a crash. In most instances your normal insurance will do but you'll have to check yourself if you're covered during non racing cycling events.
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Do I need to be a member of the Dutch equivalent of AUK to take part? Do I need any insurance?
J
You can take part as an individual, so no need to be a member of any cycling union. The reduction for members of cycling federations also applies for members of cycling federations abroad.
I'm not a member of any cycling orgs. Perhaps this is time to join one. Time to read the Lidmaatschap section of the Randonneurs.nl...
You are expected to have an insurance though, in case you cause a crash. In most instances your normal insurance will do but you'll have to check yourself if you're covered during non racing cycling events.
I think I have general liability insurance from my bank, but I'm not sure what it covers... it's all in Dutch...
J
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Do I need to be a member of the Dutch equivalent of AUK to take part? Do I need any insurance?
J
You can take part as an individual, so no need to be a member of any cycling union. The reduction for members of cycling federations also applies for members of cycling federations abroad.
I'm not a member of any cycling orgs. Perhaps this is time to join one. Time to read the Lidmaatschap section of the Randonneurs.nl...
You are expected to have an insurance though, in case you cause a crash. In most instances your normal insurance will do but you'll have to check yourself if you're covered during non racing cycling events.
I think I have general liability insurance from my bank, but I'm not sure what it covers... it's all in Dutch...
J
A lot of liability insurances cover cycling. The exact definiton of cycling can be different though. The NTFU (Dutch cycle touring federation) offers a liability insurance which is tailored for cyclists. Randonneur NL membership includes a NTFU memberhsip.
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I would presume my CTC/Cycling UK insurance would cover me. It has done before.
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A lot of liability insurances cover cycling. The exact definiton of cycling can be different though. The NTFU (Dutch cycle touring federation) offers a liability insurance which is tailored for cyclists. Randonneur NL membership includes a NTFU memberhsip.
I've filled in the form on the Randonneur.nl site, I've had an email saying something is happening. Time will tell if I've filled it in right (my Dutch is not very good still).
J
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A lot of liability insurances cover cycling. The exact definiton of cycling can be different though. The NTFU (Dutch cycle touring federation) offers a liability insurance which is tailored for cyclists. Randonneur NL membership includes a NTFU memberhsip.
I've filled in the form on the Randonneur.nl site, I've had an email saying something is happening. Time will tell if I've filled it in right (my Dutch is not very good still).
J
All board members speak English. The memberships are handled by the treasurer (penningmeester in dutch). All board members have an email address starting with their function and then @randonneurs.nl. So you can drop a note to the treasurer.
The same is for the organisers. They can be reached by the name of the starttown/village followed by the @randonneurs.nl.
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Well I'm signed up for the ride from Bunnik on the 27th.
Now I just need to get a bit fitter in the next 3 weeks...
J
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I'm now also entered in the Bunnik event. Will be travelling over by train from the Hague that morning (and see that the route takes me also back to The Hague, c'est la vie!) and will decide after the event whether to ride back or not.
Looking forward to it. Will add to brevets from UK, France, Italy, and the USA.
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Weather forecast remains fair for the Bunnik 200. So looking forward to it. The only hills are bridges and there's a total of 18m difference between the highest point and the lowest. So might just about squeeze around in daylight.
This will be a first for me, riding an Audax by GPS rather than a route sheet, having only started to use a Garmin a month ago rather than relying on route sheets. But experience of Dutch cycle lanes is that you really do need to know where you are supposed to be heading.
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Weather forecast remains fair for the Bunnik 200. So looking forward to it. The only hills are bridges and there's a total of 18m difference between the highest point and the lowest. So might just about squeeze around in daylight.
This will be a first for me, riding an Audax by GPS rather than a route sheet, having only started to use a Garmin a month ago rather than relying on route sheets. But experience of Dutch cycle lanes is that you really do need to know where you are supposed to be heading.
Weather forecast has upto a force 5 wind, from the south west. The first 80km or so is going to be a bit of a slog based on the wind.
I'm starting to think I've bitten off more than I can chew with this. But I'll give it my best shot. I'm going to arrive in Bunnik on Friday evening. Come say hello, I'll be the Brit with the red Genesis bike, looking nervous.
J
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Just shelter in a group for the first 80k.
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Just shelter in a group for the first 80k.
Always a good plan :-) But from the looks of it (https://www.buienradar.nl/weer/gouda/nl/2755420/5daagse) there only will be a little (head) wind in the morning.
@Julia I'll be riding my blue Rohloff randonneur, so now we only need to find someone with a white bicycle to complete the national colours (and maybe an orange one for a hint of royalty)
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Just shelter in a group for the first 80k.
Always a good plan :-) But from the looks of it (https://www.buienradar.nl/weer/gouda/nl/2755420/5daagse) there only will be a little (head) wind in the morning.
@Julia I'll be riding my blue Rohloff randonneur, so now we only need to find someone with a white bicycle to complete the national colours (and maybe an orange one for a hint of royalty)
Can't help there. Will be on my yellow Airnimal Chameleon, in my pink, blue and white (old Lampre colours) CC Basingstoke kit. But I'm a big bloke with an upright riding style so should be able to make a big hole in the wind for you.
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Always a good plan :-) But from the looks of it (https://www.buienradar.nl/weer/gouda/nl/2755420/5daagse) there only will be a little (head) wind in the morning.
Ah, that's improved since I hit refresh this morning. It was showing SW 4-5 depending on if I chose Utrecht or Delft as the location. SW2 looks much more doable. Gonna be a bit colder tho. Just hope for no ice.
Seeing the improved wind forecast has relaxed my mind quite a bit.
@Julia I'll be riding my blue Rohloff randonneur, so now we only need to find someone with a white bicycle to complete the national colours (and maybe an orange one for a hint of royalty)
National colours of which EU country :p
Can't help there. Will be on my yellow Airnimal Chameleon, in my pink, blue and white (old Lampre colours) CC Basingstoke kit. But I'm a big bloke with an upright riding style so should be able to make a big hole in the wind for you.
Ooh, assuming I am not slowing you down, that is a lovely offer, thank you. Are you arriving on the Friday evening, or Saturday morning?
Took the bike into the bike show this morning cos I wasn't sure about the front wheel, on the plus side I now have a round front wheel. On the down side I either need to stick a new rotor on the rear, or true the rear rotor, tonight.
For those of you who've done rides like this in the past, how much water/drink do you take? Is it safe to assume I can refill at the controls? or should I work on the basis of carrying enough for the full 200km?
Cheers
J
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(http://www.dutchnews.nl/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Frisian_flag-560x374.png)
;D
I usually bring 2 bottles (2 litres) with plain water and for me this is plenty for a 200km. Refilling at a control (which tend to be pubs, bakeries, gas stations etc) has never been a problem either. I usually have something sweet to drink (chocolate milk, cola) at the controls too.
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I'm getting the train over from Den Haag Centraal to Utrecht and then riding over - hope to arrive about 8.20am
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I cancelled :-[ Got an issue with my neck (pinched nerve) for about a week now and while riding for an hour today was mostly fine, the increase in discomfort made me decide I don't want to cycle for 8+ hours tomorrow. Shame, I was 6 months into RRtY...
Everyone who is coming to Bunnik tomorrow: have a great ride!
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I survived. I was lantern rouge for much of the ride. But I did it. In the time limit. I collapse now.
J
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I survived. I was lantern rouge for much of the ride. But I did it. In the time limit. I collapse now.
J
Well, Strava tells me that you rode with one of my mates. So I guess next time you just check for the blue/green shirts to find the team riding at your speed ;).
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I survived. I was lantern rouge for much of the ride. But I did it. In the time limit. I collapse now.
J
Well, Strava tells me that you rode with one of my mates. So I guess next time you just check for the blue/green shirts to find the team riding at your speed ;).
Ooh, which ones? The peloton of recumbent Germans, or the duo on upwrongs with GPS issues?
Was nice to be able to ride approximately ⅔rds with them, tho I was a bit too slow in the end. They gave me ambiguous round of applause when I got to the finish.
I decided to get a bed in the hostel rather than battle trains back to Amsterdam. It still hasn't quite sunk in yet, I just cycled 200km on a bike I built myself.
J
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It still hasn't quite sunk in yet, I just cycled 200km on a bike I built myself.
:thumbsup:
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Sounds like a good day to me.
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I’ve been working in The Hague for five months. There’s been some exceptions, another client in Switzerland, but that means getting on plane from Schiphol to Basel. Otherwise every Monday morning I hop on the first flight from Southampton to Amsterdam and every Friday I fly back. The saving grace is that my Airnimal sits in the hotel staff bike park and I go out most evenings after work in the dark (and often the rain). On Wednesday nights I get my legs ripped off by the Lola Cycling Club who meet at the Lola café just down the road. Being away from home so much means that I promised my wife that I wouldn’t go cycling at the weekends (my promise not hers).
So she came up with the suggestion that I do some Dutch audaxes while I’m here and, with Ivo posting a list of events, I found myself heading towards Bunnik, a forty minute train journey to Utrecht and then a 6km ride to the start at a café and hotel in the middle of what looks likc a country park. My Airnimal attracted more attention than the several velomobiles parked in a line. I met with Quixotic Geek, a fellow forumite at the start. Then we are away. The whole route is on cycle paths and some shared use roads where it seems bikes have priority. But that means lots of short tight turns, dodging road furniture and other mayhem. I’ve been riding in a tight group with the Lolas and the Airnimal is really nippy around tight turns, so I lost Quixotic Geek in the first kilometre.
I chose the second group, not the really fast guys, which turned out to be the right decision. We were a group of about eight, including two guys from Enschede in Germany, for whom this ride was more local than many of the German events. Eight became six and then four as we battled into a steady but not impossible headwind. The only hills were climbing out of the polders and onto the dykes in this completely engineered landscape. We passed the lowest point in the Netherlands (at -6.76m or -9m on the Garmin). One of our group, a sports doctor, knew the route very well and pointed out some of the local sights. Another, Henk, had particularly strong legs and did big turns into the wind. We chatted about rides, Randonneurs Nederland doesn’t have so many events but the country is not so big so it’s easier to get to them than in the UK.
The first control was in a café in a tiny hamlet near Delft, with excellent pastries and soup. I had the pastry. We’d done 84km in 3 hours. The four of us set off through Delft; the route missed the pretty centre and we had to fight double doses of road furniture and complex navigation. I was glad of the new Garmin, as a route sheet would have stretched to several pages. The sun came out and the wind mostly helped although it was stronger and more southerly than forecast. The one bit of the route that I had ridden before was from Benthuizen to Woerden but I was in for a surprise: tucked behind the windmill in Benthuizen was a tiny little old fashioned sweet shop, with two old ladies dressed up in traditional costume, selling old fashion sweets. The sports doctor knew about this but it’s only open a couple of times a week for a few hours.
The next section to Woerden was mostly crosswind, with little shelter. It was hard work, trying to ride in echelon but having to move out of formation a shared use road. ‘Dutch Mountains’ is what they refer to the wind and I entered the scenic moated town of Woerden with heavy legs. But the sports doctor was suffering more than I was and so I found myself doing turns on the front, mercifully with more of a tailwind. My legs were struggling with the lack of hills, so no opportunity to relieve the strain by coasting. But not as much as the sports doctor, whose legs were turning to jelly. So we ended up as a three. Henk and Rene were riding together but Henk’s GPS had packed up, so they were reliant on me, a novice GPS user to guide them round. But that had an advantage. They were going stronger than me and would have dropped me, but they had to look after me and in the last 50km I did very little on the front.
Which helped, because the wind was strengthening to a force 5 or even 6. We were now going through an area of woods and small canals, full of very large houses, then around a lake where we were fully exposed to the wind. The second stage was 82km, so I’d now done 150km on a pastry an Eat Natural bar and my energy drink. I was hanging on the wheels. It turned out that the second control was free so we ended up doing an extra 4km to a café that Henk and Rene knew, by which time we had completed 169km.
A cheese and ham toastie restored my spirits and we were off for the last 30km into the wind. Henk set off at 28kph and the other two of us hung on. Lakes, dykes, open fens, and motorway bridges passed. Then we were going off route. Henk and Rene were from Houten just next to Bunnik and these were their local routes. Checking the data afterwards my heart rate was solidly over 150 on this section.
The finish was at the café where we had started, but this time it was heaving with people who had been in the forest park. I had a beer with my two new friends. Then it was time to put the lights on and head back to Utrecht for the train to The Hague. It had been a great day out, fine weather, good company, and much faster than I would normally do a 200 at this time of year. There is more in common with long distance cyclists around the world than separates them through different nationalities. I’m now looking forward to the 300km in March.
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I survived. I was lantern rouge for much of the ride. But I did it. In the time limit. I collapse now.
J
Well, Strava tells me that you rode with one of my mates. So I guess next time you just check for the blue/green shirts to find the team riding at your speed ;).
Ooh, which ones? The peloton of recumbent Germans, or the duo on upwrongs with GPS issues?
Was nice to be able to ride approximately ⅔rds with them, tho I was a bit too slow in the end. They gave me ambiguous round of applause when I got to the finish.
I decided to get a bed in the hostel rather than battle trains back to Amsterdam. It still hasn't quite sunk in yet, I just cycled 200km on a bike I built myself.
J
Carsten, a recumbent riding German living in Belgium. Probably wearing a BEMI shirt (Bicikilista Esperantista Movado Internacia).
Well, a few months from now you'll just shrug off a 200k as just another saturdayride ;).
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I've entered the Bunnik 300, and night before and after in the Stayokay. Will decide whether to ride over or not on the Friday night depending on the weather
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I'm signed up for the 200k from Maastricht on Friday, and have booked Friday and Saturday nights in the hotel. It's looking like it's going to be subzero for parts of the ride, which will make things interesting...
Anyone else planning to do this one?
J
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I'm signed up for the 200k from Maastricht on Friday, and have booked Friday and Saturday nights in the hotel. It's looking like it's going to be subzero for parts of the ride, which will make things interesting...
Anyone else planning to do this one?
J
I'll be there.
Start is on saturday morning and not on friday ;)
The predictions are indeed cold and dry, a lot better as last year (cold, snowy and foggy). At least now you can see the big hole when you circle it. Last year the excavators were hardly visible:
(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/brm200rheinbraun2017/large/IMGP4878.jpg)
Both controls will be at well heated McDonalds eateries which in Germany also have vegetarian options.
The wind prediction is east, which is great as this will mean a nice tailwind for the final section.
BTW, there's a decent group of calm riders which will populate the tail end of the field.
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I'm signed up for the 200k from Maastricht on Friday, and have booked Friday and Saturday nights in the hotel. It's looking like it's going to be subzero for parts of the ride, which will make things interesting...
Anyone else planning to do this one?
J
I'll be there.
Start is on saturday morning and not on friday ;)
The predictions are indeed cold and dry, a lot better as last year (cold, snowy and foggy). At least now you can see the big hole when you circle it. Last year the excavators were hardly visible:
Ah yes, It's Saturday, but I'm training down to Maastricht on Friday night, hence my brain being confused.
(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/brm200rheinbraun2017/large/IMGP4878.jpg)
Both controls will be at well heated McDonalds eateries which in Germany also have vegetarian options.
The wind prediction is east, which is great as this will mean a nice tailwind for the final section.
BTW, there's a decent group of calm riders which will populate the tail end of the field.
Ah, so another slog into the wind on the way out, for a tailwind on the way back. This is going to be my first BRM with hills... shall be interesting.
Ooh, company for the lantern rouge. Shiny!
J
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I'll likely do this one. It looks like the route goes through Valkenburg, but not up the Cauberg. If I make it, I'll do a detour!
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I'll likely do this one. It looks like the route goes through Valkenburg, but not up the Cauberg. If I make it, I'll do a detour!
The descent via the Bemelerberg is nicer as the descent via the Rasberg.
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The descent via the Bemelerberg is nicer as the descent via the Rasberg.
My plan is to ride up the Cauberg, turn south in Vilt and then pick up the official route again. Don’t think I’ve ever ridden the Rasberg, but have ridden the Bemelerberg a few times.
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I'll be arriving in Maastricht on Friday afternoon. Have a bed booked in the hostel for Friday and Saturday night. If anyone else is arriving the night before and fancies a pre ride beer, drop me a message.
On the ride I'll be the Brit, riding a dark red Genesis bike, probably at the back... say hi!
J
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Will head down on Saturday morning if I do go.
Cafe Frape is nice place for a beer.
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I'll be arriving in Maastricht on Friday afternoon. Have a bed booked in the hostel for Friday and Saturday night. If anyone else is arriving the night before and fancies a pre ride beer, drop me a message.
On the ride I'll be the Brit, riding a dark red Genesis bike, probably at the back... say hi!
J
I live in Maastricht so I'll certainly be in town ;). My friday shift ends at 19h00.
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Hello everybody :)
I' m planning to do this one during a short holiday with my family.
saturday 09-06-2018 400km 20:00 Amsterdam
Someone has information about it? For example start place and approx route?
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Hello everybody :)
I' m planning to do this one during a short holiday with my family.
saturday 09-06-2018 400km 20:00 Amsterdam
Someone has information about it? For example start place and approx route?
The basic information is known: https://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-400-amsterdam-nl-de-zuiderzeeballade/
On this page you'll find regular updates
This is a new route so normally seen Ernst should still be plotting it.
The name does betray something, the Zuiderzee is the name of the sea which was where now the IJsselmeer is. So you can expect the route to go around the IJsselmeer but evade the 'new land' of the Flevopolder. It's a Dutch classic, a loop via the old land.
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It's looking like the forecast for Saturday is brutally cold, but sunny. Starting off at -4°C, but with wind chill feeling like -14°C !!!
https://www.buienradar.nl/weer/maastricht/nl/2751283/5daagse
Time to pack a few extra pairs of socks...
J
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Hello everybody :)
I' m planning to do this one during a short holiday with my family.
saturday 09-06-2018 400km 20:00 Amsterdam
Someone has information about it? For example start place and approx route?
The basic information is known: https://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-400-amsterdam-nl-de-zuiderzeeballade/
On this page you'll find regular updates
This is a new route so normally seen Ernst should still be plotting it.
The name does betray something, the Zuiderzee is the name of the sea which was where now the IJsselmeer is. So you can expect the route to go around the IJsselmeer but evade the 'new land' of the Flevopolder. It's a Dutch classic, a loop via the old land.
Thanks Ivo, I had a reply from Joost from randonneurs.nl that said the same thing. :thumbsup:
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I'm going to have to scratch from the Bunnik 300 next weekend. I've given up trying to get back to the UK this weekend, so staying next weekend would make 3 weeks away which is a bit unfair on Mrs CET. Hopefully the dusting of snow that's arrived in The Hague tonight will clear first thing tomorrow and I can put together a couple of epic rides this weekend to make up for it.
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I'm going to have to scratch from the Bunnik 300 next weekend. I've given up trying to get back to the UK this weekend, so staying next weekend would make 3 weeks away which is a bit unfair on Mrs CET. Hopefully the dusting of snow that's arrived in The Hague tonight will clear first thing tomorrow and I can put together a couple of epic rides this weekend to make up for it.
Just drop a mail to Frank that you're scratching.
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Anyone planning the 200 from Maastricht this weekend? I'm hoping that I can finish this one, ideally with full feeling in my feet...
J
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Anyone planning the 200 from Maastricht this weekend? I'm hoping that I can finish this one, ideally with full feeling in my feet...
J
I routechecked it on friday. There'll be one small detour due to road works.
On saturday I have to work so I'll only be at the finish.
For an impression of the route, the relive of friday: https://www.relive.cc/view/1456524086
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Anyone planning the 200 from Maastricht this weekend? I'm hoping that I can finish this one, ideally with full feeling in my feet...
J
I routechecked it on friday. There'll be one small detour due to road works.
On saturday I have to work so I'll only be at the finish.
For an impression of the route, the relive of friday: https://www.relive.cc/view/1456524086
Ah, see you at the finish!
Looks like an interesting ride. How do you think the route compares to the coal field tour from a month ago? Is it hillier? What's the second control? the route sheet says "Vrije/Info Control"
I'm going to arrive in Maastricht on Friday and do a short ride of hill training (to Valkenburg and back)
See you in Maastricht.
J
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Vrije controle/info controle means that you can go anywhere for your stamp. If nothing is open or you want to continue fast, you answer a control question which is on your brevetcard.
The usual control in Drieslinter is closed for their annual holidays.
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Vrije controle/info controle means that you can go anywhere for your stamp. If nothing is open or you want to continue fast, you answer a control question which is on your brevetcard.
The usual control in Drieslinter is closed for their annual holidays.
Ah cool. I wonder what the Dutch is for "Do you have something I can stamp my Brevett card with please?"...
I take it a receipt from the spa is acceptable as well?
J
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Vrije controle/info controle means that you can go anywhere for your stamp. If nothing is open or you want to continue fast, you answer a control question which is on your brevetcard.
The usual control in Drieslinter is closed for their annual holidays.
Ah cool. I wonder what the Dutch is for "Do you have something I can stamp my Brevett card with please?"...
I take it a receipt from the spa is acceptable as well?
J
Namur is in the French speaking part of Belgium, Drieslinter in the Dutch speaking part.
A rubber stamp is a cachet/tampon in French and stempel in Dutch
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Anyone doing the 300 from Maastricht on Saturday?
J
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I'll be there, as a rider this time
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There's another Maasland event coming up, starting conveniently close to the Hoek van Holland ferry at 9am. It's a 300 this time held on the 21st of july. Entries and info on:
https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-300-maasland-nl-de-duinen/
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There's another Maasland event coming up, starting conveniently close to the Hoek van Holland ferry at 9am. It's a 300 this time held on the 21st of july. Entries and info on:
https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-300-maasland-nl-de-duinen/
Am hoping to be there.
If anyone knows a good religion, pray for decent winds! The headwinds have been sucking a lot of late.
J
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I'm seriously weighing up fitting tri bars for Dutch headwind riding, any strong opinions?
Apparently it gets savage! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j_tb5_v31Y
http://<iframe width="936" height="527" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8j_tb5_v31Y" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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I'm seriously weighing up fitting tri bars for Dutch headwind riding, any strong opinions?
Apparently it gets savage! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j_tb5_v31Y
Tri bars are second only to an e-bike to draft when it comes to Dutch headwinds. I have them permanently fitted to my bike. Even using them to commute through the centre of Amsterdam.
J
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... Right, another important purchase from Planet X to make then...!
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... Right, another important purchase from Planet X to make then...!
Just make sure you fit them properly, they fit you, and they are in the right position. I needed quite a bit of physio after 17 hours on the tri bars with them in the wrong position.
Sam Vimes applies.
J
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Anyone else got hot tips on Dutch 300s? Especially about riding at night in the wind.
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Anyone else got hot tips on Dutch 300s? Especially about riding at night in the wind.
Keep your mouth shut[1], keep the pedals turning, and keep your bike rubber side down.
Oh, and expect most places to shut by 9pm.
J
[1]A fly hitting the back of my throat, causing me to lose my Lunch ruined my last attempt at a Dutch 300...
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Anyone else got hot tips on Dutch 300s? Especially about riding at night in the wind.
It's mainly a matter of finding the right gear, the right cadence and the right frame of mind (to deal with the monotony). As an experienced wind rider (35 years of cycling into headwinds), it doesn't bother me that much anymore, but if you're a novice, just find a nice group to ride with. Anyway: also planning to ride this one, the last bit through the dunes at dusk should be amazing.
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It's the Mcdonald's control at 180km that I'm looking forward to most! ;D
One more question - I know you have to have a bell in Holland. Is it acceptable to have one on your saddle rails? My handlebars are very busy with computers, lights, tri bars and bags so thought this might be a good way of obeying the law without cluttering my cockpit with even more junk.
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It's the Mcdonald's control at 180km that I'm looking forward to most! ;D
One more question - I know you have to have a bell in Holland. Is it acceptable to have one on your saddle rails? My handlebars are very busy with computers, lights, tri bars and bags so thought this might be a good way of obeying the law without cluttering my cockpit with even more junk.
I don't know for sure, but chances of being nicked for it are very low as it is, and you can probably claim ignorant tourist.
I'll be doing the ride, I'll be on a red Genesis bike. I'll probably be the lantern rouge (I usually am), but if people are happy doing a steady 20kph when moving, I'd be very appreciative of the company.
J
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There is a ferry at the 207km mark. It runs every 20 minutes, at 00, 20, and 40 past the hour. The last one is at midnight (which is fine, we should pass by a couple of hours earlier.
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One more question - I know you have to have a bell in Holland. Is it acceptable to have one on your saddle rails? My handlebars are very busy with computers, lights, tri bars and bags so thought this might be a good way of obeying the law without cluttering my cockpit with even more junk.
The law says that it has to be there, and that it has to work. That is it. Laws can only prescribe so much. You could be asked to ring it, though, when demanded by a police officer; as that demand is also mentioned in the Regeling voertuigen of the Wegenverkeerswet.
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In many respects Dutch laws only stipulates that it has to work and at the maximum a certain output (a bell must be audible at a certain distance). How you achieve this is up to you.
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In many respects Dutch laws only stipulates that it has to work and at the maximum a certain output (a bell must be audible at a certain distance). How you achieve this is up to you.
And the police tend to be pretty pragmatic about such things. If you crash into someone and it turns out you don't have a bell, you may have issues. But the chances of you being stopped to check if you are just cycling along are very slim. Especially outside of the return to school/uni season in the autumn. Then they start doing spot checks for everyone to make sure you have lights, reflectors, etc...
If you do get stopped tho, don't what ever you do try to claim you're in the right, take your fine and get on the road. I can guarantee your bike won't comply with the full letter of the Dutch law (I read the bits about bikes recently, in full (don't ask), and there is barely a complaint bike in the country). But unless they are actively looking to pin you for something (say you pissed them off), as long as you have something that gives off a white light at the front, and a red light at the rear, noone will care.
J
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It's the Mcdonald's control at 180km that I'm looking forward to most! ;D
One more question - I know you have to have a bell in Holland. Is it acceptable to have one on your saddle rails? My handlebars are very busy with computers, lights, tri bars and bags so thought this might be a good way of obeying the law without cluttering my cockpit with even more junk.
You'll be pleased to know CP4 in the McDonald's has been replaced with a ferry instead, as there is construction work in Alkmaar. Check the latest version of the route.
J
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You'll be pleased to know CP4 in the McDonald's has been replaced with a ferry instead, as there is construction work in Alkmaar. Check the latest version of the route.
Oh, be aware the new ferry they've added costs €1.20 for cyclists. Don't forget to bring some coins!
J
Edit: Just noticed that info is on the web page for the ride, but was not included in the email we got (Hence me posting).
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Ah yes I got the email too.
Bit of a faff as will need to re-edit my GPX to include the new route and the info controls (I always mark them on the GPX using Garmin Connect, so the device will show how many km remaining until the next point), but that's what work lunchtimes are for!
I'll be easily spotted, I wear a hat with ice creams on it.
A little disappointed that I'll miss out on 2x chicken mayo burgers and 20 nuggets though!
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Ah yes I got the email too.
Bit of a faff as will need to re-edit my GPX to include the new route and the info controls (I always mark them on the GPX using Garmin Connect, so the device will show how many km remaining until the next point), but that's what work lunchtimes are for!
I'll be easily spotted, I wear a hat with ice creams on it.
A little disappointed that I'll miss out on 2x chicken mayo burgers and 20 nuggets though!
The gpx i got has poi's for the controls already in there. My Wahoo seems to cope with them ok.
J
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How annoying, I'm using a Garmin 810 and the POIs don't seem to be showing up when the GPX is imported to Garmin connect. I'll have to manually re enter them.
Only reason I've got a Garmin is I found one going cheap on facebook, a Wahoo would be preferable from what I can gather.
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Also am I right in thinking a "Foto Controle" means you take a photo of a landmark/monument on your phone? Can't imagine this catching on in AUK any time soon!
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Also am I right in thinking a "Foto Controle" means you take a photo of a landmark/monument on your phone? Can't imagine this catching on in AUK any time soon!
Believe so. It's new to me too.
J
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Israel Randonneurs have used photos from their first brevets.
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Also am I right in thinking a "Foto Controle" means you take a photo of a landmark/monument on your phone? Can't imagine this catching on in AUK any time soon!
That's it indeed. It's quite popular for French events too. A photo can also be on a camera. Preferably something wich you can show the organiser at the finish.
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There's another interesting Dutch brevet this summer, a 1000km starting on the 2nd of august. The route has some lumpy sections but also long sections along river valleys so you can catch up time. It's an x rated 1000 but there are enough hotels of various pricelevels along the route.
The track is already available: https://randonneurs.nl/event/brm-1000-maastricht-nl-rondom-luxemburg/
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Looks like the weather forecast for this weekend is a headwind for the first 120km, then a bit of cross wind to cp 4, then tail wind all the way home. Fortunately the headwind looks like a force 2, which should be bearable. Tailwind down the coast is showing as probably a force 3.
J
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35 entries up till now, quite a few newbies.
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35 entries up till now, quite a few newbies.
For the 1000 or the 300?
J
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35 entries up till now, quite a few newbies.
For the 1000 or the 300?
J
300
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Made it round the 300 in 17:15 total time. Once again being the Lantern Rouge. A position I seem to have had for every BRM I've done. Was a beautiful ride, the the headwind for the first 176km sucked.
Now on a train home and trying to rehydrate.
J
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Made it round the 300 in 17:15 total time. Once again being the Lantern Rouge. A position I seem to have had for every BRM I've done. Was a beautiful ride, the the headwind for the first 176km sucked.
Now on a train home and trying to rehydrate.
J
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Well done. I'm no stranger to being Lantern Rouge, increasingly so as other riders seem to be getting faster. 2:45 is still a comfortable margin, I'd usually be happy with that.
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I didn't make it to the start line for the 300. Doing a 150 km trip the day before, I caight a nasty splinter in a tyre that wrote it off. I limped to my overnight stay at 0030 and just wasn't in the mood for a 300 the next day. Hope it was a great ride for those who made it.
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Now I've had a chance to sleep, eat, and rehydrate. It was a lovely ride, Being so slow I got to ride back through the dunes in the dark, which was amazing. Going through Scheveningen was a weird experience. They seem to plough the beach (for want of a better term), I assume to pick up all the litter, and flaten the sand castles, and with the onshore wind, a cloud of very very fine dust filled the air. I rode through it trying not to breathe in too much. Back in the dunes the near cloudless night, the beautiful moon, and a number of visible planets was stunning. Tho I kept riding through small pockets of very cold air that lasted about 100m or so. Despite drinking >6l over the course of the ride, I was very dehydrated at the end, and it's taken me most of the day of pouring water in to get back up to sensible hydration levels. At least 1 rider that I know of scratched due to the heat. Despite my factor 50, and regular reapplications, I'm
For anyone looking for a Dutch Audax, I can recommend this as a ride. Tho pray for better wind. 176km of headwinds is not ideal.
J
PS This ride had two photo controls. Wasn't entirely sure the rules on what was supposed to be in the photo, but the two shots below seemed to work:
CP2:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DiodBfLWkAUARaZ.jpg:large)
CP6:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DiqqP4aXUAEm7P4.jpg:large)
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Anyone doing the Overveen 200 on Saturday? Looks like a damp start, and a headwind from Lelystad all the way to the Arrivé.
Am looking forward to it.
J
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Anyone doing the Overveen 200 on Saturday? Looks like a damp start, and a headwind from Lelystad all the way to the Arrivé.
Am looking forward to it.
J
I'm riding.
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Anyone doing the Overveen 200 on Saturday? Looks like a damp start, and a headwind from Lelystad all the way to the Arrivé.
Am looking forward to it.
J
I'm riding.
Excellent. See you at the start, and maybe for the first 500m before I'm dropped out the back of the pack as I do on every ride?
J
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Anyone doing the Overveen 200 on Saturday? Looks like a damp start, and a headwind from Lelystad all the way to the Arrivé.
Am looking forward to it.
J
You'll probably regain contact when a large group waits for the ferry.
I'm riding.
Excellent. See you at the start, and maybe for the first 500m before I'm dropped out the back of the pack as I do on every ride?
J
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That was the hardest 200 I've done. Even harder than the Ardennes crazies. The 35+km into the headwind on Flevopolder was just utterly Brutal. In the first 96km I was often riding along at 30+kph. I spent some time leading on the front of a gaggle of riders, which was most confusing. My average speed up to this point was 26kph. By the time I hit the 1st control at 105km, it was down to 25.2kph. By the end of Flevopolder it was about 20kph. Eventually I finished in 12:02, with 9:31 moving time, with an average of 21.9kph. Even more curiously, I've got used to being the last rider to finish every Audax I've done (even being over time on a 300). So to get to Arrivé and find not only was I not last, but there were 15/52 riders still out there. Something I'm doing, I must be doing right, as I appear to be getting fitter...
Who said it was easy riding in the flatlands of the Netherlands? The Dutch mountains take no prisoners...
J
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You were a lot more efficient as I was in control management, my average speed at the end was around 23kph, a lot faster as usual.
We missed you at a certain moment on the Oostvaardersdijk. After that Jana rode away effortlessly.
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I recently joined the forum hoping to find out more about UK brevets (UK expat based in the Netherlands) with the aim of maybe
having a go at one (one day...) - but was pleasantly surprised to see there is also a thread for the Dutch brevets here.
I was also present Saturday in Overveen, having completed this brevet last year i had some idea what to expect, conditions were
similar but i think the wind this year was a little less testing and more west than southwest. I live in the south east of the Netherlands where
the wind is not really an issue so its always a welcome change to do a coastal brevet. What always amazes me is where does all the time go ?
I set off with the intention to keep the pauses to a minumum but still ended up spending over 2 hours at the various control points, ferry crossing etc..
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Blimey, the organiser of Saturdays ride is efficient! Just found my Brevetted card from Saturday has been through Homologation, and delivered by hand (no stamp), to my mailbox. Most impressed. Have photographed it and emailed the auk recorder.
J
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Homologations are also posted on lowlands1000.nl (http://lowlands1000.nl/) The last three are still to be uploaded though.
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For those of you who still need a 600 for their PBP pre-qualification (or fancy a 600 on the continent), we still offer a 600 this year, on the 8th of september.
https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-600-boekelo-nl-sauerland/
The ride mainly goes through Germany into the Sauerland mountains. The early evening section is quite lumpy, the highest point is well over 600m altitude.
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I'm tempted to attempt a Dutch ride at some point; I've got friends in Bergen NH; are there any starting around Alkmaar? or at least between either Hoek or Ijmuiden and Den Helder? as that would work best for fitting visiting them with it!
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I'm tempted to attempt a Dutch ride at some point; I've got friends in Bergen NH; are there any starting around Alkmaar? or at least between either Hoek or Ijmuiden and Den Helder? as that would work best for fitting visiting them with it!
The Maasland 300 a few weeks back started just 10km from Hoek van Holland, infact you cycle past the ferry terminal on the return leg. It also went all the way up to Alkmaar. There was a 400 ride that started in Amsterdam, and last week there was a 200km from Overveen (17km west of Amsterdam). I don't know what rides will run next year, but of the rides left this year, there is a 200 in November from Bergen Op Zoom (south of Rotterdam, almost Belgium). But I think that's the closest to the areas you're talking about.
However, do remember that public transport in .nl is pretty damn good. From Alkmaar you can easily get a train to Maastrict for any of the BRM's there, or to Utrecht, and thence to Bunnik for the rides run from there. The Boekelo rides are harder by public transport from the Randstat (I have a hotel booked for the Boekelo 300 in October).
Are you thinking of doing a ride this year, or next?
J
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I have entered a rowing regatta on the 8th so can't ride, otherwise I'd be tempted.
I can't ride on 22nd for the BGB 600k - helping to run a learn to row course.
I can't ride the spanish 1000k in October, even if I thought I could be fit enough, either.
400k will have to do.
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I'm tempted to attempt a Dutch ride at some point; I've got friends in Bergen NH; are there any starting around Alkmaar? or at least between either Hoek or Ijmuiden and Den Helder? as that would work best for fitting visiting them with it!
The Maasland 300 a few weeks back started just 10km from Hoek van Holland, infact you cycle past the ferry terminal on the return leg. It also went all the way up to Alkmaar. There was a 400 ride that started in Amsterdam, and last week there was a 200km from Overveen (17km west of Amsterdam). I don't know what rides will run next year, but of the rides left this year, there is a 200 in November from Bergen Op Zoom (south of Rotterdam, almost Belgium). But I think that's the closest to the areas you're talking about.
However, do remember that public transport in .nl is pretty damn good. From Alkmaar you can easily get a train to Maastrict for any of the BRM's there, or to Utrecht, and thence to Bunnik for the rides run from there. The Boekelo rides are harder by public transport from the Randstat (I have a hotel booked for the Boekelo 300 in October).
Are you thinking of doing a ride this year, or next?
J
Probably next calendar year and probably after PBP (whether I make it there or not); good point on the trains the time restrictions sort of make it tricky more expensive
I've done the journey from Alkmaar to Maastrict (and on to Liege where I failed to find the town centre...); involved a freezing cold ride over the golf course fietspad with tiny near useless lights and then observing how the train basically worked as a long distance series of commuter trains. Den Helder -> Alkmaar -> Amsterdam -> Eindhoven -> Utrecht and then suddenly it was just me and a few others to Maastrict.
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For those of you who still need a 600 for their PBP pre-qualification (or fancy a 600 on the continent), we still offer a 600 this year, on the 8th of september.
https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-600-boekelo-nl-sauerland/
The ride mainly goes through Germany into the Sauerland mountains. The early evening section is quite lumpy, the highest point is well over 600m altitude.
Tempting...
Maybe you've answered this elsewhere so please forgive me, but in your opinion, what are the "must do" Dutch rides? I've been thinking about rides on the continent ever since Borders of Belgium and living near Newcastle, meaning I can jump on a ferry straight to Amsterdam, makes it eminently doable.
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For those of you who still need a 600 for their PBP pre-qualification (or fancy a 600 on the continent), we still offer a 600 this year, on the 8th of september.
https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-600-boekelo-nl-sauerland/
The ride mainly goes through Germany into the Sauerland mountains. The early evening section is quite lumpy, the highest point is well over 600m altitude.
Tempting...
Maybe you've answered this elsewhere so please forgive me, but in your opinion, what are the "must do" Dutch rides? I've been thinking about rides on the continent ever since Borders of Belgium and living near Newcastle, meaning I can jump on a ferry straight to Amsterdam, makes it eminently doable.
Well, the Dutch rides do differ enormously in character. You have the lumpy Maastricht rides into the remote Ardennes or the 600s from Merselo which are mostly pancake flat through the Netherlands. Or the Boeklo 300 which offers the maximum in different Dutch countryside. The Overloon 200 which has a lot of arrow straight dikes with a headwind.
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For variety of Dutch landscape, you can't beat the Boekelo 300 (as Ivo suggested). I haven't ridden it yet, but I know the area well enough to back his suggestion. A personal favorite is Boekelo-Zwolle-Boekelo 200 (this year in November, starting from Zwolle), 200 km of lovely country lanes and excellent bike paths. As a person from the flattest part of the country, I also really enjoy the lumpy brevets from Maastricht, but these mainly go through Belgium/Germany/France etc. Not very typical for the Netherlands.
On a side note: Besides the 600 from Boekelo, there is also a 200 from Groningen in September. I did the route check last weekend and (in my biased opinion), it's a nice route with quite some diverse scenery (forest, heath, rivers, polders). A good ride for those that already have the prequalification for PBP in the bag and just want an easy ride abroad ;D
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Dank je. I'm going to look into this a bit more. Quite like the idea of some winter audaxing on the continent.
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For variety of Dutch landscape, you can't beat the Boekelo 300 (as Ivo suggested). I haven't ridden it yet, but I know the area well enough to back his suggestion. A personal favorite is Boekelo-Zwolle-Boekelo 200 (this year in November, starting from Zwolle), 200 km of lovely country lanes and excellent bike paths. As a person from the flattest part of the country, I also really enjoy the lumpy brevets from Maastricht, but these mainly go through Belgium/Germany/France etc. Not very typical for the Netherlands.
On a side note: Besides the 600 from Boekelo, there is also a 200 from Groningen in September. I did the route check last weekend and (in my biased opinion), it's a nice route with quite some diverse scenery (forest, heath, rivers, polders). A good ride for those that already have the prequalification for PBP in the bag and just want an easy ride abroad ;D
Groningen does sound good as I've not explored that side of the Netherlands yet, but I'm short on holidays as I've booked almost all of them already, hence why I need to wait till late next year :-(.
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I will need to be in Utrecht for a couple of days prior to the Groningen ride at the end of September. Does anybody know if it is likely to be possible to hire a bike either in Utrecht or Groningen which might be suitable for riding 200 km? There seem to be plenty of options to hire a shopper, but so far I haven't seen much else available.
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I will need to be in Utrecht for a couple of days prior to the Groningen ride at the end of September. Does anybody know if it is likely to be possible to hire a bike either in Utrecht or Groningen which might be suitable for riding 200 km? There seem to be plenty of options to hire a shopper, but so far I haven't seen much else available.
Nothing wrong with riding an Oma Fiets; managed to keep up with my mate while riding his wife's one doing the school run (we were a tad late...), the speed was fast enough to get the toddlers trailer on one wheel on one corner and for kids from another school to cheer us on. was in a rush and forgot to Strava it so no idea how fast I was actually pushing it.
Probably be fine for a flat 200 :P
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I will need to be in Utrecht for a couple of days prior to the Groningen ride at the end of September. Does anybody know if it is likely to be possible to hire a bike either in Utrecht or Groningen which might be suitable for riding 200 km? There seem to be plenty of options to hire a shopper, but so far I haven't seen much else available.
Hmmm. Sounds like a not-entirely-ludicrous challenge ...
(you do know that Utrecht is about 200k from Groningen I hope?!? )
How much is bike hire? Bearing in mind I/we would need slightly unusual pickup/return times!
Is Groningen somewhere a Brit would enjoy visiting in late September? (or should I hire a shopper in Amsterdam and ride over?? )
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I will need to be in Utrecht for a couple of days prior to the Groningen ride at the end of September. Does anybody know if it is likely to be possible to hire a bike either in Utrecht or Groningen which might be suitable for riding 200 km? There seem to be plenty of options to hire a shopper, but so far I haven't seen much else available.
I'm in Utrecht and have a spare bike I could lend you if you want/if it's suitable for you - Condor Fratello, 55cm.
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A hire bike would hopefully have reliable lights; so I see the biggest/fiddliest/annoying challenge being navigation. How to attach a GPS to an unknown bike?!
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I will need to be in Utrecht for a couple of days prior to the Groningen ride at the end of September. Does anybody know if it is likely to be possible to hire a bike either in Utrecht or Groningen which might be suitable for riding 200 km? There seem to be plenty of options to hire a shopper, but so far I haven't seen much else available.
Hmmm. Sounds like a not-entirely-ludicrous challenge ...
(you do know that Utrecht is about 200k from Groningen I hope?!? )
How much is bike hire? Bearing in mind I/we would need slightly unusual pickup/return times!
Is Groningen somewhere a Brit would enjoy visiting in late September? (or should I hire a shopper in Amsterdam and ride over?? )
There are trains from Utrecht to Groningen (they leave every 30 minutes and take less than two hours).
Groningen is a lively university town (plenty of bars, cafes, music venues) with a reasonably well-preserved old city centre and a good modern arts museum. I don't know if Brits in particular would enjoy visiting the town, but I do see tourists around.
Renting a normal Dutch city bike (singlespeed, coaster brake, decent lights, 20kg of steel) can be as cheap as 5 euro per day. I've often thought about doing a brevet on one of them. Normally I can maintain an average speed of around 20 km/h on this type of bike, so it should be doable. As the organizer of the Groningen event: if any of you actually manage to complete the brevet on a normal Dutch city bike, then I'll buy you a beer (or beverage of your choice) at the finish ;D
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Renting a normal Dutch city bike (singlespeed, coaster brake, decent lights, 20kg of steel) can be as cheap as 5 euro per day. I've often thought about doing a brevet on one of them. Normally I can maintain an average speed of around 20 km/h on this type of bike, so it should be doable. As the organizer of the Groningen event: if any of you actually manage to complete the brevet on a normal Dutch city bike, then I'll buy you a beer (or beverage of your choice) at the finish ;D
Right; I'm quoting this before you see sense and edit your post! I note you did not say "complete the brevet in time"; so I guess the only question is how late you can buy a beer (for me) in Groningen :) And can I get beer with my breakfast in your cafes??
[I must admit I was hoping for at least 3 speeds ... the problems are starting to stack up against me now ... :P ]
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If you manage to finish before 7am, we can still find a döner shop that will sell beer and food :P
I've seen guys in the UK doing ridiculously hilly brevets on a fixed gear bike. You can do my flatter-than-flat brevet on a singlespeed.
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Mark, thanks very much for your offer. Unfortunately which ever way I look at it bringing enough stuff over to make it practical would most likely require that I at least ditch the laptop, which might not go down well for future employment opportunities. That might leave the possibility of going native and doing it in jeans and a shirt on an omafiets, although even the thought of 200 km on one of those saddles is a bit painful.
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The Boekelo 600 is getting quite popular, over 50 riders already entered. If you're still doubting, please enter the event via https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-600-boekelo-nl-sauerland/
For those who already entered, please arrive on time to prevent a big queue in the last 15 minutes before the start.
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The Boekelo 600 was a blast participant's wise.
Gert, the Boekelo organiser, is sailing straight on to his next brevet, a 300k from Boekelo to Flevoland and back. It's held on saturday 6th of october. I've done this one a few times, it's a very nice route with constantly changing scenery. You can enter the ride (and download the track) via https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-300-boekelo-nl-rondje-flevopolder/
Two weeks later we head down south for a 200 through the Brabant province. The start is in the cyclingcafé de Velosoof in Eindhoven on the 20th of october. https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-eindhoven-nl-rondje-brabant/
Both events start at 9h00.
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The Boekelo 600 was a blast participant's wise.
As was the 200km brevet in Groningen last week: 59 riders. Which is a lot I think, considering that a) this brevet was not useful for people who want to ride PBP and b) many think Groningen is a very remote place (never mind that it's just two hours by train from Amsterdam). It was also a blast riding; quite literally sometimes because of the strong wind.
As a local, I must admit it was a real treat to be able to sleep in (9am is considered a civilised starting time for audax in the Netherlands) and have a hot shower shortly afterwards 8)
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As was the 200km brevet in Groningen last week: 59 riders. Which is a lot I think, considering that [..] this brevet was not useful for people who want to ride PBP [...]
Still, there were quite some (German) participants who stated that they were riding with the aim of pre-qualification.
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The Boekelo 600 was a blast participant's wise.
As was the 200km brevet in Groningen last week: 59 riders. Which is a lot I think, considering that a) this brevet was not useful for people who want to ride PBP and b) many think Groningen is a very remote place (never mind that it's just two hours by train from Amsterdam). It was also a blast riding; quite literally sometimes because of the strong wind.
As a local, I must admit it was a real treat to be able to sleep in (9am is considered a civilised starting time for audax in the Netherlands) and have a hot shower shortly afterwards 8)
I was doing a BRM in Denmark when the 200k in Groningen was on. If you had anything like the wind we had up in Denmark I feel for you. I had 30+kph headwinds for over 150km of the ride. Very much a full value ride at 13:12.
Two weeks later we head down south for a 200 through the Brabant province. The start is in the cyclingcafé de Velosoof in Eindhoven on the 20th of october. https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-eindhoven-nl-rondje-brabant/
Am looking forward to this. Am going to ECE it out to 400, as there's going to be no trains around at the finish time, so I may as well keep myself amused riding until the trains start.
J
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Two weeks later we head down south for a 200 through the Brabant province. The start is in the cyclingcafé de Velosoof in Eindhoven on the 20th of october. https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-eindhoven-nl-rondje-brabant/
Am looking forward to this. Am going to ECE it out to 400, as there's going to be no trains around at the finish time, so I may as well keep myself amused riding until the trains start.
J
I'm kind of wondering in which remote corner of the Netherlands you're located that there are no trains around at the finish. Coming from the far North myself (i.e. Groningen), I can be an almost full value rider and catch the last train back at 22:34.
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Two weeks later we head down south for a 200 through the Brabant province. The start is in the cyclingcafé de Velosoof in Eindhoven on the 20th of october. https://www.randonneurs.nl/event/brm-200-eindhoven-nl-rondje-brabant/
Am looking forward to this. Am going to ECE it out to 400, as there's going to be no trains around at the finish time, so I may as well keep myself amused riding until the trains start.
J
I'm kind of wondering in which remote corner of the Netherlands you're located that there are no trains around at the finish. Coming from the far North myself (i.e. Groningen), I can be an almost full value rider and catch the last train back at 22:34.
Oh, reading error on my front. I was thinking of this weekends 300. Full value would mean a 0500 finish, trains take a few more hours to start.
J
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I'm planning to ride both of these, Boekelo is new for me, most of my brevets have started in Belgium or Merselo and Bunnik. In fact my last
300km on Dutch soil ended after 220km with a ruptured rear tyre (no replacement so lesson well learnt), i'd like to think i will complete this one.
I rode Eindhoven last year, nice start location close to the center, route takes in some decent scenery once you get out of the city.
As Helmonder the only hard part about the Eindhoven BRM is that the last control point is about 4km from my house, feels kind of wierd to
do the final loop and then ride back from Eindhoven. Any chance of rain and i would probably turn right at the church. ::-)
Hoping to bring along a few club members to this ride, last year the weather was indifferent so they all cancelled at the last minute.
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@Quixoticgeek: That's the problem with these 300 km brevets. You get up extremely early to catch the first train to Boekelo and then have to race to catch the last train back. I solved the issue by getting a hotel for two nights.
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@Quixoticgeek: That's the problem with these 300 km brevets. You get up extremely early to catch the first train to Boekelo and then have to race to catch the last train back. I solved the issue by getting a hotel for two nights.
I have a Hotel for the Friday night, but I didn't think it worth it for the 2nd night, given I'm likely to be a full value rider. Hence ECE the 101km to Ede hopefully in time for when trains are running.
J
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@Quixoticgeek: That's the problem with these 300 km brevets. You get up extremely early to catch the first train to Boekelo and then have to race to catch the last train back. I solved the issue by getting a hotel for two nights.
I have a Hotel for the Friday night, but I didn't think it worth it for the 2nd night, given I'm likely to be a full value rider. Hence ECE the 101km to Ede hopefully in time for when trains are running.
J
Turns out the plan failed due to stinking headwinds. Ended up over 19 hours for the 300, and am too broken to ECE. Have made it to Enschede station, awaiting first train of the day.
Was a lovely route. More when I've slept.
J
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Turns out the plan failed due to stinking headwinds. Ended up over 19 hours for the 300, and am too broken to ECE. Have made it to Enschede station, awaiting first train of the day.
Was a lovely route. More when I've slept.
That sounds like an epic ride - congrats for finishing it, probably more than half in the dark ?
I was fortunate enough to hitch a ride for the first 100km ;) and after that it was plain sailing, finished in around 14hours at 11pm - and thats exceptional for me as i often do 200km brevets in 11 hours.
Actually the forcast was for it to get wet and windy after midnight*, so there was an incentive to get on with it to some degree.
(*Depends on which weather site you consulted)
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That sounds like an epic ride - congrats for finishing it, probably more than half in the dark ?
I was fortunate enough to hitch a ride for the first 100km ;) and after that it was plain sailing, finished in around 14hours at 11pm - and thats exceptional for me as i often do 200km brevets in 11 hours.
Actually the forcast was for it to get wet and windy after midnight*, so there was an incentive to get on with it to some degree.
(*Depends on which weather site you consulted)
Yeah, the weather forecast I used had the wind/rain coming in nearer dawn, rather than dusk. it arrived a good 10+ hours earlier than I was expecting it.
The big question I have tho, who the hell ordered the plague of frogs? I mean seriously. That was just crazy. Once the sun had gone down and the rain began, the road from CP2 to CP3 was covered with a slalom of frogs, various sitting, hiding, and hoping. In the dark, at 20kph, a frog looks far to similar to the leaves that also littered the fietspaden. I know I ran over at least 1, I hope it wasn't too many more than that.
On the descent from the Posbank I saw a wild boar. It was just slinking off into the bushes by the side of the road it had just crossed. Had it been a few seconds earlier I would have likely disturbed it mid road crossing, at the speed I was at I could have stopped fast enough to not hit it, but that would have then left me stationary next to a quite a large amount of mobile, angry, surprised pork...
I was the last rider in, whilst there were a few DNS, none of those who started DNF'd.
Total time: 19:22:51
Total moving time: 15:23:29
I really need to work on my faff to forward ratio.
I also need to do something about my nutrition strategy for 300's. My 200's approach isn't working as well when I move to a 300. I consumed less than 2500kcal. I burnt about 7500kcal.
J
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@farfetched: I think we rode together for that first 100k. Unless there were more Englishmen riding, of course.
Which would not be that surprising. It was a very international brevet with 40-odd Germans, at least one other Brit (but not an Englishmen), a guy from Japan, an American and probably more. While most of them lived nearby, one guy actually came all the way from Austria for this brevet (he appreciated the flatness of the Netherlands). For me, it was a relaxed and uneventful ride. Due to the perfect cycling weather, it was a fast ride, though. The first 200k was among my fastest ever and I arrived in just over 13 hours, which corrected for the overdistance of 12km made it my fastest 300 in the last two years. I was only reminded that it was autumn when I cycled from the arrivee back to my hotel in some nasty rain.
@quixoticgeek: your faff-to-forward ratio seems pretty decent to me. At least, when your using the faff time efficiently. I took two longer breaks to eat some proper food, but try to be efficient when ordering food (order everything at once, pay when you order). That seemed resting time well spent to me. Concerning the intake of calories: unless you felt hungry or without energy, I don't think there is a need to match calorie for calorie on these rides. 7500kcal is a lot of food and the human body does tend to have some excess energy stored somewhere.
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@slugbait - yes that was me (alan), at least until Hardewijk when i decided that i needed to do this more at my own pace.
I am used to club events of 100-120km @ 30kmh so its no big deal, its just that i know there is still 200km to go.
Food intake/energy is of course all stricly personal, and depends on fitness levels, weather and how much you exert yourself.
In this specific case, i could get round on 3 cheese sandwhiches, a 'broodje kroket' 2 bananas and the occassional marsbar
and winegums, that said i eat well the day before and make sure that i eat and drink well on the way in the car.
Not much sugary stuff - normal food, as i know most of the time i will be cycling well within myself at around 25-26kmh.