We started talking about organising another cycle trip before we’d even arrived at our destination during our very first trip the London to Paris bike ride in September. We wanted to complete a trip which was similar in many ways, i.e. starting from London and finishing in a major European city, but this time extend the trip by at least a day by covering a longer distance.
Many ideas came to mind, some good and some bad but when London to Amsterdam was mentioned, all of us we’re interested. We were all keen to start planning the next cycle ride. I plotted the route on Google Maps as soon as we returned from Paris, whilst Ed and Dave completed their own detailed itinerary and oddly enough we all came up with the same route, which is as follows:
The initial route map
Initial route details
-
Day 1: London to Dover
- Distance:
- 80 miles
- Average Speed:
- 10 mph
- Time in the saddle:
- 8 hours
- Break time:
- 2 hours
- Times:
- 08:00 – 18:00
- Overnight in:
- Dover
-
Day 2: Dover to Brugge (via Dunkerque)
08:00 Ferry arrive Dunkerque 10:00
- Distance:
- 45 miles
- Average Speed:
- 10 mph
- Time in the saddle:
- 4.5 hours
- Break time:
- 1.5 hours
- Times:
- 10:00 – 18:00
- Overnight in:
- Brugge
-
Day 3: Brugge All Day
-
Day 4: Brugge to Antwerpen
- Distance:
- 60 miles
- Average Speed:
- 10 mph
- Time in the saddle:
- 6 hours
- Break time:
- 1.5 hours
- Times:
- 09:00 – 16:30
- Overnight in:
- Antwerp
-
Day 5: Anterpen to Rotterdam
- Distance:
- 60 miles
- Average Speed:
- 10 mph
- Time in the saddle:
- 6 hours
- Break time:
- 1.5 hours
- Times:
- 09:00 – 16:30
- Overnight in:
- Rotterdam
-
Day 6: Rotterdam to Amsterdam
- Distance:
- 45 miles
- Average Speed:
- 10 mph
- Time in the saddle:
- 4.5 hours
- Break time:
- 1.5 hours
- Times:
- 11:00 – 16:30
- Overnight in:
- Brugge
-
Overall Trip Stats
- Total distance:
- 290 miles
- Total hours in the saddle:
- 29 hours
So that’s the plan so far. I’m sure things will change as the event gets closer, just like it did for London to Paris, but the basic structure seems solid.
The four of us (Apple, Ed, Dave and myself) are all agreed and looking forward to this bike ride. Now we are just seeing who else is up for it. Are you?
Dudes!?!?
Any Chance of factoring in a little detour around Eindhoven (would mean an extra day if we can afford it, but it’d b worth it)!!!
Also – how we getting home?!!?
Not sure about Eindhoven – you want to go to visit their football stadium don’t you Dave
Well one things for sure, I’m not planing on cycling back!!
Two ways to get back:
Flying back to London from Amsterdam or
Getting the train back via Brussels and Eurostar.
I would prefer to go by train but cost will be the decider for me (not forgetting the cost of transporting our bicycles back too).
Flight back from Amsterdam with BA currently £67 per adult to London Heathrow which is a bit of a bargain.
Eurostar don’t have prices yet as it’s too far ahead. Looking at other dates, if you book in advance on one of their fixed fares then it’s a similar price to flying.
Might even consider taking off a night in Amsterdam and stopping in Brussels for one night on the way back.
Well & its a lovely city (possibly)!!
Have we looked at boats?
Or is that just a silly idea that will end us up in Hull or somewhere!
Brussels could work – get me some pate for the train home!!
Yeah, boat is a silly idea as we would have to go to Colchester & i dont like it there!!!
Im liking the idea of getting the train from Amsterdam – Brussells & spending a day shiteseeing there, then heading back on the Euro*
good evening all hope all’s well great to be on board and looking forward to our trip and getting to know all of you. Here’s to Amsterdam and a few drinks on the way…… yes Alan I promise not bring any Sambucca. Take care see you all soon. Sanj
Smabucca can work!!
or Sambucca rather!!