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Anyone cycled around Amsterdam?

by PatMac1
Wed, Jun 01, 2016 12:56
5

Forgive the obvious title - I'm away on work in a few weeks, driving over to Amsterdam, and was thinking about taking the road bike to keep up a modicum of  training.

I'm staying near the city centre (and realise that there's a ton of bikes in the city) but wanted to know if anyone had done any serious miles out there and if there are any cool routes that would be easy to navigate?

Basically, I don't want to slob out, drink beer and probably end up in a coffee shop with the other guys who'll be flying out. It might be a daft idea but I might as well put it out there...

 

 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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5 comments

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PatMac1 | 7 years ago
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So, the bike made it with me after some jimmying stuff into the van and what a great place to cycle - only managed two trips out (work and socialising with colleagues put paid to more journeys out) but they were brilliant.

Amsterdam isn't exactly great for road cyclists per se because of the sheer number of bikes on the paths, but once out to the city limits it’s brilliant; lovely roads, traffic that acknowledges you, and some stunning scenery.

First day when I arrived I did the road up to Marken, past Durgerdam and the cobbled section.

https://www.strava.com/activities/609356652/embed/21cb6416fd4f607f44935c...

It was proper windy weather but it made up for the lack of any height gain. Lots of cyclists out doing the same as me, obviously taking advantage of the sunny and warm evening. I’d never done cobbles before so it was interesting how they’re pretty brutal for several hundred metres; couldn’t imagine doing it for mile-after-mile.

The second ride was out on the Ronde Hoep, a big loop to the south of the city around the Amstel river and surrounding dykes. Apparentkly this is where the more affluent people live and I can see why; acres of spaces, amazing, big houses and total peace and quiet…. Loved this place and if I’d not had to go to work, would have just kept going for another 35 miles! Ended up having a bit of a tour of the streets of Amsterdam on the way back, which was a bit hairy (a few near-misses) but this is a definite must for anyone who wants to blow away the cobwebs without too much effort.

https://www.strava.com/activities/609793209/embed/fb60524ab8dfc000fce3e5...

Itching to go back to a country that’s so welcoming of cyclists – got a visit planned for work in November so sorely tempted to drive just so I can take the bike!

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Bendurance | 7 years ago
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Well worth taking your bike, what sort of distance are you planning to ride? I have just got back from a 2 week work trip to the Hague and managed to get loads done mornings and over the wknd.

Best route was probably Hague - Utrecht - Amsterdam - Harlem - Hague (200km), with the best section along the coast paths from outside Harlem to the Hague.

Personally Im used to riding in a Hilly areas so the distances on the flat felt easy in comparison. 

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davidgray968 | 7 years ago
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I forgot about the route to Utrecht. It is via the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal and once out of the city is basically all the way alongside the canal until just outside Utrecht. It is only about 35kms each way and unless you go into the outskirts of Utrecht doesn't have anywhere to stop for cake and coffee other than the Macdonalds at the back of the railway station in Breukelen. It is not in the town but just off to the right from the cycle track, not ideal but better than nothing. You can then either go inland towards Uithorn and back along the Amstel or just return via the canal route. Just beware that at times it is a road as well but without markings for a cycle track in some places.

 

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Edgeley | 7 years ago
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There are plenty of long distance cycle routes.  And it is a very small country with an excellent train service.

 

How about Utrecht and back?

 

Don't forget that cycle paths are mandatory, even if you are going at speed.   If you want to get a decent ride in, you do need to head out of the city.

 

Google maps can be your friend as well  - for the Netherlands it will churn out bike routes which are actually suitable for bikes.

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davidgray968 | 7 years ago
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One of the best routes you can take is to cross over from Central Station and then head up towards Purmerend and then up to Hoorn. Stop for cake and coffee by the harbour and then return back via the route down through Edam and Volendam ending up back near the east side of Amsterdam. all in all around 100/110kms. No hills only wind to contend with.

Cycling in the city centre depends a lot on where you are staying too as some of the ride is on a dedicated cycle lane and other times it is merely a white line. I commute from North to South through the centre and you do need your wits about you, not just for cyclists but pedestrains, especially the tourist variety, as they have to cross the cycle paths.

There is another route south of the city that takes you out past the airport and around the Ringvaart and back in via the west of the city, probably just less than 100kms but again depends where you staying.

Not sure if these links will work but they are from my Strava rides.

North Amsterdam - https://www.strava.com/activities/467319769

Ringvaart - https://www.strava.com/activities/312366785 - this link will get you to the start of the Ringvaart ride https://www.strava.com/activities/312366562

Hope this helps

David

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