You can also find out more about the A-Team here.s early as I can remember, I’ve always got a thrill out of poring over a map, tracing wavy river lines with my fingers, roads that connect and borders that divide – all the routes I could take. It was liberating to go out on my bicycle and not know where I would pitch my tent. My children, aged nine and seven, are now old enough to experience the freedom of such an adventure. It’s no secret that my children enjoy a bike ride, but as this would be our first four-day trip together, I wanted to make sure it was fun and easy for them.
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Maasroute Follows the Maas River for 300 miles (484km), from Maastricht in the Netherlands to the Hook of Holland. It then loops around to Rotterdam. The route is part of a much longer Meuse cycling route (EuroVelo 19), which stretches from the Langres plateau on the French Ardennes to the Dutch border.
The plan was to ride the 100-mile route from Maastricht-Dordrecht in four days. We’d cycle through vast floodplains with windmills, castles, and thatched-house villages, then cross the Maas river on cute little ferries before pitching our tents in family-friendly campsites. The Netherlands is a country with a flat terrain, protected bike routes and low traffic roads. It’s ideally suited for first-time cyclists.
We used the free and essential Dutch cycling map to plan our route. The map was a great way to get a perspective on things and bring back memories. LF-routes long-distance cycling app. We were staying in Leiden and took the train up to Maastricht, where we stayed at a hostel for the night. Our camping gear was carried on small Dutch city bikes with everyday panniers. The excess was placed in a back pack so that the kids didn’t have to carry anything. It is possible to take your bikes and gear on a overnight trip across the North Sea by Harwich. The Hook of Holland lies on the Maasroute.
In the early morning sun, we cycled from Maastricht to Sint Servaasbrug. This is a seven-arched, limestone pedestrian and cycling bridge that was built in 1280 to replace a Roman crossing of the river. The detour and the not-so quick stop at a supermarket to buy picnic ingredients made it difficult to leave town. We soon left the city, and followed reassuringly large cycle paths into the idyllic Limburg water meadows, with the Maas our constant companion.
To keep the kids happy, as the heat increased, we stopped to buy mango ice lollies and then gelato. Terras Maasoever Urmond is a breezy, bankside restaurant that serves broodjes The following are some examples of how to get started: biertjes (sandwiches, beers and a beer) on a balcony overlooking a river ferry crossing into Belgium.
When we reached our first campsite, the Jachthaven de Maasterp, in the picturesque village of Ohé en Laak, we were wilting. Luckily, there was a marina nearby. Brasserie Knaag & Co The lakeside views and swimming beaches, as well as the playgrounds and pools, were a great way to cool down and celebrate the girls’ first 30 mile ride.
We set out early the next morning, covered in suncream and full of energy, to cross Maasplassen. This vast network is man-made lakes, which has become a popular watersports destination. We felt like we were riding through a Van Gogh masterpiece as sailing boats and sloops sailed by. After a coffee in the Grand Café Aemilius in Maasbracht – served with a side shot of amaretto and topped with whipped cream – we powered along the straight road to Roermond in the midday sun (I credit the amaretto). The aqua park was our goal. Landal de Lommerbergen Holiday park where we had a great time racing down slides, and jumping into swimming pool.
After putting bedtimes aside, we enjoyed the cool air of the evening as we rode along the last stretch of the route. We waited for the ferry in quiet silence, along with two lone riders, as we looked at Kasteel van Keverberg on the other side of the river. This hilltop castle dates back to AD950. After a day of adventures, we pitched our tent in the shade amongst the trees. Natuurcamping en Camperplaats Boezeven The last of the Light
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We decided to change our route the next day due to heat and tiredness. In order to spend time with the kids, and not just to cover distance, we took a train to Breda from Venlo. (Fortunately, taking bikes on trains in the Netherlands is straightforward, with dedicated carriages that can take up to four bikes outside weekday rush hours for €7.50 each). We walked to the hotel after disembarking in Breda. Biesbosch national parkOur pitch is at the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe. Kurenpolder campsite Hank was accompanied by a beautiful sunset over the lake.
A successful family cycling trip requires a balance between hard work and relaxation. The next day we visited the Biesbosch climbing parkOur girls took a few laps on the high ropes. We were able to start later, but this was not a good thing. Andrew, who was riding with me, had a tyre blowout and needed expert help. We needed to get back to Dordrecht by evening so I continued cycling with the girls along the tops dykes, past endless streams of blue and green creeks, and through willow forests. Andrew finally caught up to us at the Biesbosch Museum The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a cool drink, and in the evening, you can take the ferry across the river and visit Dordrecht. This city, which dates back to the Dutch Golden Age, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of the Netherlands, with its blend of Renaissance, Gothic and Dutch Golden Age architecture.
As we sat on our deck in the breeze and balanced our bikes to cross the river, we were tired but happy. The girls loved the wide bike paths that cut across pristine meadows and the freedom of camping somewhere different each night, but mostly they were exhausted – from days in the sun, pedalling, climbing, swimming and late nights snuggled together as a family in our tent. The trip was great because we were a team and the girls learned to enjoy the tough, challenging tasks of life. This will be a great asset to them.
If I was planning the trip again I would give myself at least one week, and perhaps even allow a detour. Efteling theme park Near Tilburg The Maasroute is beautiful, easy to use and of high quality. Signposting at every turn was so good that you didn’t need to consult the map and could focus on your ride. It’s easy to adjust your adventure to your family’s level of cycling ability along the way, as there are many campsites, hotels, and public transport options. This does, however, require constant planning and solving puzzles. Expect a challenging, fun adventure and not a relaxing holiday. Include lots of ice-cream breaks.
The writer and her family stayed with The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us. Green Elephant hostel in Maastricht (family room €78). The morning coffee and sauna were included. Prepare yourself for the numerous small ferry crossings along the Maasroute. No booking is required, but some require cash. Maasroute and the app provide detailed information You can also check out our other articles. nederlandfietsland.nl
