Hi cycle friends! In June, we’re flying with our daughters (11 and 12) to Europe. They’re both excellent cyclists with 60+ mile rides under their belts. We’re hoping to copy the 4-day routes of some of the $$$$ high-end tours from Amsterdam to Bruges, but we don’t want/need that level of support.
What we need: (1) bike rentals in Amsterdam – ideally allowing us to drop off in Bruges, (2) luggage transport. Anyone know of a stripped-down, just-the-basics bike touring company? Or two companies individually offering such services? We’re flexible on exact departure/arrival locations.
I’m set to plan the logistics and route. Husband worked in a bike shop so we should be able to manage minor repairs without needing constant support. But everything I’m finding online is high-service, high-cost, group-tours.
(I wish we could take all our luggage via panniers, but we have 2 more weeks of travel ahead, including fancy clothes for a wedding. So it’ll be easiest to have our bags arrive at the hotels ahead of us.)
Thanks for any tips you may have!!
by Mysterious_Buy2566
1 Comment
I dont think there are many companies that do drop offs that are in different locations. Have you considered taking the bikes back with you on the train? There are good train connections between Bruges and Amsterdam. You could store your things in Amsterdam and pick them up on return.
As for the route; from Amsterdam head to the coast (Zandvoort) and follow the coast down all the way to Hoek van Holland. The Hague might be a nice place for a first night stay over. It’s a nice city in which our government resides.
From The Hague head back to the coast and head down to Hoek van Holland and take the fast ferry south and head for Zeeland. Allow some time to Marvel at the delta works, our water defense system. Renesse is a tourist trap but also a great place to stay for a second night, enjoy some beach walks in the evening and some fresh fish.
From Renesse take it easy and check out some more Zeeland, I like the ferry ride to Veere (again a bit touristy). Spend the night in Middelburg which is a pleasant city.
From Middelburg take the ferry south and bike to Bruges along canals. Make sure to make a stop in cute Damme, perhaps have some lunch there.
This will result in bike rides of 60 to 70 km per day with some ferry rides. Biking less will allow you to make frequent stops and enjoy the surroundings. Hope this helps a bit.
Just book the hotels through Booking.com or Trivago. Make sure the bikes you rent are up to snuff, but no need to pay for guided rides. Let the hotel know you want to store your bikes, perhaps ask them before booking.