Cycling in Holland/Amsterdam

ddraver

Hi Guys

It looks like I'm going to take a job in Amsterdam starting in a few months or so! Is there anyone in this fine community that knows of any particular clubs in the area. I would guess there are a lot of road clubs (although one suspects they ll be very good) but If there is a good social/beginner road club (particularly with an MTB wing) then I'd be very keen to join up - for the social side as much as anything else

Any ideas, cycling or otherwise welcome! Nervous now!!
DaveK

pottssteve

ddraver,

I live at the other end of the country, in Limburg, so I can't recommend any clubs. The internet is your friend here, I think.

I was surprised how many people do cycle here although in my experience a lot of them are casual "bike riders" rather than cyclists. There are a hell of a lot of numpties with no lights, wearing black clothes at night and weaving around all over the show. The law protects cyclists to such an extent that most drivers are very aware and considerate, and this has, in my opinion, lead to many riders abdicating responsibility and riding very recklessly and poorly. On the upside, there are many excellent small, independent retailers with highly trained (though expensive) mechanics.

Steve

dilemna

Holland - cycling paradise ... Mmmmm. You lucky b*astard.

Why not find a club when you have settled in?

pottssteve

Here's a link:

http://www.knwu.nl/verenigingen_stichti ... iging.html

Steve

HadronCyclist

I've lived in Holland and have friends currently working there (in Amsterdam), I'll ask them if they fancy showing a new ex-pat around and put you in touch. You can deffo go for a ride with them...

They love to cycle and we will be doing the Amstel Gold Race together this year. Entering the 200km if interested...you could enter too.

D

ademort

Do you know where in Amsterdam you are likely to be living. There are several clubs of course but it would be much easier to suggest a club near to where you live.
Ademort

ddraver

Hi Guys

Thanks for your help.....I think I ll be in Lieden or very close to first as that's actually where the company is based.

Pottssteve - I noticed that when i was there, but presumably there must be some cyclists around (as opposed to people who use bikes to get around)

Hadron you sound a lot better than me, but My mate is trying to convince me to come back to do part of transWales so maybe I need to Man Up!

ademort

I think this is what you are looking for. http://www.swift-leiden.nl/ Yes i know it,s in Dutch but if you try one of the many translation tools available on the net for free you should have an idea of what they are about. IMHO looks like a very good club with it,s own clubhouse. The club has been going for 91 Years so it,s sure to have riders of all abilities.The link gives an address and phone number you can always make enquiries even before you come to the Netherlands.I,m sure you will be made very welcome. Just a quick comment as regards club rides. I find that many a club run is spoilt as many people use old/ worn tyres and every time that somebody punctures everybody is expected to stop and wait. It really spoils my ride and thats why i go out almost always on my own. On the other hand for somebody like you who has no idea of the roads/routes it will work to your advantage.
Ademort

HadronCyclist

Just wanted to share my favourite route. When you are there, head south from Amsterdam and find the cycle path along the Amsterdam Grand Canal heading towards Utrecht. From what I remember there is one stretch which is about 10km long, with canal on both sides and no vehicle or ped traffic. It's like a real cycle superhighway. You'll love it!

peterst6906

Leiden is a bit outside Amsterdam, closer to The Hague than to Amsterdam. It's a really great part of the country for cycling and through the dunes close to the coast there are some good tracks for mountain bikers (as far as this part of the country goes anyway).

Absolutely stunning in the Spring months as the area is full of tulip fields and like most places in The Netherlands, plenty of cycling paths.

I live in The Hague and commonly cycle up around Leiden, so if you are looking for a weekend ride or two, send me a pm after you arrive and we can tee something up.

Regards,

Peter

PS. If you are into cricket, there are also some good clubs in the area as well for the summer months.