We biked 65k today and all 12 of can still stand; however, sitting is a different story. The ride was tough on the rear but otherwise an easy ride, with paved, mostly level bike paths and frequent five minute stops.
We started out at 9 am in heavy mist, wearing rain jackets. By around 11 the rain stopped and so did we; at a delightful coffee shop that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The countryside we saw today was just beautiful. We passed many sheep farms, dairy farms windmills and quaint little villages and towns where we bumped over cobblestone streets. Of particular interest was to notice that we might be cycling below sea level for a time and the boats in the canals would be above us and then we would be above sea level and all the cows would be grazing in fields below sea level.
We stopped at a picnic site for lunch around 1:30 and ate what we had packed for ourselves in the morning. Forty- five minutes later we were on our way again. It got very hot and so layers were peeled off. I was grateful to be wearing bike shorts, not only for the extra padding, but because they dried quickly and don't hold the heat.
We are riding with a great group of people who were all happy to see the sign that Leiden, 3k. The Jelmar was a welcome sight. Hot showers, coffee for some, beer for others and some socializing under the umbrella on deck was a great way to relax before dinner.
A walk around this university town is on the agenda for this evening...for those who can stay awake, of course.
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