Page 451 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  449

Cycling Tours
If you want to get from point
A to point B by the quickest
possible route, just follow the
white-and-red ANWB cycle
route signposts. Maps and
guides for cyclists describing
routes of various lengths are
available from the VVV, the
ANWB and many bookstores.
They often contain a variety of
local background information,
as well as the addresses of cycle
hire shops and places to stay,
such as pensions, camping sites Cyclists on tour stopping to enjoy an ice cream
and hiking huts (see also p395).
Useful examples are the regional 230-km/143-mile Elfstedenroute To take part in an organized
ANWB/VVV Toeristenkaarten, in Friesland) are described in cycle tour, contact organizations
which suggest some particularly guides such as the ANWB/VVV such as Cycletours or the
enjoyable routes, and the Lange Fiestronde. These routes Fiets vakantiewinkel (see
Dwarsstap-fiets-mappen, which are also signposted. Another p429), some of the main
give descriptions of cycle routes, organization, the Stichting VVV offices and the ANWB
often in the area surrounding Landelijk Fiets-platform, or (members only). These
big cities, and also contain national cycling association organizations can arrange
topographical maps. The (see p429), has a network of cycle-tour packages, including
regional ANWB/VVV- some 6,000 km (3,730 miles) accommodation and luggage
fietsgiden have maps and of numbered National transfer. For information on
provide descriptions of Cycle Routes (Landelijke cycling in nature reserve
hundreds of enjoy able Fiestroutes, or “LF”). areas, see page 429.
cycling trips of around These often follow
25 km (15 miles), from quiet byroads and
the Amelandroute to the cycle tracks and are Cycling Events
Maasdalroute in Limburg. Cycle lane described in two of the Meimaand Fietsmaand is the
Many of these routes are sign LF-basisgidsen. Some are year’s biggest bicycle event:
marked with hexagonal marked with square a whole month (May) packed
signs. Around 45 railway-based signs, such as LF-15, which is with bicycle rides, meets
routes are also offered under the Boerenlandroute (farmland and races throughout the
the name NS-Fietstocht. Maps route) from Alkmaar to Netherlands. In 2010, about
of the route are on sale at the Enschede. Guides to individ ual 570,000 cyclists participated.
relevant railway stations. NS routes are also available. The Information on the various
publishes a booklet, entitled Fietsideeënkaart, a map available routes and events can be
Er op Uit!, describing these from the VVV and ANWB, also found at the national cycling
routes. Long-distance tours provides brief descriptions of association’s website: www.
of at least 200 km (125 miles) LF and other marked cycling fietsplatform.nl. Local
in length (for example, the routes around the country. cycle-touring clubs organize
regular non-competitive
tours through picturesque
or interesting areas, although
you have to pay a fee to join.
For further information, apply
at the Dutch cycle tour
society (Nederlandse Toer
Fiets Unie, or NFTU, see p429).
In addition, dozens of local
tours lasting several days are
organized locally, such as the
Drentse Rijwiel vierdaagse in
July. Participants can often
choose between routes of
lengths varying from 30 to
100 km (20 to 60 miles) per
day. You will find an over-
view of these online at www.
The ferry at Wijk near Duurstede, which carries bicycles fiets4daagse.nl.

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