Cycling from Utrecht to Nijmegen

Trains in Holland are expensive. The intercity train from Utrecht to Nijmegen takes only 1 hour but costs over 13 euros. Mainly due to economics and partially due to a sense of adventure I decided to save some money by cycling to Nijmegen to catch the end of the 4 Days Marches. Door to door, it’s about 80km. Thankfully my mates in Utrecht have a bicycle I can use complete with saddle bags, bike computer, bike shorts, and water bottles. The only downside: no road tires. Regardless, it’s a good looking kit and suitable for long distance riding. With 3 litres of water, some sandwiches and snacks, I weaved my way out of Utrecht into the Dutch countryside. Small towns, sprawling farms, endless canals, a river ferry, sheep, cows, and tiny horses floated by as I pedaled on.

It's not exactly a leisurely little ride.

It’s not exactly a leisurely little ride.

In hindsight, it would’ve been wise to have a roadmap rather than rely on my smartphone’s preloaded maps and GPS. At one point I hit the wrong button, lost the directions, and had to find a place with wifi to get the directions loaded up again. And it would’ve been practical to have done some training prior to cycling 80km. I got some leg cramps at km 50, nearly ruined me! BUT I overcame them and 6 hours later…I made it!

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Zeist

The beautiful town of Zeist

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Canal and House

A standard Dutch suburb

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Statue

A great thinker?

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Road Sign

Still a long way to go…

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Leaving Elst

About halfway to Nijmegen!

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Farmland

Lush farmland

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Rhenen

The picturesque town of Rhenen

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Farmland

Farmland backed by traditional and modern windmills

Netherlands - Utrecht to Nijmegen - Yellow Field

Tranquility

So sweaty right now.

So sweaty right now.

Finally seeing signs for Nijmegen!

Finally seeing signs for Nijmegen!

Just outside Rhenen

Just outside Rhenen

Someone's got a sense of humour!

Luckily I didn’t get hit by a stray bullet here.

Crossing the Waal River

Crossing the Waal River

These horses are the size of big dogs

These horses are the size of big dogs

A traditional Dutch windmill

A traditional Dutch windmill

The Netherlands - Nijmegen - 4 Days Marches

Day 3 of the 4 Days Marches in Nijmegen

After 80km of cycling, a bit of rest is deserved.

After 80km of cycling, a bit of rest is deserved.

Have you ever gone on a bike holiday? Where did you go?

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