I’m happy to be able to resurrect this thread to actually talk about a ride, instead of just about trying to arrange one.
Saturday was a perfect, golden late-summer day in Amsterdam, and perfect conditions for some uni-touristing of the city. I had the good fortune to be welcomed by three locals: Klaas, Sybren, and Leo. It was a great progression…Klaas and I started out in the morning, striking out from Central Station into the western part of the city.
Klaas riding along one of Amsterdam’s many bike lanes.
After zig-zagging our way along numerous side streets and canals, we ultimately turned into Vondelpark to enjoy a nice tree-lined loop with lots of joggers and bikers, and no cars.
The unis enjoy a rest while espresso is consumed in Vondelpark.
Klaas and Tom in front of Wester-kerk
Following our espresso break, we headed back into Central Station to meet Sybren. Sybren took us on a ferry over to the part of the city where he lives, and we added some more miles before catching the ferry back and saying goodbye to Klaas. Despite having communicated by mail for some time, this was the first face-to-face meeting for Klaas and Sybren, so I’m glad I could help in arranging that.
Sybren and Klaas humming along.
L to R: Sybren, Tom, Klaas on the ferry back to Central Station
After Klaas’s departure, Sybren and I decided ale was more important than riding, so we stopped for some beer and live music at the concert hall near the Central Station. From there, Sybren had to go, so I did some solo riding in the eastern sector near the red light district, then enjoyed a walk along the Amstel and some side streets, enjoying the setting sun across several of the city’s canals.
Late day sun along the Amstel River
As evening came on, it was back to Central Station to meet Leo. What amazing energy! He’s been riding twice as long as I have, but he’s way more than twice as good a rider. He was also a great guide, and we logged some night miles out to a nice Turkish restaurant he recommended. Mmmm…braised lamb shank and cous-cous.
Leo test-driving the GB4 29
It was a long day and I was dead tired by the end of it all, but it was also one of my best days of urban riding ever, thanks to my new-found Dutch friends. International uni-touristing is truly a great thing, and it’s one more reminder of the value of this forum. My thanks to Klaas, Sybren, and Leo…it was great to get to know each of you, and you gave me a day I’ll remember forever.
For a look at more photos, check out my smugmug gallery here.