Recently my brother Bas asked if I was interested in a round of Friesland, to cycle the Eleven Cities Tour. That seemed like a fun challenge and I answered with “yes”. Provided that the number of kilometers per day would not be too crazy. Given my handicap, a maximum of 40 km per day is sufficient. The overnight stays also had to be well arranged. All points that he would pick up and fill in properly to make the trip a success. We finally decided to leave on Wednesday 1 July.
Departure from Westervoort
Early in the morning Bas is ready with his car and trailer in Westervoort to pick me up for the tour through Friesland. The car and trailer were unloaded in a parking lot at a supermarket in IJlst. ATB and bicycle trailer with luggage for Bas and tricycle with luggage for me. The start was in IJlst, the start for the tour of the 11 cities!
We were able to continue cycling fine and after 20 km we had the first stop in Sloten at a bench on the water with a beautiful view of the drawbridge. The tour continued through Gaasterland with Balk and the famous Elfstedentocht river Lutz and after 20 km we reached the campsite in Bakhuizen. Unfortunately, our hiker's cabin was in the sun, so we couldn't really cool off. Fortunately, the pavilion had just been renovated and we could have a nice beer on the terrace and eat a delicious schnitzel.
On to Stavoren and Hindelopen
After a delicious breakfast at the picnic table we drove to Stavoren and Hindelopen. On this warm day we pass very nice villages with large marinas, nice streets with beautiful houses. At the end of the village of Hindelopen we made our first stop under a tree. After we had rested we cycled towards Bolsward. Here we spend the night at a mini campsite with a beautiful hiker's cabin! First I rested and Bas went to get groceries in between. After a beer and a shower Bas had cooked a delicious meal.
Breakfast in FrieslandBreakfast in Friesland
Along the IJsselmeer
The third day also starts with a delicious breakfast at the picnic table. Today we don't really have a long trip ahead of us, the last part we cycle along the IJsselmeer to Harlingen. It was familiar territory for us because we also went to Harlingen with a brother weekend. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay in a hiker's cabin at Camping Zeehoeve, so we opted for an apartment. Something different and fun too! I took a nice shower and while resting Bas got the necessary groceries. Afterwards we had a delicious dinner and also enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep. Then we made the city of Harlingen unsafe. Highly recommended with the beautiful ships in the harbor and the nice streets with fishermen's houses.
Spending the night in FrieslandSpending the night in Friesland
Off to Leeuwarden
After breakfast we continued our bike ride. Today we drove to Leeuwarden via part of the most northern Eleven Cities Route. The fourth day would be a very hot day. Fortunately we were able to leave early and the heat was not too bad in the morning, this also had to do with the light wind. It was a long drive today to Leeuwarden. The first stop was along the water where a boy jumped happily into the water for a delicious refreshment. When he arrived at Leeuwarden, Bas got his first flat tyre. Very disappointed, quickly under a tree and next to a stream trying to fix the tire of the trailer. Fortunately Bas was able to find the hole, so he quickly cycled again. It had become very hot by now. We kept cycling west of Leeuwarden to arrive at the mini campsite. The campsite was just outside Leeuwarden with a lot of water around it. The hiker's cabin was a very simple version and well covered in dust. To the right of the hut was a chicken coop with rooster! When I arrived, I stretched out on the grass to have a good night's sleep and Bas went to do some shopping. In the evening Bas had made another delicious meal and received our vitamins. We also had a great night's sleep here.
Back to IJlst
Also this morning we started with a nice breakfast, again prepared on the picnic table and we could start our last trip with a full stomach. Today we cycle back to the starting point IJlst. It is Sunday morning and then cycling through beautiful Leeuwarden is something. Leeuwarden has beautiful canals that also contain many boats. The trip was very nice (nice bike paths) and nice bridges. Unfortunately, the weather gods were not in our favor, because exactly in the last town of Sneek we got a heavy downpour. We quickly put on a rain jacket and continued cycling. After a few kilometers we arrived at our final destination 'supermarket in IJlst', completely soaked, but we don't care about that. Fortunately, Bas's car was waiting for us, and after drying ourselves a bit, we were able to load everything back into the car and trailer and go home.
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