travelwithme

Staying in Amsterdam for 3 nights in April, Friday to Monday. It will be busy over the weekend. Have been to the city several times. In addition to visiting museums and walking around Amsterdam we want to:
1. Visit Keukenhof
2. Bike Tulip tulip fields (did read post that they are late, but other flowers will be in bloom)
Please advise on potential plan.
Based on posts we do not want to take bus to keukenhof.
Considering loop bike trip for the entire day.
Take early morning train to Haarlem.
Rent bikes in Haarlem or another down along the way to Keukenhof.
Bike directly to Kuekenhof.
Visit Gardens for a few hours. Arrive at opening to avoid crowds.
Begin leisurely return trip through flower fields back to bike rental.
Return by train back to Amsterdam
QUESTIONS..
Is this a good plan? What needs to be tweaked?
Is Saturday or Sunday a better day?
Is Haarlem the best place to start? Another suggestion?
Distance from Keukenhof from Haarlem?
Rent bikes from station or bike rental? Do not want to rent at Keukenhof.
Would it be bttter to rent bikes and bring them from Amsterdam?
What are your favorite places to stop along the way?

I've looked at many of your posts, u-tubes and pictures which have been very helpful.
Thank you!

awong

Although the actual distance from Haarlem to Lisse is about 20km and flat, the wind is often the biggest factor in how easy the trip can be. The most direct route is not the most scenic.

Saturday at the Keukenhof would be better than Sunday. You would need to leave Haarlem quite early to make it to the Keukenhof for the opening. What time do the bike rental shops open?

When I am biking through Hillegom I always stop for a selection of Pierre's chocolates. They are made right there and the smell is heavenly.

spaarne

<i>Is this a good plan? What needs to be tweaked?</i>
I would prefer the afternoon. That gives the flowers time to open in the sun (you hope there will be sun) and it will be a bit warmer than early in the morning. K'hof can handle crowds. Don't worry about that, especially if you come in the afternoon. The sun stays up late in Holland and late afternoon is a better time for photography than mid day.

<i>Is Saturday or Sunday a better day?</i>
A sunny day is the best day. Get a weather report. Be flexible. The weather can change on a dime.

<i>Is Haarlem the best place to start? Another suggestion?</i>
Depends on how much you like riding bikes. You can also start in Leyden, a little closer. Or rent at the Heemstede-Aerdenhout station on the south side of Haarlem to save some city riding. The H-A station is small but the bike shop is well stocked.

<i>Distance from Keukenhof from Haarlem?</i>
About 10 miles. If the weather is nice you will wish it was longer.

<i>Rent bikes from station or bike rental?</i>
Depends on what is available. There are also two bike shops around the corner from the Lion d'Or Hotel at the west end of Haarlem station. I believe they rent. Since they are primarily in the business of selling bikes I doubt that they will be open on Sunday. I don't rent because I keep my bike parked at B&B Paula for my more or less yearly visit.

<i>Would it be bttter to rent bikes and bring them from Amsterdam?</i>
Might be. I met a French family in the Haarlem station a few years ago who had done that and brought their bikes on the train as far as Haarlem. The bikes were very sturdy and looked to be easier to ride than the traditional Dutch black and white. The French family rented their bikes from Bike City at Bloemgracht 6 in A'dam. Remember that a bike (fiets) ticket for the trains is &euro;6, valid all day until midnight.

<i>What are your favorite places to stop along the way?</i>
I saw so many tilip fields that I was nearly jaded before I got to Keukenhof. The cafe illustrated in my photo log was just right for a beverage before getting to the garden. See http://tinyurl.com/y8hltjl.

BTW, all Dutch bikes have a calliper lock on the rear wheel. Also get a chain when you rent the bike. Bike stealing is a well practiced business in Holland.