Has anyone ever taken a day biking trip in the Netherlands? We are thinking about using an organization called Tulip Tours which will help us set up self-guided tours. Our plan is for about a 10 day trip this summer. We are middle-aged and fairly physically fit so we think this should be doable even though we have never done more than a day or afternoon of biking more than 35 or so miles. We are experienced independent travellers and don't feel that we need or want to be with a group.

Hi Pete,<BR><BR>Biking in NL is very easy. Many bicycle roads so no cars bothering you. Also a lot of signposts, getting lost is NOT easy. At the ANWB many detailed maps are available from all over the country. If you go organized doing 35 miles each day, that should be alright. NL is flat so cycling from A to B is easy unless it gets stormy of course. You do not need a group to enjoy yourselves.

You may not even need Tulip Tours! Bike rental is easy, and day or week bike trips are common. <BR>Do keep in mind that the weather may not always be on your side, and some morning you might face torrential rains with 50 km to go before you sleep. (On the other hand, those days sometimes make for the best stories.) In any case, you will have a great deal more freedom if you are not with a group. Have a great time and may the wind always be behind you!

What about the mountains? Do they pose a problem to bikers?

Yes, there are a few 'cols' in Limburg that should not be attempted in any case by amateur cyclists.