North Rhine-Westphalia

Tuesday

This region of Germany is North Rhine-Westphalia and one of 12 regions in the country. It is similar to Holland and mostly agricultural land.

No real problems although arriving at Bielefeld was a bit of a shock as the land suddenly rises steeply. In pre-historic times this was once the coast line. Holland did not surfaced for some time!!

Warm Showers host Jorge and friends prepare and share dinner on Tuesdays. Great meal, interesting and travelled people.

The difficulty the German nation has with matters relating to Israel and the Jewish race is evident. However sensitive the topic is not hidden and you have to respect that attitude.

New wheel for new country, Germany

Finding a bike shop open was the first objective today. Persuading them to urgently fit a new wheel assembly was next. Rob and Lucie, my Warm Showers hosts, were happy to help. Without their help I doubt I would have made it to Munster today. (thank you both)

The Munster building is the original town hall (Rathaus) and contains portraits of delegates attending the Peace of Westphalia talks in 1648. It's been a very complicated day with bike repairs and old fashioned map reading. And, in case you wonder, those life-size figures are carrying sausages!

Utrecht to Gaanderen

Rain and wheel rim issue combine to make it a difficult day. Rob and Lucie are lovely well traveled Warmshower hosts in a region of Holland where the population is in decline!

Generally shops closed on Sundays here and, from earlier travels in Europe, many are shut on Mondays too..............worrying with major repairs to bike required!!

Worldly Dutch, Netherlands

Cycling is what the Dutch do and my 99 kms journey to Utrecht, through Den Haag (The Hague), never once took me off dedicated cycling paths. It is no accident that people journey by bike!

The Peace Palace is an iconic sight in Den Haag and a Peace flame burns alongside. Endorsed by 194 countries the list of countries supporting this Peace initiative includes Wales. The Palace accommodates the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Also in Den Haag is the Dutch Government building and a double storey cycle park in front of the main railway station holding about 20,000 commuter bikes. That's the way to make a difference!

A new friend Alexander, whom Sandra and I met in Santiago, with his partner Stukia say goodbye to friends cycling home after a sumptuous meal at their home near Utrecht. Wonderful hosts!

EuroVelo 2 Capitals Route - Galway to Moscow

The European cycle route network covers 14 long distance rides across Europe aimed at encouraging Sustainable tourism.  EuroVelo 2 is known as the Capitals route connecting Galway in Ireland with Moscow in Russia.

The route crosses 8 countries and is in excess of 4,000 kilometers.

Stages 1 & 2 (2014 & 2016)

Images on route from Galway to Dublin in Ireland, Holyhead to Cardiff in Wales and via Bath into London in 2014 & early 2016.

Irish whiskey, Tullamore Dew

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Venetian architecture in Bath

St Paul's Cathedral, London

Stage 3 (2016)

The completion of the final stage beginning in London on 20 May and ending in Moscow on 26 June 2016. On

Friday 20th May  following a long 125 kms first day ride from London to Harwich, the ferry has set sail and early tomorrow we dock in Hoek van Holland.