Ride out report Wassenaar - Holland

[Gerard C]

As promised here is the report on the Wassenaar trip. There a few pics on the way but to be honest the weather wasn’t really that good for taking them.

Tuesday we clipped on the panniers and top box and set off for a non Motorway ride to Hull. I have to say that my Mrs. does not travel light and the bike felt less than agile. On the other hand, at the pace we were intending to travel it felt stable and safe.

We were travelling P and O to Rotterdam and found our way to the Dock easily and in plenty of time. After the usual fuss about where had we, (She), put the tickets, passports etc. we were through the barriers and found ourselves waiting with a group of Bikers who were off to the Dams as in the Dam busters raid. Apparently it was the anniversary of the raid and the ride had been promoted in MCN.
Good bunch of Guys and very interesting to hear about their previous trips which made our toe dipping exercise in foreign travel seem very tame indeed.

The Bikes were the first to embark, (get on - for all non sea faring folk), and we then enjoyed the experience of tying down the bikes. For those who have wondered this involves the bike being on the side stand with the provided straps being passed over the saddle and any other suitable points. With the Burgman having a hand brake I wasn’t worried, as some were, about potentially rolling forward. I noticed some of the more experienced passing straps through their wheels. People did take a lot of time over this but there were plenty of straps and pads to get the job done.

The forecast for the crossing was – Force 9!!!! Having been on the Irish Sea in a Force 8 I was not looking forward to it at all. I think the more experienced Guys spent a lot more effort on tie down because of the forecast.

I can recommend the ferry. Great food in the posh restaurant, a few drinks then a Cabaret to pass the time. This was only spoiled a little by some moronic behaviour of a group of football fans chanting for no apparent reason. I overheard one actually trying to get a chant started in the middle of the show. He failed but he made the effort. I was proud to be British.

Off to the cabin. Ours was basic but OK for what was just a place to sleep. I don’t know about the forecast but we had a very smooth crossing – not one bump or sway.

After Breakfast it was down to free the bikes, none of which had moved. Again the bikes were off the boat first. Very smoothly through customs and Passport control and we were off.

The roads were very good condition and we made good progress. That’s when the Sat Nav started to play up! The connection to the power kept being lost which made the thing start to reset itself – just at every junction. This added a frisson of tension to the journey which despite the lack of guidance went well and we arrived at the Camp site.

My initial impression was – great roads and courteous drivers. It might be my imagination but maybe because the roads actually had flowing traffic there was less aggression on the roads than we get in the UK.
Once off the Motorways we got to experience the Dutch cyclists. Putting it simply –there’s loads of them. Mostly on very good wide cycle paths. Junctions with lights include a sequence for cyclists making the run through slower than we would expect.
At uncontrolled junctions care had to be taken to keep a look out for cyclists, (and 50cc scooters who can use the bike lanes). They all ride with panache and confidence and obviously don’t see the need for Helmets.

I think that because Dutch drivers are used to looking out for these hazards it actually adds to safety. I certainly felt safe riding about.

Once the SAt Nav had been “cured” by application of one of the Wifes elastic things for her hair holding the power lead in place we were off touring.

Wassenaar is ideally placed for touring this very pretty area of Holland being only just over an hour from the ferry, Amsterdam is in easy reach although we didn’t bother as we’ve been before. We just rode around more or less on a whim, stopping where we felt like it, having a coffee and a cake at road side places. Without exception we found all the people to be helpful and friendly with a grasp of English that puts us as a Nation to shame.

For ease we had based ourselves at a Campsite in a Chalet. The next time we go, and there will be a next time, we will just travel and find accommodation on a day to day basis. I loved the pace of life and the relaxation of just wondering about. To be fair the Dutch were not on holiday and were probably as stressed as I am at work and of course we were in a holiday area, not the industrial or commercial sector.

The bike developed a fault! It started to overheat. I had thought it was the cooling fan not kicking in. A local Scooter dealer hard wired the sensor but that didn’t help. As long as we were moving along it was fine but when we were held up the temperature went up so I had to turn the Motor off. The coolant level was OK and it was more annoying than a real problem. We rode back to the ferry on the Saturday without a problem taking in the coast road.

The return journey was the smoothest ferry trip I have ever taken it was remarkably easy - until we got to Hull. Getting through passport control was a nightmare.

We were back into Wakefield having a coffee by 11.00am. I went for a ride out in the PM.

The bike went in for a check over and it seems it was the Thermostat that had failed.
It’s been ordered and should be back running this weekend. In the meantime I am on the Mini Burgman 125.

My conclusion is that if you want to try an easy continental trip then I think Holland would be hard to beat. The experience has made me want to do it again but next time to go further and for longer. For me being based Ooop North I think the long ferry trip does save a lot of boring riding to Dover. It does cost more - but in terms of comfort then I think it’s worth it. If I was going solo with a group it might be different.

I will post a few pics later but be warned they will include Windmills and Tulips both of which make me look fat.

[Liam]

Good read!
Shame about the minor problems but it makes the trip memorable

[johnp]

Great read.

[Alanzzg]

A good post

[JimB]

Nice one Gerard! Wish I'd been there - we've been to Holland quite a few times in the past although not for 10 years or so now.

Jim

[MT606]

pics?