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I’ve written about our latest graduation trip to St. John, but quickly realized that we were still enjoying memories from 2 other trips and want to share! Two years ago, when Ricky mentioned biking in Holland instead of the typical “beach week” after graduation, Hill (Graduate #2) quickly agreed. This could be a fun trip. He was SO RIGHT!
Our family of five spent 5 days biking through Holland, a friendly biking country! EVERYONE bikes. All roads have bike paths and every stop has plenty of bike racks! We toured with Van Gogh Bikes….and since we couldn’t coordinate 5 calendars with their Guided Tour schedule; we decided to use one of their Self Guided tours. It was the perfect choice for us!
After arriving in Amsterdam, we warmed up with a Yellow Bike Tour through the city; in and around canals and over lots of bridges! So many bikers! That's a bike parking deck on the left! Since we were biking with the Van Gogh group, we HAD to see the Van Gogh Museum. The pages of past art history books hung before our eyes! Later, we toured the Anne Frank Huis and heard the bells of the church that she too had heard years ago. It is well worth seeing and imaging slipping behind the bookcase to their secret room.
An early morning wake up call started the next day and we hopped on the train to Hoorn. After arriving at Hotel de Magneet, a quaint hotel with a charming innkeeper, we were met with bikes, 
instructions and maps. The official riding began and we did another 10 mile ride of the country side. With camera in pack, we stopped frequently to remember this new country. It is beautiful and like a storybook!
The next morning came quickly! Ricky and I were the first to wake up and after several trips to the teenager room….we were all ready to ride. With maps in front of us….we began our 40 mile day and took in what Holland has to offer. Lots of water! Locks and draw bridges attended by villagers! Tall grass blowing in the wind! Plenty of sheep and cows! Windmills galore…old and new! And stone bridges perfect for picnics of cheese and chocolate!
The next few days were similar. Different loops to various places, a different picnic site each day, through villages, around villages and above villages on top of mile long dikes. Yes, Holland has done a remarkable job with water management!
After four days, instead of looping, we relocated to Bergen (pronounced- Bear-gen). We biked while Van Gogh transported our luggage and again enjoyed discovering each village along the route and biking at our own pace! You can do it too! Ask Ricky!
