We woke to engines and sailed to Volendam, beginning a 50 km ride through canals, locks, and villages like Edam and Monnickendam. Highlights included swans by the path, a tiny ferry crossing, and quiet fietsstraat roads. We finished at crowded Zaanse Schans before a scenic evening sail, steak dinner, and sunset views.
Tag Archives: travel
Europe 2026 – Day 8 – Hoorn to Enkhuizen
We cycled 51 km through Dutch countryside, passing canals, turbines, greenhouses, and our first tulip fields. After a phone mishap and mid-ride adjustments, we explored Medemblik, where a WWII memorial honours fallen RAF crews. Despite fatigue and photo frustrations, a simple reboot restored my images—ending the day on a relieved note.
Europe 2026 – Day 7 – Amsterdam to Hoorn by Barge
We left Amsterdam by barge to begin the second part of our trip by sailing to the beautiful golden age city of Hoorn. Tomorrow we ride.
Europe 2026 – Day 6 – Amsterdam
We split into three groups: some to Alkmaar’s cheese auction, others exploring Amsterdam. Alina and I cycled 44 km across canals, bridges, and new neighbourhoods, visiting markets, museums, and landmarks. Despite wind and rain, the ride revealed the city’s remarkable cycling infrastructure before we regrouped for our final dinner before our cruise.
Europe 2026 – Day 6 – Guest Blog – Dayle
This is the link to Lisa and Alina’s day. David, Wayne and Dayle took an early train from Sloterdijkdirectly to Alkmaar, where the quite narrow streets were starting to fill with Good Friday tourists. The Alkmaar Cheese Market is the oldest and largest in the Netherlands. The tradition continues since Alkmaar had its first cheese scale in 1365. GoodContinue reading “Europe 2026 – Day 6 – Guest Blog – Dayle”
Europe 2026 – Day 4 – Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague
Journey through Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague, uncovering the city’s role in WWII and its transformation into a hub of innovation and sustainability. Experience the blend of past resilience and modern vibrancy that defines these Dutch cities.
Europe 2026 – Trip Overview
On March 30, I will be travelling to Europe for 23 days with friends from BikeBrampton. We’re starting with an eight day Bike and Barge tour in the Netherlands, after five days exploring Amsterdam’s museums and nearby cities. After the cruise, some return home while others continue to explore Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and Germany before flying home together.
Montreal and Véloroute Gourmande – Days 11, 12 & Cost
A leisurely 31 km ride led us through Montreal’s calm streets to Jean Talon Market, lush linear parks, and iconic Fairmount Bagel. We explored repurposed streets, colourful murals, bustling pedestrian zones, and waterfront views before tackling the steep climb back to the Oratory. A full day of food, art, green spaces, and discovery.
Montreal and Véloroute Gourmande – Day 10
Lisa and Cindy cycle a relaxed loop through Montreal’s canals while their friends rest. They navigate a flat tire, enjoy scenic multi-use paths with autumn foliage, and stop for lunch at a café. Later they ride through LaSalle and Verdun’s bike-friendly streets, and climb up to the basilica — only to get locked inside unexpectedly.
Montreal and Véloroute Gourmande – Day 9
We enjoyed the best hotel breakfast yet at the whimsical Days Inn Berthierville before setting out on a cool, sunny ride along the St. Lawrence. Smooth roads, fall colours, and a light tailwind made for effortless cycling—until another flat delayed us an hour. Crossing into Montreal, excellent bike paths led us to Saint Joseph’s Oratory, completing our 520 km journey.