Living the Moment
Netherlands (Friesland): Stage 02 Leiden to Alkmaar 65 Km (Thu 13 July 2023)
Weather: 16⁰C min – 20⁰C max, partly sunny
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way” ~ Walter Hagen
For the past few days I have been dismayed by the weather forecast for the next week or two, but to my delight I awoke this morning to bright sunshine. My rain gear went back into my pannier bags and out came the sunscreen!
Eager to get started on my 65 km ride north to Alkmaar, I was on my bike by 8:15 am joyfully riding along Leiden’s wonderfully bicycle paths being careful to avoid the multitude of other cyclists weaving in all directions. It occurred to me that I was the only rider wearing cycling gear and a helmet (not compulsory or necessary in the Netherlands).
For most of the journey the scenery was pleasant, rather than spectacular, and the few towns I passed through were unremarkable. But don’t get me wrong, it was one of the most enjoyable days of riding I can remember.
It was a matter of just living the moment … savouring the sunshine, the gentle breeze blowing in my face, the fluffy white clouds … but most of all enjoying gliding along effortlessly on silky smooth bicycle lanes and off-road paths.
My one disappointment was that the tulip season finishes in May, so the famous Keukenhof Gardens (home to 7 million tulips) was closed. Nevertheless, there were several nearby fields full of sunflowers, as well as gladioli that Dame Edna would have envied.
Alkmaar, where I am staying tonight, is a sheer delight, with it’s picturesque canals, hidden courtyards, and lots of outdoor cafes and restaurants. As luck happens, the Alkmaar cheese market starts at 10 am every Friday. This is a very popular tourist attraction where visitors can see cheese carriers in traditional costumes carrying large rounds of cheese and participate in cheese tastings. I think I may have to delay my ride to Den Oever tomorrow!
Haarlem was unremarkable? You could not have gone through there! Better than Alkmaar. 🙂
I stayed in Harlem last year and loved it, one of my favourite towns. This year I bypassed it and am staying in Alkmaar which is OK.
I see what you mean about the enviable gladioli – amazing, as are the sunflowers! Beautiful horses, and fawns. Everything looks so neat, not a leaf out of place – very house/garden/town proud people.