March 5: Haarlem

It’s rest week so today’s ride is supposed to be 2-4 hours, low effort. Going to the sea on the far side of Haarlem was slightly more than 4 hours according to Komoot, so the only question is which of those guidelines is getting missed?

I was really keen to not have a repeat of last weekend’s cold so I overcompensated: the coat was too much but two layers of gloves worked nicely.

The ride itself was uneventful - it’s Dutch cyclepaths all the way there, it’s as smooth as you would expect. I got to the beach on the far side of Haarlem with no drama. There’s quite a few people here even though it’s early spring, so it must be packed in the summer.

Most of the gear arrived this week, so this is actually the first ride with it: here’s a photo.

I’m keen to get familiar with the kit so I’ve fitted the bags I’ll be taking: this picture shows pretty much how I’ll be travelling.

There’s a roll-up bag under the handlebars; currently empty. There’s a big triangular bag in the frame which has a small upper compartment where I’ve stashed a banana and a few Snickers bars. On the back I only have a single pannier, which is mostly filled with a very old and very thick coat.

The pedals are still flats, suitable for mountainbiking - I’ve ordered some with toestraps but they haven’t arrived yet. Also waiting for the new tyres…

There’s not much else: caught up with some friends for cake, missed a rainstorm, got home slightly before 4 hours was up - but I didn’t push to beat the deadline! I think just was faster than Komoot’s time estimate, which is very good news… because according to Komoot the European Divide route can’t comfortably be done in the time I have.