General Tour Information
Start and finish
All tours start on Saturday afternoon between 12 and 2 PM and end the next Saturday after breakfast or two weeks if you do a two week trip.
The weather
In Holland temperatures vary between 55 and 67°F (13 and 19°C) in spring. Slightly chilly but often nice and warm and perhaps an occasional rainy day. In summer, it is between 68 and 90°F (20 and 30°C) and mostly dry, but there is always the possibility of a rainy day. In Autumn (Fall), temperatures are between 65 and 77°F (18 and 25°C) . There is often an Indian Summer in September, and it can also still be very nice in October.
The further south you go south in Europe, the warmer it gets. That is why the weather is about the same in Belgium, but most of the time a few degrees warmer. In France, the summer lasts longer: between May and October it can be very nice, between 68 and 86°F (20 and 30°C)
The roads
You will cycle mainly on paved roads. Holland has bike paths everywhere; so does Belgium in most areas (in some places, the paths are cobbled). In France, most tracks are paved, but sometimes you will bike on the same road as the cars do. Holland is flat, with a few small hills, whereas in Belgium there are more hills, but the going is still easy. In France, the landscape gets hillier, and you might choose to walk some small distances with your bike if the slope is too steep.
What to pack
As well as packing personal things, most cyclists cycle in bike clothes and wear a bike helmet. This is all up to you, though on the hillier tracks it is safer to wear a helmet. We have a few extra helmets on the boat, just in case you forgot to bring your own. It is wise to bring your rain gear (there is always the possibility of rain) and also your bathing suit, in case we find a nice place to swim. Also a nice sweater for cold evenings is comfortable.
Electricity
Electricity on the boat and on the shore is 220 volt, so you might need an adapter. We have a hairdryer you can use.
First Aid
We have a first-aid box on the boat, in case you get injured, as well as ice packs to cool your joints. Our cycle guide has a first-aid kit in case something happens on the road.
Do you have any special needs or wishes as regards your medical condition or health? Let us know, and we will take all possible precautions.
Our bikes
We have well maintained 21-speed bicycles on our boat: you get a bike that fits your size. Our bikes have handbrakes. You also get a pannier, a water bottle and a lock for your bike. Our guide carries the necessary bike-repair equipment during the tour and takes care of the bicycles. We give you a small repair set if you prefer to cycle on your own. You can bring your own pedals or saddle. If there is something else that you need, we can also visit a bike shop on the way. If you would like to cycle on a different bicycle like a tandem or one with footbrakes, we can hire it for you, but there may be some extra costs involved. We do everything we can on board (and on land) to make your stay comfortable.
On board we also have two electric bikes just in case you find the cycling too strenuous. These can be reserved in advance or rented on board. First in, first served.
Laundry Service
Everyone knows that getting your laundry done while travelling can be a hassle. We lighten that burden, just give us your laundry in the morning and get it back the same or following day, freshly laundered. All you have to do is hang out the laundry on the midship and you can enjoy your clean clothes again.
