2009 - Netherlands, Germany and Austria Cycle Tour - Greg

The trains were very busy with lots of bikes on board, so we were lucky to get on the train at each of the four changes. However, it was very relaxing once on-board and it was great to chat with fellow cyclists.  We arrived in Regensburg about 4:30pm and booked into the Ibis Hotel, which was very nice and cost €66.   We cycled/walked around Regensburg and found the Danube cycle path. Had a lovely schnitzel and salad for dinner – €12.50 each including a glass of wine. I really liked Regensburg. Back to the hotel at sunset, about 9pm, to ready ourselves and the bikes for our first full day of cycle touring. Looking forward to doing some serious cycling. Bikes packed in like sardines Dom St. Peter Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge) Outdoor dining Part of Town Square Danube Paddle Steamer Sunset on the Danube

Had to get up early to catch the train to Dusseldorf. We arrived in Dusseldorf about 1pm and checked in to the Hotel Ibis Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof (adjacent to the railway station) at 1:15pm and went riding.  Dusseldorf was under reconstruction so not that nice. Although the only canal and riverside area was well worth a look. After half a day, we had seen enough and decided that we should move onto Regensburg in the morning. So we booked tickets at only €24 for the 400-500km train ride – bargain! Canal between Koningsallee (Kings Avenue)

Was up about 6am and walked around the city – a bit grotty before the clean-up crews arrive, but interesting just the same. We then went to the train station and bought a ticket to Dusseldorf and booked a hotel for one night. Back at the hotel I had breaky which was OK but the fruit was not fresh. Later, we had a good ride around Amsterdam which has plenty of old buildings (<>1600) and lots of canals. Boats of every description and water everywhere. Went to Botanical Gardens but they wanted Euro7 to get in, so we gave it a miss and just had a ride around. Stopped at a cafe on a canal boat and had tomato soup and bread and a coffee for lunch. Dinner was a venison dish with veggies and was really nice.  Amsterdam has plenty of canals, bicycles and canal boats Our hotel Part of the bike park at main railway station A houseboat complete with a full garden Traditional Dutch windmill built in the 1800s Cycle bridge to/from NEMO building Many building are held up like this - perha...

The BA Club is very nice with a good selection of food and drinks. I will have a shower before I leave. In the meantime, have to relax and enjoy. Had to relax and enjoy some more as there was a four hour delay due to a plane breakdown on the taxiway. Ended up changing planes and getting into Amsterdam very late. Graham was there waiting for me. The hotel was OK but not good for bike access nor storage so we cut short our stay by one night.

Besi drove me to the Hervey Bay Airport and I was checked in all the way to Amsterdam by 8:35am! Now I don’t have to worry about my bike anymore. I wanted Besi to stay until I left, but it was probably better that she did leave, gives us both a bit of space. The crew from Better Homes and Garden sat next to me at the airport. Had a quiet and uneventful flight to Singapore. Had a great flight from Singapore to London. Was in seat 41K in a B747, which was a great spot all round – there was no seats behind me as it was an exit. I slept well after taking a calmative Besi had recommended. 

 After a couple of bike tours with Graham Watson, my mate from the UK, I was keen to do another one and he suggested Amsterdam to Vienna, so I met him in Amsterdam. My Itinerary