Shout out to Mark Wagenbuur of Bicycle Dutch. He has posted a treasure trove of knowledge that has helped me in many of my videos. Especially this one. bicycledutch.wordpress.com/
Only Den bosch and Utrecht stand out for mark oh and his candytravels ofcourse. He forget the rest of his province even the trendsetting city Breda witch is in his backyeard LOL
@@BicycleDutch Thanks. I did my best to keep all my flights legal including license, training and consulting airspace restriction maps. map.godrone.nl/#loc=52.0907678,5.1103995,14.323595692010946
This is a real phenomenon, no one understands it. You go somewhere and have the wind come from the front, you go back later that day and the same thing happens..
The best thing of autumn in NL is the headwind plus a mix of rain and hail on a bike. Best facial treatment, and great prelude to have a hot cup of coffee (one cookie only!) at home.
I hear that. I want to visit Utrecht but I would love to live in the Netherlands Utrecht seems like it's my kinda place honestly. I absolutely loved Amsterdam. The hotel was amazing. The people are so nice to me that it made me want to be extra nice to them. Kindness is catchy...who knew. The food is spectacular. I want to foster that kind of Dutch living in America. I was thoroughly impressed with the Netherlands. I prefer to visit places when it's not overly touristy at that moment. I also prefer to stay in hotels not Airbnb or hostels. I just think homes should be for people living there.
I swear there are roads in the Netherlands where you will always, always, always have the wind against you. You could go in a circle there and always have the wind in your face. The effect is stronger when you are late for work or school.
So true. I remember my rides to school. Always wind against me going to school and back home. Not to mention all storms... so many storms... while cycling next to the water. Plenty of kids ended up in the 'sloot'
Cycling all over the place on a beat up bike is probably the most authentic Dutch experience you can get. :D We've all done that. The only thing missing is getting soaked to your skin in a random summer storm.
I absolutely did that on my trip. The beat up bike is the only rental I could find. I wanted to rent a Gazelle Bike like the one I have at home. I thought Gazelle is a Dutch company I should use a bike from them.
This, and perhaps adjust the saddle hight so your legs don't have to bend that much causing it to use less energy when cycling. Rule of thumb is to place the side of the saddle at hip hight for the ideal hight. It may feel a little high if you have to get off and back on a lot, but for long distances it definitely helps.
Wees blij dat je weg bent want de hele infrastructuur wordt om zeep geholpen door de gemeente. Alles wordt betaald parkeren en de hele stad wordt een 30km zone. Alle twee baans wegen weg naar een stadsboulevard.
@@wimvanderwerf1912 En dat vindt @Harrypjotter7 misschien toch fijn? Dat maakt wel de stad aangenamer, groener en veiliger, vooral voor fietsers en voetgangers (en iedereen is toch ook voetganger, en het grootste aandeel Utrechters fietst dagelijks). De auto gebruikt een minderheid van de mensen, dus veel ruimte aan de auto geven is ook niet verstandig. En het is ook bewezen dat je met 30km niet langzamer tot je bestemming komt, maar wel veiliger en schoner. Dus toch niet zo erg wat je beschrijft, en hetzelfde wordt nu trouwens uitgevoerd ook in de rest van Europa.
@@wimvanderwerf1912 Heerlijk toch. Gare straten zoals de kanaalstraat en amsterdamsestraatweg worden veel leefbaarder, loopbaarder, gezelliger. De ring west heeft een paar nieuwe klote"rotondes". Ik rijd daar vaak overheen en vind ze als automobilist vreselijk irritant. Maar al met al vind ik de stad een stuk leefbaarder doordat er veel minder auto's zijn. Elke "nudge" die auto rijden niet onmogelijk maakt, maar wel meer ontmoedigd juich ik toe!
I'm often go for work to Utrecht and it might be my favorite Dutch city. Not too big, not too touristy, a lot of different restaurants/shops and good transportation.
2:42 Nijntje is known as Miffy in the English speaking world and goes by many names all over the planet. Nijntje is shoort for konijntje or little rabbit and creator Dick Bruna was from Utrecht. There is also the Nijntje pleintje, a little square somewhat hidden in the city center.
Correct. This is 1 of the 3 places where you can see some pi3ces of the old castle. The other ones are in parking garage P5 and in the bike parking Vredenburg. Although the castle was there less than 50 years, some 5 centuries ago, it still bears the name. At 2:17 your finger points to a spot where there used to be an open air bike parking with a fountain made out of remnants of the castle as well.
I spent 3 days here on my trip last year. It's seriously one of my favorite Dutch cities...no cities *period*. It's a brilliant mix of old architecture with intelligent city planning all while feeling like a old student city. And yeah not gonna lie, I'm impressed how far you've taken that dutch bike! It's no joke pedaling one of those for distance rides.
Iron rule every Dutchie knows from an early age : when riding a bike you *always* have headwind. Going to school : headwind. Going home from school : headwind. Going to work : headwind. Going home from work : headwind. And not just headwind, but always a stiff breeze. And some rain or sleet thrown in if you are lucky. Well, 'we aren't made of sugar'.
False. I rode my bike to school for 7 years, 12.5km one way) and sometimes had headwind (or rain or hail or snow or all three), but just as often wind pushing me forward or from the side. ; ) On the 25th of january 1990 I had a severe storm from the side though! I had to dodge branches broken off from trees and was sometimes almost blown off my bike. Somewhere during the 80's it was minus 10 degrees celsius outside with a strong wind making it feel really cold. But these two examples were exceptions...
On my current long distance bike commute in Buffalo NY (32 miles RT) I am super lucky that the prevailing winds are in my favor. Most morning the wind is low and then I head south-west to work. during more days the wind picks up and is usually North-east. With a little luck I get a nice push to help get me home. Sometimes the wind pattern reverses... not my favorite ride days.
Hi, welcome to my home town. 1:50 Your assumption is actually correct. It is part of the old walls of Vredenburg Castle. During the rebuild they found quite a lot of old canal walls and even foundations of an old wooden crane. The only thing they chose to have visible was that part of the wall. 3:30 You might be the first I don't oly hear giving the main lot number but an aproximation of all parking spaces. Knowing all the locations at and in the direct surroundings (less than 3 minute walking) I would say 33k is a low estimate but certainly not unrealistic. City has thrown several numbers out over the years and I don't think they actually really know.
No wonder they found old walls, as they "undergrounded" the original canal Fun fact: my father was one of the original people laying the foundation of the street and undergrounding the canal (actually gracht).
I've been loving this tour. As a relatively recent immigrant to the Netherlands, this is a nice recap of some of my early experiences and realizations.
About windy: If you travel around 20 km/h (13 mph), which is normal, you would need to have a wind of at least 20kmh to feel a push in the back from said wind. Any slower wionds will always seem to blow against you. The average windspeen in the NEtherlands varies from 8kmh inland to 20kmh in coastal areas. So you pretty much have the wind working against you almost all the time.
Besides the central bike garage there are also small bike storage facilities in the city itself. Usually they are converted shops, but in Vredenburg there is a second underground bike garage. They also work with the OV Chipkaart. So if you're not keen on walking from the station to your destination in the city, you can often find a bike garage less than 5 minutes walking from your destination.
You are so right about the wind! I have been to NL on a number of occasions from my home in the UK, and people back home always think I am lazy because I choose to cycle in such a flat country - but my experiences cycling in Zeeland and also along the Oosterscheldekering were so tough I almost gave up. I'd rather cycle up a mountain pass any day! What amazed me though - particularly in Zeeland - was that I would get overtaken by old people or schoolkids on battered bikes, as they were so used to riding against such strong winds that they obviously found it a lot easier than me. No wonder the Dutch have calves of steel!
I really enjoyed this series. I will be moving to the Netherlands in a few months and I´m very much looking forward to doing these kind of trips myself!
It's a pretty minor interaction but the fact that the attendant at the bike parking facility remembered you from the day before is so cool. I feel like especially in America, you don't have as many opportunities to form those types of day to day connections with strangers when 90% of commutes outside of major cities revolve around you driving alone from point A to B. It's like you're existing around thousands of other people in their own individual cars yet you're directly interacting with none of them. It's so soulless.
Thanks for the wonderful biketrips you show us. I love our countryside, but somehow we take it for granted. You make me aware of it again for what we have. Unfortunately day 5, from Utrecht back to Amsterdam, you probly missed the ride along the most beautiful river De Vecht passing Maarssen, Mijdrecht, Loenen, Vreeland. Picturesque, flowers al along the way and the best Dutch countryside you could imagine. Perhaps for your next trip to Holland. (Hollow lands 😉) Thanks again!👍🏻
Een Franse vriend, linguïst, vertelde mij dat hol te maken heeft met hout. We reden door het land en vaak wees hij me op plaatsnamen gelieerd aan bos dat er vroeger was. Dat terwijl hij geen Nederlands sprak.
It is primarily a training institute for financial, commercial science. Unfortunately, people are also delivered here with little other insight than that. Quite a few of these ladies and gentlemen end up in positions where their limited insights also do a lot of damage. Especially when they set themselves up as beancounters. For the Dutch here: in health care (the insurers!) you can find these folks too. 🤨
@@grewdpastor You just described all higher education, but I get what you are saying. Nyenrode graduates are just that extra clueless technocratic suffering from Dunning-Kruger.
Haha that rattling chain reminded me of riding to school on my bike everyday as a teenager. An authentic experience for sure. Too bad you didn't get to experience the (relatively) smooth and effortless ride when you finally do get around to maintaining your bike.
My father was one of the people that worked on undergrounding that canal (gracht) They just reversed what was done in the early 70's. The cycling was never an issue, but parking bikes was (and parking cars too) The new center is coming together, but I still mourn the "Old center" I got to know growing up The remodeling took way top long and the old city center charm has been completely destroyed (although "Hoog Catherijne" was in serious decay and becoming dangerous place to be, certainly at night. The rest of the center (Vredenburg, Neude, Oude gracht) had a certain charm which due to the remodeling has been destroyed (but slowly coming back I hear, as I no longer live in Utrecht).
I don't think I've seen that many changes to Neude and Oude gracht in the past 20 years, so not sure when it's charm was "destroyed"? Vredenburg has changed a lot though
The video showed that you were not able to stretch your leg while riding the bike. If you ride a bike, you should be able to stretch your legs. Sitting on the bike seat and the pedal in low position the distance must be wide enough to stretch your leg. If not you lose a lot of energy and it causes muscle pain. It makes it also a lot harder to bike with headwind
Maastricht is another very interesting city. And the south of the province of Limburg is called Heuvelland (hill land). For me the most beautiful region of the Netherlands. Around Epen Vijlen is a must see.
Utrecht is the hub of the Netherlands, almost all trains lead there or at least through there. I wouldnt be against it being our capital city, but that designation would probably ruin it like Amsterdam (the whole weed thing)
Thanks for explaining to non local viewers about "Verse Boeren Lucht" (that's what my uncle used to call it). Cow manure freshly spread on fields... you definitely know you are in the country when you smell that. Pig manure is extra nasty and pungent. That is also more toxic with methane emissions and it's required to be immediately plowed under. That's when you see a tank being pulled by a tractor our front and another tractor right behind, tilling the soil. That makes the cow smell seem lovely and mild in comparison.
The "NK Tegenwindfietsen" is the annual open Dutch Championship that takes place during a storm (wind force 7 or higher) over the Oosterscheldekering over a distance of approximately 9 kilometers. The cyclists cycle against the wind on men's bicycles without gears and with coaster brakes provided by the organization. If a storm is approaching, the championship is announced three days in advance and people can register. 200 individual cyclists can participate. Participants start thirty seconds apart and the one with the fastest time wins.
I rode from Utrecht city center to Maarssen today, out and back within 1 Hr, I'm 100% convinced I rode in to a head wind the entire way!!! There's a reason wind is described as Dutch Hills here.
That shitbox is indeed the authentic experience. My shitbox of choice does not have gears or hub dynamo which makes it a lot easier to drive, but the kind of semi-broken bike you used is what most people use around here. Nice video series!
The windmill at 09:22 is called the 'Broekzijdse molen', build in 1641 and one of the windmills near the river 'Het Gein' that was painted by a guy called Piet Mondriaan.
9:11 these moments always make you think you are not in 1 of the most densely populated countries in the world (top 10 if you discount all the city states), but you are. 🙂
Yeah it’s moments that I realize we could fit more people if we wanted, but it would remove either general nature or agriculture. If we remove some farmland we can fit a hell lot of people and houses.
@@CobisTaba Their are a bunch of what ifs: we can build more land, we've done it before (that said the government has no experts anymore, but the mistake is starting to be understood), people talking about moving Schiphol to the North Sea. Or even a bigger project, building a huge dam to make the whole North Sea into land, cheaper than building lots of dams to block the sea level rise in the coming 100s of years. But more likely a lot of agriculture for live stock will go away if the prices of lab grown meat keeps coming down as it has in the past and happened with many new technologies. And agriculture for livestock takes up 22 times more land than agriculture for crops. Not to mention we can often be more efficient with crops as well, glastuinbouw (greenhouses). It depends on if we can make it economical of course.
Hahaha, that headwind surely can be devastating. Did you know there was a championship riding your bike against the wind in the Netherlands? (NK Tegenwindfietsen). It will take place when there's a storm with a wind force 7 (dunno if these measurements mean the same in other countries, but it means a wind force of about 50-60 KmpH). It's fun to check out just for the video's of it already, some people purposely choose a 'lemon' of a bike to compete with. 😂🍋
I actually used to drive my car in Utrecht where there is water now. For sure that change is for the better. And I also happened to study at the Breukelen castle you past, It hosts a business school (fun fact: back then the notorious student bar in the castle's dungeon below the moat line enjoyed the highest beer consumption per square meter in the Netherlands). But yes, annoying wind coming from the West is a daily thing as a Dutch biker.
The castle you saw is "Nijenrode". It was first mentioned around 1260 AD, so it is very old, but during the centuries, many additions and rebuildings have taken place. It acquired its current shape and appearance during a major renovation around 1860. Unfortunately, you cannot visit it because it is owned by a foundation. Today, it is a business university. Access to the beautiful 60-hectare park around it is limited. You should get information from the university before going there.
Good videio! To my taste you cycled on the wrong side of the Vecht from Utrecht to Amsterdam, since on the side you were riding houses are always in between you and the Vecht. I cycle the other side at least once a week year round, I absolutely love it. Also if you cycle these distances take a more sporty bike with tyres with higher pressure, but also springs, or get an electric assisted bike. It will make it a bit more comfortable (if you are not into speed cycling), which will make it a bit more enjoyable for you.
if you go long distance, make sure you mention that to the bike rental, demanding an absolute top quality bike, and not anyone that will do for a tourist doing 10km it's more fun having good equipment
8:51 No, it's not a lot of the time, the wind is ALWAYS blowing against you, no matter which direction you are biking. It's one of those mythical quirks of the Netherlands.
I used to work in Utrecht for a bit. Cycling directly from the next intercity train stop over, Amersfoort, was just as fast for me as taking public transport (bicycle, train, bus (or walk)). I arrived in a better mood at the office by bike, albeit a bit sweaty.
Fantastic (drone)shots of so many places I know so well. I lived in Haarlem before returning to Amsterdam, and it's great to see and hear your opinion about the cyclepaths I'm using daily. And ofcourse these are very interesting videos to watch; completely enjoyed it!
You should get a museum pass the next time you are in the Netherlands. You can get into most museum with it (like the Nijtje museum, speelklok, Catharijneconvent or the Dutch army museum)
The ruins are mostly the city walls. If you look at the map, you see that Utrecht has a defensive shape. It is an old city! There were walls within the canals and gates used as entrances. The ruins are what is left of the walls
Nic, this video talks about bringing the water back due to political pushback, but there are also reasons we bring back water due to safety issues we have regarding the climate changing. One of those projects was in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands and also where project marketgarden took place. They destroyed half of the town of lent at the opposite side of the river of Nijmegen ; to create space for the water. The project has been a huge succes, with creating extra beaches, and no more flooding. I have allot of foreign friend and I tend to show them around in Nijmegen. You are welcome to come too.
wow wow wow! No lying on the Internets! Das ist verboten! Voorburg is the oldest city in the Netherlands. Founded by the Romans and it has the very first canal, de "Vliet" also designed by the Romans. Not build, no no, they had.. we'll eehhmm, people for that?!
Just a little piece of advice: When you are bicyclen such large distances..., please rent an electrical bicycle. Even with wind against it still is a pleasurable ride. And no - common myth - electrical bicycles are not only for the elderly. Why would you push all day long, while you can have a hand on your back that pushes you against the wind. It is so much more convenient! Thanks for your comments about Utrecht (my hometown). In Utrecht you still can find locals ...while in Amsterdam the entire city has been taken over by tourist and you'll never get to see a real 'Amsterdammer'. Regards. Emiel maier
The bikes we rented in Zandvoort were also a little ragged and definitely could have used some more air in the tires. But they were power assist which sort of made up for it on the inclines.
@nicthedoor love your video! It was never a motorway, but I understand the confusion. Even over here people referred to it as 'the shortest motorway in The Netherlands', but the speed limit was always 50 kmh. I know because my driving instructor made me very aware of it! 😁😁
Great video! Little comment: Biking garages are not there because people need a secure place to park their bikes. There isn't enough room on the streets to park and nowadays at certain areas like the centre of Groningen where it is prohibited to park your bike. Any Dutch person just wants to park their bike at the closest of where they need to be. It is beautiful to see that the bicycle is such a succes that it even becomes a problem. A Good problem to have, I say as a car and motorcycle driver it is good that many people use bicycles so the road is mine....whoohahahaha... but for sure it is amazing. The electric bike is a real success and the world can now adopt the bicycle centric system since hills shouldn't be a problem anymore...
It _was_ 12 roads next to each other in the photo you showed, but most other places is was only 4 or 6, I wouldn't call it a '12 lane motorway'. However, it's very nice that they put the canal back.
I agree. And 'motorway' suggests a long stretch of road for high speed traffic. That really wasn't the case. 'Thouroughfare' might be closer to reality. Still, returning the canal is an improvement.
fun to see you ride through my hometown, and glad you liked the views ^^ the castle you encountered is a well renowned (and expansive) business university, with the campus being one of the castle buildings, and a massive back yard used for hunting back in the days
They are indeed the remnants of the Vredenburg castle. There are several other places you can see them. They have also layed it out in the streets with different colored stones.
8:03 In defense of the chain, your pedal ball bearings were probably rusted. If enough balls get rusty and get ground to dust, the pedal will get crooked and exquisitly squeaky.
1:50: The ruins are the remains of Vredenborch castle. A castle build by the Spaniards in the 16th century but demolished by the Utrecht citizens in the same century during the revolt against the Spaniards in the 80 year war ( 1568-1648)
Maybe it’s good to know that car parking in Utrecht is the third most expensive in the world with tariffs of 6,50 euro p/h, after London and Amsterdam. Also the entire city now has paid car parking. I was born in Utrecht and this was part of the reason I moved out of Utrecht.
Lovely to see Utrecht here! And indeed, a crappy bike is a truely authentic experience. I notice you rode the (Amsterdamse)straatweg - basically road to Amsterdam, built by order of Napoleon. Or at least a long stretch of it. If you ever go again, go along the river Vecht. Back in the day rich people from Utrecht and Amsterdam would have their summer homes there, many of them are still standing. And then go past/through the Loosdrechtse plassen. Longer but prettier route. If you want hills, you need to go east of Utrecht, they go up like to 20-30 meters there easily! ;)
@nicthedoor cool! I was actually born in the north (Friesland) so I'm happy it's on your list! The "Waddeneilanden" are absolutely worth visiting. I recommend Texel (part of North Holland province), Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog (Friesland). It will be windy though! 😉
Ah yes.. the wind. "They" aer as the song goes, "the Dutch mountains" 😉 a song by the Nits, if you are interested. It tells about the ever blowing wind.. The Nits - In The Dutch Mountains
I was out for a bike ride one day just doing the local loop and I was really struggling in the wind, when I got to about half way there were some flags thats when I realised that was the tail wind.
@@Blackadder75 Tell that to my aunt who was born and raised in the beautiful Stationswijk. If you wonder about the quality of the architecture, just look at the townhouses on the Justus van Effenstraat. These were some of the highest quality art nouveau/deco or neo-mannerist homes, not just some run down part of the old town. Not destroyed for some necessary infrastructure project, but for the big-box megastores of Hoog Catharijne, which also destroyed many local small businesses.
In the sixties and seventies much was bulldozed to recreate American infrastructure in The Netherlands. There were not a lot of cities that escaped this unnecessary ruination for highways. Especially cities in Noord Brabant were totally ruined.
7:23 is actually the university of Nyenrode. Which carries high prestige in Netherlands for its business faculty. I am not sure whether you can randomly visit.
Shout out to Mark Wagenbuur of Bicycle Dutch. He has posted a treasure trove of knowledge that has helped me in many of my videos. Especially this one.
bicycledutch.wordpress.com/
Only Den bosch and Utrecht stand out for mark oh and his candytravels ofcourse.
He forget the rest of his province even the trendsetting city Breda witch is in his backyeard LOL
@@dimrrider9133 Why complain about others when you can do it yourself, if you want it that badly. He isn't obliged to cater to everyone :)
@@Wafa21 If i had the time but im always in another country for my work and once a month at home as a greenhousebuilder.
Thank you! You did well! I was only a bit worried about how legal those drone flights are over the city.
@@BicycleDutch Thanks. I did my best to keep all my flights legal including license, training and consulting airspace restriction maps. map.godrone.nl/#loc=52.0907678,5.1103995,14.323595692010946
Dutch wind somehow is intelligent. It always finds a way to blow from the front. 😂
Can confirm 😂
Lol I wish we could feel tailwind as much as we can feel headwind!
This is a real phenomenon, no one understands it. You go somewhere and have the wind come from the front, you go back later that day and the same thing happens..
You look at the weather report… nothern wind. You start cycling south… it’s southern wind…..
The best thing of autumn in NL is the headwind plus a mix of rain and hail on a bike. Best facial treatment, and great prelude to have a hot cup of coffee (one cookie only!) at home.
Your summary of Utrecht is perfect but we like to keep it a secret to keep the tourists in Amsterdam.
Nothing better to improve your cycling skills than a bunch of tourists.
I hear that. I want to visit Utrecht but I would love to live in the Netherlands Utrecht seems like it's my kinda place honestly. I absolutely loved Amsterdam. The hotel was amazing. The people are so nice to me that it made me want to be extra nice to them. Kindness is catchy...who knew. The food is spectacular. I want to foster that kind of Dutch living in America. I was thoroughly impressed with the Netherlands. I prefer to visit places when it's not overly touristy at that moment. I also prefer to stay in hotels not Airbnb or hostels. I just think homes should be for people living there.
I swear there are roads in the Netherlands where you will always, always, always have the wind against you. You could go in a circle there and always have the wind in your face.
The effect is stronger when you are late for work or school.
So true. I remember my rides to school. Always wind against me going to school and back home. Not to mention all storms... so many storms... while cycling next to the water. Plenty of kids ended up in the 'sloot'
It’s because you cycle so fast!
I threw my bicycle furiously in the ditch so many times! Then pick it up again as I had to get home or school at some point! 😂
Let me guess, you are also bad at rolling dice and it always rains when you leave the house?
When you always have the wind in your face, whatever the direction you're cycling in, is probably because there is no wind at all (windstil)!
Many Dutch have two bikes: a nice shiny long-distance bike, and an old rickety “city bike” that will not get stolen as quick. You caught a city bike!
Cycling all over the place on a beat up bike is probably the most authentic Dutch experience you can get. :D
We've all done that.
The only thing missing is getting soaked to your skin in a random summer storm.
I absolutely did that on my trip. The beat up bike is the only rental I could find. I wanted to rent a Gazelle Bike like the one I have at home. I thought Gazelle is a Dutch company I should use a bike from them.
I suspect the biggest thing it needed was more air in the tires. That’s *always* the most likely culprit, and it really makes a huge difference.
This, and perhaps adjust the saddle hight so your legs don't have to bend that much causing it to use less energy when cycling. Rule of thumb is to place the side of the saddle at hip hight for the ideal hight. It may feel a little high if you have to get off and back on a lot, but for long distances it definitely helps.
8:48 you actually found the famous Dutch mountains.... headwind
I lived here for 22 years, my children are born here. We left the city in end 2015. My heart still cries.
So sorry for you man.
Where did you move?
Wees blij dat je weg bent want de hele infrastructuur wordt om zeep geholpen door de gemeente. Alles wordt betaald parkeren en de hele stad wordt een 30km zone. Alle twee baans wegen weg naar een stadsboulevard.
@@wimvanderwerf1912 En dat vindt @Harrypjotter7 misschien toch fijn? Dat maakt wel de stad aangenamer, groener en veiliger, vooral voor fietsers en voetgangers (en iedereen is toch ook voetganger, en het grootste aandeel Utrechters fietst dagelijks). De auto gebruikt een minderheid van de mensen, dus veel ruimte aan de auto geven is ook niet verstandig. En het is ook bewezen dat je met 30km niet langzamer tot je bestemming komt, maar wel veiliger en schoner. Dus toch niet zo erg wat je beschrijft, en hetzelfde wordt nu trouwens uitgevoerd ook in de rest van Europa.
@@wimvanderwerf1912 Heerlijk toch. Gare straten zoals de kanaalstraat en amsterdamsestraatweg worden veel leefbaarder, loopbaarder, gezelliger. De ring west heeft een paar nieuwe klote"rotondes". Ik rijd daar vaak overheen en vind ze als automobilist vreselijk irritant. Maar al met al vind ik de stad een stuk leefbaarder doordat er veel minder auto's zijn. Elke "nudge" die auto rijden niet onmogelijk maakt, maar wel meer ontmoedigd juich ik toe!
As a born Dutchman, I must say I really enjoy your videos! You show everything I already know, but with a fresh look at it. Great stuff, keep at it!
biking with a crooked bike that's the dutch experience
Ahhh my home town Utrecht. I left many years ago but Utreg will never leave me!
I'm often go for work to Utrecht and it might be my favorite Dutch city. Not too big, not too touristy, a lot of different restaurants/shops and good transportation.
It's the less touristic mini-Amsterdam.
Saturday in the centre it's really touristy
2:42 Nijntje is known as Miffy in the English speaking world and goes by many names all over the planet. Nijntje is shoort for konijntje or little rabbit and creator Dick Bruna was from Utrecht. There is also the Nijntje pleintje, a little square somewhat hidden in the city center.
Recommendation when parking: take a picture of where you've left the bike, both the row number and the spot on the row. They are all numbered.
Spot on: some remnants of Vredenburg castle.
Correct. This is 1 of the 3 places where you can see some pi3ces of the old castle. The other ones are in parking garage P5 and in the bike parking Vredenburg.
Although the castle was there less than 50 years, some 5 centuries ago, it still bears the name.
At 2:17 your finger points to a spot where there used to be an open air bike parking with a fountain made out of remnants of the castle as well.
I spent 3 days here on my trip last year. It's seriously one of my favorite Dutch cities...no cities *period*. It's a brilliant mix of old architecture with intelligent city planning all while feeling like a old student city. And yeah not gonna lie, I'm impressed how far you've taken that dutch bike! It's no joke pedaling one of those for distance rides.
Iron rule every Dutchie knows from an early age : when riding a bike you *always* have headwind.
Going to school : headwind. Going home from school : headwind.
Going to work : headwind. Going home from work : headwind.
And not just headwind, but always a stiff breeze. And some rain or sleet thrown in if you are lucky.
Well, 'we aren't made of sugar'.
True. I rode my bike to school for 5 years,13 km one way) and always had headwind (or rain or hail or snow or all three). Ah, to be young again.
False. I rode my bike to school for 7 years, 12.5km one way) and sometimes had headwind (or rain or hail or snow or all three), but just as often wind pushing me forward or from the side. ; ) On the 25th of january 1990 I had a severe storm from the side though! I had to dodge branches broken off from trees and was sometimes almost blown off my bike. Somewhere during the 80's it was minus 10 degrees celsius outside with a strong wind making it feel really cold. But these two examples were exceptions...
@@borchen0 Well, there are exceptions to every rule. But they are sparse and far between.
On my current long distance bike commute in Buffalo NY (32 miles RT) I am super lucky that the prevailing winds are in my favor. Most morning the wind is low and then I head south-west to work. during more days the wind picks up and is usually North-east. With a little luck I get a nice push to help get me home. Sometimes the wind pattern reverses... not my favorite ride days.
Hi, welcome to my home town.
1:50 Your assumption is actually correct. It is part of the old walls of Vredenburg Castle. During the rebuild they found quite a lot of old canal walls and even foundations of an old wooden crane. The only thing they chose to have visible was that part of the wall.
3:30 You might be the first I don't oly hear giving the main lot number but an aproximation of all parking spaces. Knowing all the locations at and in the direct surroundings (less than 3 minute walking) I would say 33k is a low estimate but certainly not unrealistic. City has thrown several numbers out over the years and I don't think they actually really know.
No wonder they found old walls, as they "undergrounded" the original canal Fun fact: my father was one of the original people laying the foundation of the street and undergrounding the canal (actually gracht).
I've been loving this tour. As a relatively recent immigrant to the Netherlands, this is a nice recap of some of my early experiences and realizations.
About windy:
If you travel around 20 km/h (13 mph), which is normal, you would need to have a wind of at least 20kmh to feel a push in the back from said wind. Any slower wionds will always seem to blow against you.
The average windspeen in the NEtherlands varies from 8kmh inland to 20kmh in coastal areas. So you pretty much have the wind working against you almost all the time.
How did I never realize this
Besides the central bike garage there are also small bike storage facilities in the city itself. Usually they are converted shops, but in Vredenburg there is a second underground bike garage. They also work with the OV Chipkaart.
So if you're not keen on walking from the station to your destination in the city, you can often find a bike garage less than 5 minutes walking from your destination.
I used one of those, until I found a spot in the office where I could park my bike (in a bathtub :D)
You are so right about the wind! I have been to NL on a number of occasions from my home in the UK, and people back home always think I am lazy because I choose to cycle in such a flat country - but my experiences cycling in Zeeland and also along the Oosterscheldekering were so tough I almost gave up. I'd rather cycle up a mountain pass any day!
What amazed me though - particularly in Zeeland - was that I would get overtaken by old people or schoolkids on battered bikes, as they were so used to riding against such strong winds that they obviously found it a lot easier than me. No wonder the Dutch have calves of steel!
Mannekenpis is named after the Belgium little hero and the name is in fact Flemish :) Great video.
I really enjoyed this series. I will be moving to the Netherlands in a few months and I´m very much looking forward to doing these kind of trips myself!
Welcome! Be sure to check the weather because outside of sunmer time there can be quite a lot of rain and nasty weather here ;)
The drone shots up high and following you are amazing!
It's a pretty minor interaction but the fact that the attendant at the bike parking facility remembered you from the day before is so cool. I feel like especially in America, you don't have as many opportunities to form those types of day to day connections with strangers when 90% of commutes outside of major cities revolve around you driving alone from point A to B. It's like you're existing around thousands of other people in their own individual cars yet you're directly interacting with none of them. It's so soulless.
Thanks for the wonderful biketrips you show us. I love our countryside, but somehow we take it for granted. You make me aware of it again for what we have.
Unfortunately day 5, from Utrecht back to Amsterdam, you probly missed the ride along the most beautiful river De Vecht passing Maarssen, Mijdrecht, Loenen, Vreeland. Picturesque, flowers al along the way and the best Dutch countryside you could imagine. Perhaps for your next trip to Holland. (Hollow lands 😉)
Thanks again!👍🏻
Een Franse vriend, linguïst, vertelde mij dat hol te maken heeft met hout. We reden door het land en vaak wees hij me op plaatsnamen gelieerd aan bos dat er vroeger was. Dat terwijl hij geen Nederlands sprak.
That castle (7:23) is Nyenrode Business University. A school for the elite.
... my wife is an elite? It is our oldest private university.
A very expensive way to have your kids taught how to eat with knife and fork.
@@steveman1982Lets be honest, neyenrode is for the upper class in the Netherlands. Not the 0,01% or something, but definitely not for everyone.
It is primarily a training institute for financial, commercial science. Unfortunately, people are also delivered here with little other insight than that. Quite a few of these ladies and gentlemen end up in positions where their limited insights also do a lot of damage. Especially when they set themselves up as beancounters.
For the Dutch here: in health care (the insurers!) you can find these folks too. 🤨
@@grewdpastor You just described all higher education, but I get what you are saying. Nyenrode graduates are just that extra clueless technocratic suffering from Dunning-Kruger.
Haha that rattling chain reminded me of riding to school on my bike everyday as a teenager. An authentic experience for sure.
Too bad you didn't get to experience the (relatively) smooth and effortless ride when you finally do get around to maintaining your bike.
My father was one of the people that worked on undergrounding that canal (gracht)
They just reversed what was done in the early 70's. The cycling was never an issue, but parking bikes was (and parking cars too)
The new center is coming together, but I still mourn the "Old center" I got to know growing up The remodeling took way top long and the old city center charm has been completely destroyed (although "Hoog Catherijne" was in serious decay and becoming dangerous place to be, certainly at night. The rest of the center (Vredenburg, Neude, Oude gracht) had a certain charm which due to the remodeling has been destroyed (but slowly coming back I hear, as I no longer live in Utrecht).
I don't think I've seen that many changes to Neude and Oude gracht in the past 20 years, so not sure when it's charm was "destroyed"? Vredenburg has changed a lot though
@@jlammetje not so much changes, but due to all reconstruction a lot less visitors. The cozyness disappeared because of that.
@2:02 this belonged to an old Roman settlement. Under the cathedral “Dom” you will find more about this history
The ducks and geese are very "tell me you're in the Netherlands without saying you're in the Netherlands"
The video showed that you were not able to stretch your leg while riding the bike.
If you ride a bike, you should be able to stretch your legs.
Sitting on the bike seat and the pedal in low position the distance must be wide enough to stretch your leg.
If not you lose a lot of energy and it causes muscle pain.
It makes it also a lot harder to bike with headwind
Maastricht is another very interesting city.
And the south of the province of Limburg is called Heuvelland (hill land). For me the most beautiful region of the Netherlands.
Around Epen Vijlen is a must see.
Utrecht is the hub of the Netherlands, almost all trains lead there or at least through there. I wouldnt be against it being our capital city, but that designation would probably ruin it like Amsterdam (the whole weed thing)
It’s so fun to recognise some of these locations where I’ve cycled myself!
5:07 _Fiets_ is in fact the singular form, despite ending in an S. The plural is _fietsen,_ similarly _bakfietsen_ or _OV-fietsen._
Thanks for explaining to non local viewers about "Verse Boeren Lucht" (that's what my uncle used to call it). Cow manure freshly spread on fields... you definitely know you are in the country when you smell that. Pig manure is extra nasty and pungent. That is also more toxic with methane emissions and it's required to be immediately plowed under. That's when you see a tank being pulled by a tractor our front and another tractor right behind, tilling the soil. That makes the cow smell seem lovely and mild in comparison.
This reminds me when I walked back (drunk ofc) from Amsterdam to Utrecht (made it to Breukelen) 😂 lovely canal to walk by
The "NK Tegenwindfietsen" is the annual open Dutch Championship that takes place during a storm (wind force 7 or higher) over the Oosterscheldekering over a distance of approximately 9 kilometers.
The cyclists cycle against the wind on men's bicycles without gears and with coaster brakes provided by the organization. If a storm is approaching, the championship is announced three days in advance and people can register.
200 individual cyclists can participate. Participants start thirty seconds apart and the one with the fastest time wins.
I rode from Utrecht city center to Maarssen today, out and back within 1 Hr, I'm 100% convinced I rode in to a head wind the entire way!!! There's a reason wind is described as Dutch Hills here.
Thid was part of the "Singel" which connected to the Vecht. Rivers.
That shitbox is indeed the authentic experience. My shitbox of choice does not have gears or hub dynamo which makes it a lot easier to drive, but the kind of semi-broken bike you used is what most people use around here. Nice video series!
Pity you did not ride along the Vecht river from Utrecht to Amsterdam. way more beautiful en way calmer than the canal side you chose. Next time?
Am I mistaken or does he ride along the Vecht at some parts of the video?
Isn't that the part from 9:24? Weetikveel.
I know this road well. He rode some parts along the river, other parts along the canal.
The windmill at 09:22 is called the 'Broekzijdse molen', build in 1641 and one of the windmills near the river 'Het Gein' that was painted by a guy called Piet Mondriaan.
I am actually the window washer that helps washing the windows of that bike parking. I also wash the windows at Hoog Catherijne.
Thank you for posting these videos of your tour! Nice to see you enjoy the tour throughout the Netherlands by bike.
9:11 these moments always make you think you are not in 1 of the most densely populated countries in the world (top 10 if you discount all the city states), but you are. 🙂
Yeah it’s moments that I realize we could fit more people if we wanted, but it would remove either general nature or agriculture. If we remove some farmland we can fit a hell lot of people and houses.
@@CobisTaba Their are a bunch of what ifs: we can build more land, we've done it before (that said the government has no experts anymore, but the mistake is starting to be understood), people talking about moving Schiphol to the North Sea. Or even a bigger project, building a huge dam to make the whole North Sea into land, cheaper than building lots of dams to block the sea level rise in the coming 100s of years. But more likely a lot of agriculture for live stock will go away if the prices of lab grown meat keeps coming down as it has in the past and happened with many new technologies. And agriculture for livestock takes up 22 times more land than agriculture for crops. Not to mention we can often be more efficient with crops as well, glastuinbouw (greenhouses). It depends on if we can make it economical of course.
Hahaha, that headwind surely can be devastating. Did you know there was a championship riding your bike against the wind in the Netherlands? (NK Tegenwindfietsen). It will take place when there's a storm with a wind force 7 (dunno if these measurements mean the same in other countries, but it means a wind force of about 50-60 KmpH). It's fun to check out just for the video's of it already, some people purposely choose a 'lemon' of a bike to compete with. 😂🍋
I actually used to drive my car in Utrecht where there is water now. For sure that change is for the better. And I also happened to study at the Breukelen castle you past, It hosts a business school (fun fact: back then the notorious student bar in the castle's dungeon below the moat line enjoyed the highest beer consumption per square meter in the Netherlands).
But yes, annoying wind coming from the West is a daily thing as a Dutch biker.
The castle you saw is "Nijenrode". It was first mentioned around 1260 AD, so it is very old, but during the centuries, many additions and rebuildings have taken place. It acquired its current shape and appearance during a major renovation around 1860.
Unfortunately, you cannot visit it because it is owned by a foundation. Today, it is a business university. Access to the beautiful 60-hectare park around it is limited. You should get information from the university before going there.
Fantastic series of videos! Thank you.
Good videio! To my taste you cycled on the wrong side of the Vecht from Utrecht to Amsterdam, since on the side you were riding houses are always in between you and the Vecht. I cycle the other side at least once a week year round, I absolutely love it. Also if you cycle these distances take a more sporty bike with tyres with higher pressure, but also springs, or get an electric assisted bike. It will make it a bit more comfortable (if you are not into speed cycling), which will make it a bit more enjoyable for you.
This is making me want to try biking across the Netherlands myself. Maybe next year if I can make it.
if you go long distance, make sure you mention that to the bike rental, demanding an absolute top quality bike, and not anyone that will do for a tourist doing 10km
it's more fun having good equipment
@@Blackadder75 the plan was to buy a bike but definitely something I'll keep in mind.
8:51 No, it's not a lot of the time, the wind is ALWAYS blowing against you, no matter which direction you are biking. It's one of those mythical quirks of the Netherlands.
7:30 that is a university!!
I used to work in Utrecht for a bit. Cycling directly from the next intercity train stop over, Amersfoort, was just as fast for me as taking public transport (bicycle, train, bus (or walk)). I arrived in a better mood at the office by bike, albeit a bit sweaty.
Where in Utrecht did you work? As that is not the case everywhere.
I see you found my home town 😊
There used to be more parts of the Vredenburg castle visible in the past, in the area where the Muziekcentrum is now.
Fantastic (drone)shots of so many places I know so well. I lived in Haarlem before returning to Amsterdam, and it's great to see and hear your opinion about the cyclepaths I'm using daily. And ofcourse these are very interesting videos to watch; completely enjoyed it!
You should get a museum pass the next time you are in the Netherlands. You can get into most museum with it (like the Nijtje museum, speelklok, Catharijneconvent or the Dutch army museum)
And yep, those will be foundations of Vredenburg. There’s a bunch of them around the place.
Kasteel Nijenrode, it is used as a school. I love Utrecht and love living in Utrecht
The ruins are mostly the city walls. If you look at the map, you see that Utrecht has a defensive shape. It is an old city! There were walls within the canals and gates used as entrances. The ruins are what is left of the walls
What a beautiful country, LOL the lemon bike yr riding just funny.
Well it wasn't exactly twelve lanes, it was four. And it wasn't a motorway either. Still, what we have now is much better.
Nic, this video talks about bringing the water back due to political pushback, but there are also reasons we bring back water due to safety issues we have regarding the climate changing. One of those projects was in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands and also where project marketgarden took place. They destroyed half of the town of lent at the opposite side of the river of Nijmegen ; to create space for the water.
The project has been a huge succes, with creating extra beaches, and no more flooding. I have allot of foreign friend and I tend to show them around in Nijmegen. You are welcome to come too.
wow wow wow! No lying on the Internets! Das ist verboten! Voorburg is the oldest city in the Netherlands. Founded by the Romans and it has the very first canal, de "Vliet" also designed by the Romans. Not build, no no, they had.. we'll eehhmm, people for that?!
Just a little piece of advice: When you are bicyclen such large distances..., please rent an electrical bicycle. Even with wind against it still is a pleasurable ride. And no - common myth - electrical bicycles are not only for the elderly. Why would you push all day long, while you can have a hand on your back that pushes you against the wind. It is so much more convenient! Thanks for your comments about Utrecht (my hometown). In Utrecht you still can find locals ...while in Amsterdam the entire city has been taken over by tourist and you'll never get to see a real 'Amsterdammer'. Regards. Emiel maier
Next time I will for sure go for an e-bike!
The bikes we rented in Zandvoort were also a little ragged and definitely could have used some more air in the tires. But they were power assist which sort of made up for it on the inclines.
@nicthedoor love your video! It was never a motorway, but I understand the confusion. Even over here people referred to it as 'the shortest motorway in The Netherlands', but the speed limit was always 50 kmh. I know because my driving instructor made me very aware of it! 😁😁
Excellent video. Very informative.
I like your style.
Yes manneke pis, great place for frites
Indeed those are the vredeburg castle foundation.
Great video! Little comment: Biking garages are not there because people need a secure place to park their bikes. There isn't enough room on the streets to park and nowadays at certain areas like the centre of Groningen where it is prohibited to park your bike. Any Dutch person just wants to park their bike at the closest of where they need to be.
It is beautiful to see that the bicycle is such a succes that it even becomes a problem. A Good problem to have, I say as a car and motorcycle driver it is good that many people use bicycles so the road is mine....whoohahahaha... but for sure it is amazing. The electric bike is a real success and the world can now adopt the bicycle centric system since hills shouldn't be a problem anymore...
In Amsterdam you can park your bike under the canal in front of the central station
It _was_ 12 roads next to each other in the photo you showed, but most other places is was only 4 or 6, I wouldn't call it a '12 lane motorway'. However, it's very nice that they put the canal back.
I agree. And 'motorway' suggests a long stretch of road for high speed traffic. That really wasn't the case. 'Thouroughfare' might be closer to reality. Still, returning the canal is an improvement.
You almost past my house in Maarssen on your trip from Utrecht to Amsterdam.😄
Utrecht is one of my favorite dutch cities. Great video!
fun to see you ride through my hometown, and glad you liked the views ^^ the castle you encountered is a well renowned (and expansive) business university, with the campus being one of the castle buildings, and a massive back yard used for hunting back in the days
Expansive and probably expensive, too. ;)
They are indeed the remnants of the Vredenburg castle. There are several other places you can see them. They have also layed it out in the streets with different colored stones.
I remember the motorway, havn't seen the canal yet. And I'm Dutch!😮
8:03 In defense of the chain, your pedal ball bearings were probably rusted. If enough balls get rusty and get ground to dust, the pedal will get crooked and exquisitly squeaky.
1:50: The ruins are the remains of Vredenborch castle. A castle build by the Spaniards in the 16th century but demolished by the Utrecht citizens in the same century during the revolt against the Spaniards in the 80 year war ( 1568-1648)
fun fact: hello Kitty is "inspired by" (some might say "stolen from") Nijntje.
Locally the motorway was known as "de snelweg van niks naar nergens". In English "the motorway from nothing to nowhere".
Maybe it’s good to know that car parking in Utrecht is the third most expensive in the world with tariffs of 6,50 euro p/h, after London and Amsterdam. Also the entire city now has paid car parking. I was born in Utrecht and this was part of the reason I moved out of Utrecht.
Have a look at the book "the high cost of free parking" or "Parking Paradise". Market rate parking can do a lot of good.
Lovely to see Utrecht here! And indeed, a crappy bike is a truely authentic experience. I notice you rode the (Amsterdamse)straatweg - basically road to Amsterdam, built by order of Napoleon. Or at least a long stretch of it. If you ever go again, go along the river Vecht. Back in the day rich people from Utrecht and Amsterdam would have their summer homes there, many of them are still standing. And then go past/through the Loosdrechtse plassen. Longer but prettier route.
If you want hills, you need to go east of Utrecht, they go up like to 20-30 meters there easily! ;)
He went via Vecht. That's where that fancy castle is.
Great video. I've visited Utrecht a few times and it's a great city
Great series! Would love to see more. Maybe visit some other provinces? 😊
It's definitely on the list. Especially the north.
@nicthedoor cool! I was actually born in the north (Friesland) so I'm happy it's on your list!
The "Waddeneilanden" are absolutely worth visiting. I recommend Texel (part of North Holland province), Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog (Friesland).
It will be windy though! 😉
@@Garnaaltje88 Good idea. You (Nick) will love the island of Vlieland, because it's a car-free zone.
Ah yes.. the wind. "They" aer as the song goes, "the Dutch mountains" 😉 a song by the Nits, if you are interested. It tells about the ever blowing wind..
The Nits - In The Dutch Mountains
9:20 Windmill "De vriendschap" (Friendship)
thank you nic
I was out for a bike ride one day just doing the local loop and I was really struggling in the wind, when I got to about half way there were some flags thats when I realised that was the tail wind.
7:24 that castle is actually a university...
A lot of neighborhoods were also bulldozed in Utrecht for roads, shopping malls, parking lots and office parks!
yes, but that was not all bad, some of those really were low quality 'krotten' that needed to go anyway .
@@Blackadder75 Tell that to my aunt who was born and raised in the beautiful Stationswijk. If you wonder about the quality of the architecture, just look at the townhouses on the Justus van Effenstraat. These were some of the highest quality art nouveau/deco or neo-mannerist homes, not just some run down part of the old town. Not destroyed for some necessary infrastructure project, but for the big-box megastores of Hoog Catharijne, which also destroyed many local small businesses.
@@i.k.8868 I said SOME , not ALL
In the sixties and seventies much was bulldozed to recreate American infrastructure in The Netherlands.
There were not a lot of cities that escaped this unnecessary ruination for highways. Especially cities in Noord Brabant were totally ruined.
Hey Nic, you really should go see the Dutch movie called Amsterdamend, you may recognize things here and there in this movie.
8:25 that drone remote on the phone holder is some next level shit
7:23 is actually the university of Nyenrode. Which carries high prestige in Netherlands for its business faculty. I am not sure whether you can randomly visit.
You cannot.
Check out Amsterdam's answer to Utrecht's bike garage - an underwater marvel of engineering and design!
Oh you know I did ;)
@@nicthedoor Oh I expected nothing less 😉
@@nicthedoor so where's the video? 😜
And before there was a strert it was ( you bever guess) a waterway.