Extreme cycling - the Dutch way

Think of cycling in the Netherlands and the words 'flat and windy' may spring to mind. Where better to experience this than cycling across the 'Afsluitdijk', the 32km (approx 20 mile) long dam across the top of the IJsselmeer which protects the low lying land from the North Sea following severe flooding in 1916.

Dutch journalist Bram Postumus ponders the "two iron laws of cycling in the Netherlands" while covering this stretch on his bike.

The first law of cycling in the Netherlands: "it's always further than you think" becomes disappointingly clear when he thinks he's sprinted across the whole length in no-time at all (what is all the fuss about?) when the half-way point looms in the distance. Of course, the whole stretch also has to be repeated to get back. Easy to forget.

Having finally reached the other side and ready for his return, he encounters rule two:
"when you change direction, so does the wind".

Posted by Caroline