Their story, in their words…
Just 2 of us undertook the challenge of cycling over 550km from London to Amsterdam. We cycled through England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, going through cities and towns, vineyards, flower fields, industrial plants, forests, beaches and more, seeing some of the most impressive architecture and most beautiful landscapes we could imagine, and meeting amazing people the whole time.
It was a huge challenge for the both of us, particularly for Phin, who had only started cycling 5 months prior in March. We had done multiple long-distance cycles to prepare, but this trip was so much more difficult with the addition of heavy panniers, some poor weather, and cycling day after day, as well as some really bad derailleur problems that resulted in one bike’s chain falling off more than 50 times over the trip.
Regardless of being outside of our comfort zones and a few setbacks, we really enjoy each day of cycling and seeing all the scenery, taking stops in various places such as Dunkirk, De Panne, Veurne, and Brugge. Each night we arrived at wonderful hosts who we were able to share stories with and learn about one another’s lives and experiences, which was definitely the highlight of the whole trip.
On the fourth day of cycling, we found out that our host for the next day had unexpectedly cancelled. We arrived that evening in Vlissingen, and our host not only helped us find a place to stay for the next evening but then invited us to share in the celebrations for her husband, who had been on the Dutch National team that had just become the world backgammon champions, along with a Columbian couple who had been cycling non-stop across Europe for the last 3 years, who were also being hosted there that night. That was one particular moment, but each day was a unique and wonderful experience, capped off by hearing stories and experiencing cultures that were completely new to us.
Having completed this trip, we are so much more confident in our abilities to be independent, solve problems, and work as a team through difficult and challenging situations, along with now having enormous thighs and an even bigger taste for stroopwafels. We also now have a desire to go on more cycling trips like this, having been inspired by all of our hosts and especially the Columbian couple we met, who have been cycling for literal years. The world is an enormous place, and thanks to Mark Evison, we now know that we have the ability to get out and see it all, discovering amazing places and meeting people from all walks of life to share new experiences with.
