#RoadsFromRome Day 11 - Cycle Paths To The North Sea

What a perfect end to the Continental leg of the #RoadsFromRome. After a great rest day with my Dutch family, today's ride to the ferry was a tour of The Netherland's great bike paths and scenery.

The day started with a relaxed breakfast, and then coffee and apple cake with my cousins. I feel such a strong connection with the Dutch side of my family; we share so much in common, and could talk for hours.

At 11 o'clock it was time to take to the road again though, and I rolled out of Veenendal in a westerly direction, heading towards the coast.

I had been pessimistic to think today's route might have been boring or dull. It was flat, but it was beautiful. A mix of deserted bike paths through forests, along dykes, around windmills, and through the vast agricultural plains of northern Holland.

There were a few specks of rain in the early afternoon, but then the sun came out. By the time I reached the coast it was casting dramatic rays on the wind swept North Sea.

I pedalled out to the end of the pier at Hoek Van Holland, and sat on the wall eating a strop wafel. From the Mediterranean to the North Sea. From the vineyards of Tuscany, to the mountains and lakes of the Dolomites and Alps; then the forests of Germany, and now the pastures of Holland. What a journey.

I boarded the Stena Line ferry, made myself at home in the luxury cabin. Tomorrow will entail 270 kilometres of riding; through Essex, London, and the South East of England, to get home to the Isle of Wight.

Time to fuel up for the final time, and get a good nights sleep.
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