Cycle the Land, Ride the Canals in Holland

Thousands of miles of paths and trails, a scenic setting and a hotel/hostel room that follows you around the country so that you never have to unpack . . . what more could a cyclist ask for?

It’s Holland’s waterways that Cycletours uses to create such a tour. The biking company has renovated eight river vessels to accommodate 20 to 30 passengers in two-, three- and four-berth cabins.

A sturdy bike is provided for each passenger and every day a different route is scheduled. While the passengers cycle, the boat moves through the canal system and positions itself at the trail’s end each evening. Passengers who want a rest can choose to ride the boat rather than cycle.

Breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch, plus the services of a multilingual guide, are provided. You can cycle with the group, or go at your own speed.

Holland is ideal for cycling with its long, with flat terrain. The countryside is blanketed with paths that take travelers from urban environments to beaches, dunes, woods, windmills, castles and charming villages.

Most of the country’s citizens are cyclists themselves, which means cyclists usually get more respect from automobile drivers than they do in many other areas of the world. Cyclists also have their own traffic lights, bridges, tunnels and even ferries.

Most Cycletours programs run for a week. They are designed for people who are more interested in an active adventure rather than in luxury surroundings. Group participants average 25 to 65 in age.

The distances covered average 30 miles per day, and usually take seven or eight hours, including stops en route. Evenings can be spent walking around the towns where the boat is moored.

For budget travelers the best deals are the four or five-day programs between April 13 and July 6, or Aug. 17 and Oct. 19. If you share a four-berth cabin the rate is about $280 for four nights.

For more information, contact: Cycletours Holland, Kaizersgracht 181, 1016 DR Amsterdam, telephone 011-31-20-627-4098.

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If you want to cycle in the Netherlands, but would rather tour independently, there are several organizations that can help you with information and services for an economical adventure.

Throughout the countryside you’ll see small mushroom-like cement markers with numbers engraved on them. They’ve been set up by the Royal Dutch Touring Club (known by the initials ANWB), founded 100 years ago for cyclists.

The organization provides information for members of affiliated automobile associations (i.e. AAA) and produces helpful publications, such as a series of 14 tourist maps showing all bicycle paths, many tourist attractions and ANWB signposts. If you compare the number on your map with the number on the mushroom you’ll be able to pinpoint your location. There are more than 50 ANWB offices in the Netherlands. The maps are slightly less expensive when purchased from ANWB offices.

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The Netherlands Youth Hostel Assn. (NJHC) has more than 40 locations offering economical lodging throughout the country. Some hostels are located in modern buildings, some are in old country estates, and one is in a medieval castle.

Count on sharing a room with four or more people. Each bunk bed has blankets, but you need your own sheet sleeping bag. Each hostel also has a cozy bar, and breakfast is always included in the overnight rate. The rates are about $18 to $23 per night. Supplements are sometimes charged in during July and August. Members of Hostelling International receive a $3 discount. In Amsterdam you can find a NJHC hostel at Vondelpark Zandpad 5, 1054 GA, tel. 011-31-20-683-1744.

For further information on travel in Holland, contact the Netherlands Board of Tourism, 355 Lexington Ave., 21st Floor, New York, NY 10017, tel. (800) 95-DUTCH.