Harlingen to Leeuwarden - Santa Cruz, CA - CycleBlaze

June 4, 2025

Harlingen to Leeuwarden

Good morning from Leeuwarden! The sun is out and I have a day off of the bike, thus time to enter a journal from yesterday’s ride with “the usual”..wind, headwinds, some sun, dark skies and lots of bicycles, complete with ferry rides to and from! Here we go! 

On left, currant koke (cake) and almond cookies for returning fare in the afternoon for the long riders. ( yes, that’s me)
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My bike is always easy to spot because of the red dotted seat cover. It’s a real winner!
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Egg breakfast fare with new towels for dispersal this morning!
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Black Betty…not a “real” pirate ship, but sure looks like it!
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The rest of the group on path in Hitzum, with a sweep in the rear.
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Laura SeiditaDo you all ride as a group, or are you free to "wander off" and explore on your own?
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2 months ago
Karen PoretTo Laura SeiditaThere are two tours on this bike and barge. The long or short. No free to ride alone is allowed, however, we are free to ride ahead of the guide to the next stopping point. I do this from time to time so I can try and take more photos. So far it’s been a toss up due to location and weather.
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2 months ago
Laura SeiditaInteresting! I have friends that just finished a bike and barge trip from Bordeaux, France to Amsterdam and will be interested to hear about their trip when we get together this next week.

I imagine it will depend on the tour group whether you are allowed to "just do your own thing", as long as you can get back to the barge at the end of the day.
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2 months ago
Karen PoretThis particular company has this setup. We prefer to be “ led around by the nose”, however it can be troublesome when you really want to 🛑 and take photos!!
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2 months ago
Bridge too far…well, I rode to the end of this path not realizing it really WAS too far.. Had to turn around and catch up.🫣 The bonus was I DID get a photo of it!
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Coffee room in Franeker. So lovely!
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Coffee packaged and ready to purchase..
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Pansies in a sunflower oil container outside of a cafe, in Franeker.
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City Hall in Franeker.
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Nehterlands mail slot in the Primera Store. You KNOW it will be mailed out this way!
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Sundial display in planetarium, in Franeker.
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Sundial information in English.
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More sundial facts.
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This man was ahead of “his time”..Guess there is one every generation ( or so)
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Old ice skates in Dronryp, along the canal used in winter for skating.
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Lunch stop in Dronryp at a “Rust Punt” ..rest point. Officially called “Moundersplak”.
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Water pump on grounds of former castle in Popstalot.
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Ferry from barge to other side of canal for the afternoon bike ride.. An official “beer run”, which, I had coffee. 😬
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Saskia ( guide), in photo. Hand holding tea dispenser is another cycle tourer. This idea is ingenious! You squeeze the handle and “pour” the amount you want.
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My coffee. So classy and very good. Accompanied with cookie and a candy treat! In Wijns.
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Bitterballen. OOH.. THE BEST..This is a Dutch snack made by a thick stew with roux and loaded with either meat or another food, then refrigerated until firm. Then, rolled into a mixture and fried to deliciousness!
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Local bier for all of you beer drinkers!. Sorry, Scott.. no non-alcoholic choices! I asked for you..😂
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Today's ride: 42 miles (68 km)
Total: 1,121 miles (1,804 km)

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