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A cycle trip like the good old days with Ed – singing as we go. Sun, blue skies, strawberries, Rhein River in flood, motor bike cafe Schnitzel, everyone friendly. Ideal start to my cycle trip.

Day 1. 166km. Eindhoven -Sythen. Map and gpx

We left at 6. Eindhoven was sleeping.

There was an early morning peace in the air as Ed and I made our way along canals, across fields, and through forests. Just like 16 years ago in Norway, Ed broke out into song – ‘Suzanne Ik ben stapel gek op jou’ and songs from Guus Meeuwesse who just gave a concert in Eindhoven. We passed through the beautiful Maase Duinen before parting ways over a punnet of fresh strawberries.

The Rhein River was in flood. The bike ferry entrance was underwater. The ferry was still running though. It was funny setting it trying its best to move forward against the current. It inched forward, little by little as the water roared past. The high water made for a strange sight.

I am in a little camping ground next to a motor bike meeting cafe near a village called Sythen. The people here are super friendly. The cafe has been here 200 years and used to be where the horses came to drink. I had a nice Schnitzel and also tried the local health brew made from stinging nettles, spinach and lots of other strange things. Quite nice actually. 🙂