17th July
Hi All,
The last time I posted we were in Meerkant at the camping De Molenpeel and since then we have cycled as far as Kruiningen but not without some adventure on the way.
Firstly we left De Molenpeel and cycled to Asten where we were greated by Huub Knubben who had arranged for the Eindhovens dagblad to be there for an interview and to take some photos and to make a small film for their internet site. Huub also made a donation to the Ride and presented me with a gift of jam and herb Liquor, thanks Huub for your kind hospitality.
After having eaten with Huub and talked with the press we cycled to camping 't Wolfsven where we met up with Corinne and Hank two friends of ours who ate with us and Corinne stayed the night.
The next day we left the camping late in the morning and headed towards Oirschot where we stayed at camping Latour. It was a very clean camping and the kids loved it there. The next day Lou and I had to go back to Eindhoven for some essential equipment we were missing. When we got back to the camping it was late but we decided to give it our best shot and try to cycle on to Zundert and camping Priem. Althogh we tried, we didn't make it because when we were going through Tilburg I noticed my brake was loose and we had no way of fixing it. After a short discussion about what the best thing to do was we decided to head off towards Gilze where we hoped to find some woods to camp in. We found the woods and pitched the tents and did some illegal camping, the kids loved it!
When we awoke the next day we discussed the situation with all of us and thought we would try and make up the lost time and do a two day trip in one go. We looked at the map and it looked to us as if this would be a 90km ride but nevertheless we were all prepared to give it our best shot.
The day started well and we managed to rejoin the route and cycled about 35km before we stopped for a cup of tea and a bowl of noodles. After eating and drinking plenty we headed on in the direction of Kruiningen and the camping Den Inkel. The day was really hot (bloody boiling) and sweat was pouring from every pore, nevertheless we soldiered on and I am proud to tell you that we all cycled the full 105km to Kruiningen and this is where I am posting from now.
I have managed to upload any photos yet but I can assure you some of the video will make you laugh but this will have to wait untill we get back.
My body and bum are holding out OK but my arms feel as if they have stretched to twice their original length, the kids are smiling and Lou is happy and I am so proud of what my family have achieved together with me.
Before I go I would like to thank all that have made the project possible, you all know who you are so I won't start naming you all.
I will post some more as and when I can, until then, take it easy.
The last time I posted we were in Meerkant at the camping De Molenpeel and since then we have cycled as far as Kruiningen but not without some adventure on the way.
Firstly we left De Molenpeel and cycled to Asten where we were greated by Huub Knubben who had arranged for the Eindhovens dagblad to be there for an interview and to take some photos and to make a small film for their internet site. Huub also made a donation to the Ride and presented me with a gift of jam and herb Liquor, thanks Huub for your kind hospitality.
After having eaten with Huub and talked with the press we cycled to camping 't Wolfsven where we met up with Corinne and Hank two friends of ours who ate with us and Corinne stayed the night.
The next day we left the camping late in the morning and headed towards Oirschot where we stayed at camping Latour. It was a very clean camping and the kids loved it there. The next day Lou and I had to go back to Eindhoven for some essential equipment we were missing. When we got back to the camping it was late but we decided to give it our best shot and try to cycle on to Zundert and camping Priem. Althogh we tried, we didn't make it because when we were going through Tilburg I noticed my brake was loose and we had no way of fixing it. After a short discussion about what the best thing to do was we decided to head off towards Gilze where we hoped to find some woods to camp in. We found the woods and pitched the tents and did some illegal camping, the kids loved it!
When we awoke the next day we discussed the situation with all of us and thought we would try and make up the lost time and do a two day trip in one go. We looked at the map and it looked to us as if this would be a 90km ride but nevertheless we were all prepared to give it our best shot.
The day started well and we managed to rejoin the route and cycled about 35km before we stopped for a cup of tea and a bowl of noodles. After eating and drinking plenty we headed on in the direction of Kruiningen and the camping Den Inkel. The day was really hot (bloody boiling) and sweat was pouring from every pore, nevertheless we soldiered on and I am proud to tell you that we all cycled the full 105km to Kruiningen and this is where I am posting from now.
I have managed to upload any photos yet but I can assure you some of the video will make you laugh but this will have to wait untill we get back.
My body and bum are holding out OK but my arms feel as if they have stretched to twice their original length, the kids are smiling and Lou is happy and I am so proud of what my family have achieved together with me.
Before I go I would like to thank all that have made the project possible, you all know who you are so I won't start naming you all.
I will post some more as and when I can, until then, take it easy.
Dear Matt and family,
How good to see you are doing so well. The account of your trip makes me remember ours of last summer, when we cycled from Domburg to Groningen, therefore covering some of the same terrain.
I am also glad to see your children seem to be enjoying it - hope your daughter is feeling better,
love,
Willem