PEAK Team member Joyce is a regular visitor – and fan – of De Achterhoek. After last year’s success, she planned a – completely new! – route through the desolate part of this beautiful region. On Sun 18 June we went out for this 113km ride along the German border where it looks like if time has stood still.
Our ride out location was Berc Bike Studio Café in Zeddam. Owners Willem and Bertil started this beautifully designed ‘biker’s place to be’ in 2019. Gravel, mtb and road cyclists (De Achterhoek has it all) come here for delicious coffees and beers, exclusive clothing, gadgets and bike maintenance. Last but not least, Berc can help you buy your next bike from brands like Kona, Mondraker and Orbea. Or even better: realize your customized dream bike for you.
After an excellent coffee and a briefing of today’s plan, we rode out. The route took us through the countryside where small villages with typical farmhouses are scattered across a varied landscape with hedgerows, woodlands and meadows.
After 40 km, we refilled our bidons at the Harmienehoeve in Woold – it was tropically warm and we could use some refreshing energy! After a short stop, we got on our bikes again and before we knew it we arrived in Groenlo – lunch time @Wissink! During the last part of the ride we sang a birthday song at good friend Ingrid’s in Zelhem, and had a cooling drink at the legendary Cycling café Parijs is nog ver (famous quote of Joop Zoetemelk during the Tour de France) in Doetinchem. Owner Gerrit told us all about the local legends and showed us their racing jerseys hanging on the wall. A real must for road cyclists!
Back at Berc Bike we enjoyed some refreshing post ride drinks. The perfect finish of a perfect day of cycling!
