HOME

Created: 12/11/2008

Last updated:


Bloodwise's website

Introduction

Route

Journal

Packlist

LRF

Sponsors

Links

Guestbook


Email










 

Journal


2 0 0 9

WeekDay
 ZMDWDVZ
11234567
2891011121314
315161718192021
422232425262728
529303132333435
636373839404142
743444546474849
85051525354  


2 0 1 0

WeekDay
 ZZMDWDV
11234567
 89
TOP


Remarks

Arrived back home on Thursday the 6th. August after cycling a total of 5365 km without a single puncture and still on the original tires (wouldn't pass MOT though)! Only had to replace the paddles (ball bearings worn), some brake- and gear cables and the rear brake pads.

What can I say about the whole trip?

  • Highly recommended: bikeshop 'Atro Sykkel' located on Sundtsvei 2 in Nesstun. First class service. I visit this shop to buy a special wrench to loosen up the pedals from my bike so I wouldn't struggle at the airport trying to do this with my small bahco-wrench. Tool needed to be ordered but he could lent me one despite the fact that they would close in 5 minutes. No problem to bring it back the next norning and because they were probably closed at my time of departure I could simply leave the wrench on their doorstep. Have not encounter this kind of thrust in a very long time.

  • Interesting: landscape.

  • Dangerous: some parts of the road.

  • Beautiful: met several nice Norwegian girls cycling part of the same route.

  • Hot: heat wave in Norway - not related to the previous - although?

  • Exhausting: 25% hills in North York Moors.

  • Pleasant: meeting other 7 club members.

  • Wet: Scotland.

  • Windy: Germany, Denmark and Orkney.

  • Quick: flight from Bergen to Kirkwall.

  • Disappointing: campsite in St.Andrews (Scotland): pooring rain, cold and windy 'sorry, we are full'.

  • Satisfying: arriving home safe and sound and no serious problems with the bike!

Many thanks to Ian, Martin and family and Phil for taking the time to visit me. And a special thanks to Ian for promoting the LRF entry in blatchat and all his extra work by keeping the clubmembers informed. Thanks guys, it kept me motivated all the way.

TOP


A short summary


NO MORE FERRIES PLEASE
Cycling around the North Sea in 60 days


Introduction

TOP

Headwind, headwind and more headwind

TOP

Hills and Valleys

TOP

New developments (caravanparks)

TOP

Conclusion

Number of countries:9 (The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, England, France and Belgium).
Punctures:ZERO ! ! !
Dirt roads:too many
Total distance:5365 + 965 = 6330 km
Shortest distance per day:5 km (ferry crossing Harwich-Hook of Holland)
Longest distance per day:162 km

TOP


Week 1

Date:14 June 2009
From:Utrecht
To:Heerde
Camping:Family visit
Distance:92 km

TOP

Date:15 June 2009
From:Heerde
To:Nieuweschans
Camping:Camping Holland Poort
Distance:162 km

TOP

Date:16 June 2009
From:Nieuweschans
To:Norddeich (D)
Camping:Nordsee Camp
Distance:104 km

TOP

Date:17 June 2009
From:Norddeich
To:Dangast
Camping:Campingplatz Dangast
Distance:133 km

TOP

Date:18 June 2009
From:Dangast
To:Sahlenburg (Cuxhaven)
Camping:Campingplatz 'Achtern Huus'
Distance:131 km

TOP

Date:19 June 2009
From:Sahlenburg (Cuxhaven)
To:Nordermeldorf
Camping:Campingplatz 'Strandvogt'
Distance:142 km

TOP

Date:20 June 2009
From:Nordermeldorf
To:Elisabeth-Sophien-Koog
Camping:Camping Nordstrand
Distance:98 km

TOP


Week 2


TOP

Date:21 June 2009
From:Elisabeth-Sophien-Koog
To:Ballum (DK)
Camping:Camping Ballum
Distance:106 km


TOP

Date:22 June 2009
From:Ballum
To:Vejers Strand
Camping:Stjerne Camping
Distance:108 km


TOP

Date:23 June 2009
From:Vejers Strand
To:Thorsminde
Camping:Thorsminde Camping
Distance:103 km


TOP

Date:24 June 2009
From:Thorsminde
To:Frøstrup
Camping:Hjardemål Klit Camping
Distance:135 km


TOP

Date:25 June 2009
From:Frøstrup
To:Nørre Lyngby
Camping:Gl. Klitgaard Camping
Distance:102 km


TOP

Date:26 June 2009
From:Nørre Lyngby
To:Frederikshavn
Camping:TopCamp Nordstrand
Distance:134 km


TOP

Date:27 June 2009
From:Frederikshavn
To:Stenungsund (S)
Camping:Tollenäs
Distance:65 km


TOP


Week 3

Date:28 June 2009
From:Stenungsund
To:Brastad/Hallinden
Camping:Runes Campingplats
Distance:93 km


TOP

Date:29 June 2009
From:Brastad/Hallinden
To:Strömstad
Camping:Lagunen Camping
Distance:108 km


TOP

Date:30 June 2009
From:Strömstad
To:Helgeroa (N)
Camping:Blokkebukta Camping
Distance:56 km


TOP

Date:1 July 2009
From:Helgeroa
To:Ørvik
Camping:Kragerøfjorden Camping ??
Distance:111 km


TOP

Date:2 July 2009
From:Ørvik
To:Arendal
Camping:Nidelv Brygge Og Camping
Distance:97 km


TOP

Date:3 July 2009
From:Arendal
To:Åros
Camping:Åros Feriesenter AS
Distance:117 km


TOP

Date:4 July 2009
From:Åros
To:Lyngdal
Camping:Kvavik Camping AS
Distance:95 km


TOP


Week 4

Date:5 July 2009
From:Lyngdal
To:Svindland
Camping:Svindland Camping
Distance:72 km


TOP

Date:6 July 2009
From:Svindland
To:Egersund
Camping:Hauen Camping
Distance:88 km


TOP

Date:7 July 2009
From:Egersund
To:Sola
Camping:Ølberg Camping og Friområde
Distance:154 km


TOP

Date:8 July 2009
From:Sola
To:Haugesund
Camping:Camping Haraldshaugen NAF
Distance:94 km


TOP

Date:9 July 2009
From:Haugesund
To:Leirvik
Camping:Birkeland Camping
Distance:79 km


TOP

Date:10 July 2009
From:Leirvik
To:Bergen
Camping:Midttun Motell & Camping
Distance:81 km


TOP

Date:11 July 2009
From:Bergen
To:Kirkwall (GB)
Camping:Pickaquoy Caravan & Camping Park
Distance:30 km


TOP


Week 5

Date:12 July 2009
From:Kirkwall
To:Dunnet
Camping:Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site
Distance:59 km


TOP

Date:13 July 2009
From:Dunnet
To:Lairg
Camping:Woodend Caravan & Camping Site
Distance:155 km


TOP

Date:14 July 2009
From:Lairg
To:Inverness
Camping:Bught Caravan Park and Campsite
Distance:128 km


TOP

Date:15 July 2009
From:Inverness
To:Findochty
Camping:Findochty Caravan Park
Distance:143 km


TOP

Date:16 July 2009
From:Findochty
To:Stonehaven
Camping:Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park
Distance:142 km


TOP

Date:17 July 2009
From:Stonehaven
To:St. Andrews
Camping:Bowmore B&B
Distance:138 km

BBC NEWS:
By 17th, the focus of the persistent heavy rain had moved to north-east England and the Scottish Borders. Rainfall totals approached 100mm in places, with 116mm at Alston, Cumbria in the 48 hours from 16th to 17th.
The greatest impact was seen seen over north-east England with a number of properties flooded, disruption to road and rail transport and interruptions to power supplies.


The month July will go in to the records as one of the wettest period in decades (as the graphic will show).

Dubbel klik om statistiek te vergroten.

Disappointment: Kinkell Braes Caravan Park in St. Andrews. Arrived there in the pouring rain around 20:00 hrs, temperature 13 °C, strong winds and wet to the bone but no place available for a lonely cyclist with a tent the size of a postagestamp because I had failed to make a reservation. Rules are rules. While I was contemplating what to do next I noticed that a French couple with small children received the same treatment. This so-called manager is absolutely the biggest plonker I have ever met and definately unsuitable for the job.

TOP

Date:18 July 2009
From:St. Andrews
To:Musselburgh
Camping:Drummohr Holiday Park
Distance:110 km


TOP


Week 6

Date:19 July 2009
From:Musselburgh
To:-
Camping:Drummohr Holiday Park
Distance:-


TOP

Date:20 July 2009
From:Musselburgh
To:Berwick upon Tweed
Camping:Seaview Caravan Club Site
Distance:99 km


TOP

Date:21 July 2009
From:Berwick upon Tweed
To:Dunstan
Camping:Proctors Stead Caravan & Camping Park
Distance:83 km


TOP

Date:22 July 2009
From:Dunstan
To:Westview
Camping:Crimden House Farm
Distance:120 km


TOP

Date:23 July 2009
From:Westview
To:Whitby
Camping:Folly Gardens
Distance:98 km


TOP

Date:24 July 2009
From:Whitby
To:Hornsea
Camping:Sandhurst Guest House B&B
Distance:153 km


TOP

Date:25 July 2009
From:Hornsea
To:Barton upon Humber
Camping:Silver Birches Caravan Park
Distance:68 km


TOP


Week 7

Date:26 July 2009
From:Banton upon Humber
To:Woodhall Spa
Camping:Woodhall Spa Camping & Caravanning
Club Site
Distance:137 km


TOP

Date:27 July 2009
From:Woodhall Spa
To:St. John's Fen End
Camping:Virginia Lake Caravan Park
Distance:119 km


TOP

Date:28 July 2009
From:St. John's Fen End
To:Little Snoring
Camping:Crossways Caravan & Camping Park
Distance:109 km


TOP

Date:29 July 2009
From:Little Snoring
To:Bungay
Camping:Outney Meadow Park
Distance:93 km


TOP

Date:30 July 2009
From:Bungay
To:Waldringsfield
Camping:The Moon & Sixpence
Distance:102 km


TOP

Date:31 July 2009
From:Waldringsfield
To:Tolleshunt D'Arcy
Camping:Wilkin & Sons' (private) Caravan Park (not listed)
Distance:110 km


TOP

Date:1 August 2009
From:Tolleshunt D'Arcy
To:Hadley
Camping:Friends (Keith & Pauline
Distance:54 km


TOP


Week 8

Date:2 August 2009
From:Hadley
To:-
Camping:Friends (Keith & Pauline)
Distance:-


TOP

Date:3 August 2009
From:Hadley
To:-
Camping:Friends(Keith & Pauline)
Distance:-


TOP

Date:4 August 2009
From:Hadley
To:Harwich
Camping:St. Christopher's Place B&B
Distance:127 km


TOP

Date:5 August 2009
From:Harwich
To:Hoek van Holland
Camping:Camping Hoek van Holland
Distance:5 km


TOP

Date:6 August 2009
From:Hoek van Holland
To:Utrecht
Camping:thuisbasis
Distance:123 km


Week 1 (2010)

Date:21 August 2010
From:Utrecht
To:Hoek van Holland
Camping:Camping Hoek van Holland
Distance:109 km

A small taste of what is to be expected: headwind all the way down to HoH.

TOP

Date:22 August 2010
From:Hoek van Holland
To:Ramsey
Camping:Farm Cottage B&B
Distance:10 km

Ferry crossing and a rush in the dark on a busy A120 to a small campingsite near Ramsey.

TOP

Date:23 August 2010
From:Ramsey
To:Little Baddow
Camping:Retreat Farm
Distance:102 km

Lots of rain in the morning but cleared up during the day. Plenty of headwind to Little Baddow near Chelmsford. Lovely campingsite on a field near a farm. Beautiful views and most of rain on the other site of the valley.

TOP

Date:24 August 2010
From:Little Baddow
To:Bean
Camping:Friends (Ian & Sue)
Distance:152 km

Still strong headwind. Suppose to meet up with Lotus Seven clubmember Graham near Nazeing Mead but took me an hour extra to get there (directions pointed the wrong way leaving Harlow towards Roydon). Turned out to be a beautiful day and Graham managed to guide me into London without problems (thanks mate). Managed to find the foottunnel without problems. Followed the No.1 around the Millennium Dome and stick to the No.1 signs. Not the best choice this turned out to be. Took me far too long to reach Dartford let alone find Bean where I suppose to meet Lotus Seven clubmember Ian and Sue. Got there in the end thanks to Ian's one man rescue effort and after cycling 152 km.

TOP

Date:25 August 2010
From:Bean
To:Dover
Camping:Victoria Guest House B&B
Distance:103 km

Ian accompanied me the first 15 km or so in the direction of Canterbury. As advised I stick the first part of the route to the old A2. Started raining in Canterbury all the way to Dover. Managed to stick to the official No.1 thanks to Ian's supplied enlarged prints of the route. Still raining heavily in Dover so went for a B&B instead.

TOP

Date:26 August 2010
From:Dover
To:Audruicq
Camping:Camping Les Pyramides
Distance:72 km

Rain never stopped. Ferry crossing to Boulogne sur Mer (should have gone for the Calais option instead). Very bad crossing with high waves due to which the crossing took much longer than expected. No rain in France at the beginning. Getting out of Boulogne by bicycle was a real nightmare. Follow the signs and you end up on a motorway time after time. Took me an hour to leave the place. Then the rain started. Still strong headwind. Needed to change plans a bit because Ypres would simply not be feasible today. Ended up in the pouring rain on a campsite in Guines (near Calais) instead.

TOP

Date:27 August 2010
From:Audruicq
Tor:Blankenberge
Camping:Camping Bonanza
Distance:130 km

Still raining. Had to do a bit of catching up. Cleared up during the day but still a strong headwind remaining. Managed to reach Blankenberge after cycling 130 km.

TOP

Date:28 August 2010
From:Blankenberge
To:Ulvenhout
Camping:
Distance:168 km

Still a long way to go before I reach home. Clear day, wind changed a bit. Managed to get the ferry to Vlissingen in time and reached the goal for the day (Breda) after clocking a whopping 170 km.

TOP

Datum:29 August 2010
Van:Ulvenhout
Naar:Utrecht
Camping:thuisbasis
Afstand:110 km

Quite a rainy day but managed to get home in time as planned (with water in my shoes and wet to the bone).

TOP

And for the record: NO punctures.

Another successful trip has been completed. The North Sea Cycle Route has finally and fully been covered.




  Nordseeküstenradweg, deel 2

Fietskaart van Denemarken

Cykelsparet Bohuslan - Goteborg naar Noorse grens

Sykkelguide Nordsjoruta - Halden naar Kristiansand

NN1E Aberdeen to John o’ Groats, Orkney & Shetland;

NN1 Fakenham to Harwich