4 days cycling family event in Zandvoort - 23rd.- 26th. June, 2009

Every year Zandvoort holds 4 days walking, cycling and swimming family activities during these period of the time. Since the walking event fell on the days Priya and Ruben had final school exams, we did not join in. But, we took part in the cycling event with other friends and family members of Priya and Ruben. There were two choices (15 km or 30 km per day for 4 days in a row where you start every day at and around the same time) and we chose (since, Ruben still young) 15 km per day. Jackie's parents did the 30 km per day. The route was in and around Zandvoort and the organizers chose some nice and diverse routes we ourselves have never been. After lining up to stamp the card at the start point, cycled along the boulevard to the southern part of Zandvoort.

We continued cycling along Zandvortselaan to the golf course and back through the dunes along the railway leading to Zandvoort station. At the final point we were distributed with ice-cream as reward for participating and finished the day under 1 hour.

On the second day we cycled towards the horse stall (Manege) in the north and cycled towards Zeeweg and came along Elswout.

There were some cows having sun bath. We passed along the dunes where the wild horses family living freely in the nature.

We finished the day and met Jackie's parents shortly whom also finished the second day going towards the post to stamp theirs cards.

During our third day, we cycled towards the northern dunes on the Visserspad. This used to be the walking route of the folks of Zandvoort those days bringing their fish catch to Haarlem City. It has couple of hills and that made the cycling extra difficult. We saw two accidents, kids crying falling off the bicycles and that made our group to cycle in silence and very disciplined throughout the rest of the route. During the passed days they were all over the road and were quite noisy. We passed by a group of people riding their horses.

Then it was the final day. According to the organizers this cycling event is the first one which had all the 4 days, very sunny and beautiful days.

We cycled along Leidsevaart and stopped at the check point some where in the woods.

All fun things comes to an end. Yes, we all made to the final day of the cycling and Jackie received a sun flower from the walking mate of Aty (Jackie's mum). We all received our medals.

Zandvoort's mayor was also present to give away presents for the lucky draw event where the 1st price was a bicycle. I was not the lucky one but, Ruben and his grand parents had a 'political' discussion with Mr. & Mrs Mayor of Zandvoort at the end.

(Check-out the news in our local newspaper. Unfortunately, it is in Dutch and Jackie, Ruben en Priya are clearly noticeable)