What was the shortest way to the station, bicycle-wise? I used to ride that route almost daily, but not during the last ten years. I always went to my parents by car or bus, different route. Now that I live here again for the periods of time that I'm in NL, it should be a cylcing ride down memory lane. Only in that time, the ride was always such a habit, that now i forgot which way memory lane went again. If i would've gotten on my bike and just go, i would've automatically taken my old and the shortest cycling route. It was because I gave it some thought, that i became somewhat confused. So that proves again that i shouldn't think too much ;-)
Sure, i did some biking with Are, but that was more like touring; sightseeing and a picnic. Oh, and i had the zadelpijn then too. But it's been a while since i used cycling as my main way of transport.
In the Netherlands, cycling is a very important way of transportation, often combined with a train ride to another city. It's a whole system of commuting; cyclers have rights, wide cycling paths and obligations, regulations for bike parking. Biking is taken very serious here. Not because we can't afford cars, it's just Dutch.
I got into it again. You need good lighting on the front and on the back to prevent getting a ticket from the police who are over eager to stop you, rain or storm. Always calculate time to find a secure parking place, you are not the only one. A strong lock is a must -Are didn't think we needed extra precautions. That since everybody here owns a bike, there's no need to steel another one's. Bike bizz man. Very often the lock is more worth than the bike itself. - On the other hand, we don't do helmets in NL.
Got all that. So, a happy little biker here. A little surprised by the feeling of freedom that came with it, especially since i have the luxury to own/share a car. It's just so good to be out there! The exercise, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face. I definitely need to rebuild some cycling muscle, though. And of course, as soon as it starts raining, i'll be back in my 205 tin can.
For now, getting on twenty minutes before the train leaves, fifteen minutes of cycling, five to securely park and lock the bike, get a train ticket, read a few chapters on the train and off to the beach! Yeah, I think I'm still entitled to keep my Dutch passport.
bicycle parking back entrance of Leiden Central Station
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