It finishes where it began

 There is quite a difference between Belgium and the Netherlands. The most important difference for me is the bike riding infrastructure. Scattered and not very well designed or used in Belgium; prolific, populated and smooth throughout the Netherlands. I’ve not been able to overcome my tendency for serious caution despite bikes frequently having right of way as cycle paths in excellent condition snake both sides of roadways. Roundabouts, terrifying encounters elsewhere, have separated bike lanes and again, vehicles give way.

The population seem to be much less reliant on mobility aids and overweight people are definitely in the minority. I’m assuming this is due to daily riding to and from school, work and the shops. Oh, and age is no barrier.

From Charleroi we pedalled to Namur, a clean and bustling place right on the Meuse. Our accommodation was in the middle of the evening jollity, hundreds of people sitting outside in the warmth of early October.

We rejoined the cycle way along the Meuse, stopping in Huy for a coffee and cake. Bars are full of usually older men and women taking a morning beer.

Liege was especially vibrant. People everywhere enjoying themselves and lots of students kicking up their heels to celebrate the start of the academic year. If you’re in Liege, don’t miss the railway station. Coloured glass panels form the roof. It’s so much not like Southern Cross.

Rain was forecast so we took in the gallery before catching a train to Maastricht. We then rode onto Gulpen and visited the place where three countries intersect.

Our last day was from Gulpen to Maastricht where we dumped our stuff and rode out to Bokrijk to ride through water. This feature was provided by the Limburg area to encourage tourism.

So here we are, returned to Maastricht from whence we ventured out. We’ve ridden 1624kms. Not a bad effort. And let’s hope there’s further posts to follow.