An alternative Dutch Experience

– Tim Mitchell

The sun rose early and heated the chalet as four Clarionistas prepared for a day of cycling across Walcheren and Zeelandic Flanders. The bikes were not carbon fibre or titanium but ‘oma-fiets’ or ‘grandma bikes’. Heavy and practical, hub gears ‘comfy saddles’, racks. The pannier was loaded with picnic supplies, towels and beach toys, water bottles were filled and off we set.

The day’s peloton consisted of all four Mitchell members of Saddleworth Clarion. We wore no helmets or lycra and travelled in clothes to arrive in (swimming shorts and shirts).

The Dutch see and define cycling and cyclists in two ways: ‘Fiets’ - everyday cycling for transport and ‘Weileren’ - racing and sports cycling, today was very much a ‘fiets’ kind of day. Our only nod to wielersport was our cycling caps that proved essential in the 30 degree heat.