Around Flevoland

Description

You start at Strandpaviljoen Poort Dok at Almeerderstrand in the south-western tip of Flevoland. Carefully choose the direction of the route in advance, as you want to make the most of the wind (see an advice below). The original route starts on the Oostvaardersdijk. As you go into the bottom of the stirrups, you peer over the beautiful water and the skyline of Amsterdam stretches out on the horizon. A typically Dutch picture.

For kilometres you speed along the dike with the Markermeer on your left and the Oostvaardersplassen on your right. Above Lelystad, you go outside the dike and 'climb' the Ketelbrug, at 18 metres the highest bike climb in Flevoland. Welcome to the Northeast Polder. Along the dike and among the sheep, you head towards Urk, whose lighthouse sits like a beacon on the horizon. Stop in the village for a cup of coffee on the roof terrace of Restaurant Het Achterhuis. Above Urk, you cycle for kilometres into the void along the dike towards Lemmer. Here, cycling is almost meditative.

At Lemmer, you say goodbye to the water for a phase over the old sea dykes on the dividing line between the old country and the Northeast Polder. After the second ascent of the Ketel bridge, you cycle on through the Flevopolders. You've already done almost 150 kilometres. Not tired yet? Fear not, you may stomp another 90 kilometres along the Randmeren. You ride somewhat sheltered along the Drontermeerdijk and Harderdijk (watch out for the blind intersections) and take in a bit of forest near Zeewolde. Then it's on to the Eemmeerdijk and your destination is in sight. Once back at beach pavilion Poort Dok, you can reward yourself with cake or maybe even a whole cake, because you've mastered the bulky Wall of Woei!

Character
Distance: 240 km
Starting point: Almeerderstrand in combination with Strandpaviljoen Poort Dok
★☆☆☆☆ Bendy
★★★☆☆☆ Green
★★★★★ Water
★★★★★ Open Flevoland
★★★★★ Wind*

Coffee stop
Restaurant Het Achterhuis
Burgemeester J. Schipperkade 2, 8321 EH Urk

*Wind
To be honest: during this route, there is no escape. You're going to face the wind! For the other routes, we talk about the occasional Wall of Woei, but you are going to climb the Col of Woei on this route. The only thing you can take into account is that you will cycle from Lemmer to Vollenhoven (or vice versa) and from Kampen to Zeewolde (or vice versa) relatively sheltered. Ride this route counterclockwise with north and east winds and clockwise with south and west winds (standard route).

Just pay attention!
240 km on safe and good cycle paths, with hardly any traffic lights; on this route you can pedal along wonderfully. There is only one warning for this route. On the Drontermeerdijk and Bremerbergdijk, there are a number of intersections with poor visibility towards the recreational areas near the water. Pay attention to whether any crossing traffic notices you in time.

Fun for partner/family
Your partner or family can actually travel behind you all day as there is more than enough entertainment along the edges of Flevoland! A small selection: Almeerderstrand (starting point), Oostvaarderplassen, Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet, the ship de Batavia, Urk, Het Waterloopbos, Kabouterbos Dronten, Walibi Holland, Hans & Grietje Pannenkoekhuis and playpark, Harderbos, Horsterwold and much more.