Without doubt the hardest day I can remember on a bike. I know there have been longer mileage days which have hurt but todays 48 miles felt like 100+ in very difficult conditions.
Starting from Den Burg at 8.15 in rain, we reached the ferry port in good time for the 9am crossing to Den Helder. 25 mins later we were back in the rain with windspeed increasing for a while in our favour as we headed south east.
But then turning to north at Den Oever to take on the Afsluijt dyke, temperature was low and winds very strong into our faces.
But cycling at a reduced 10 mph we soon reached the midpoint with a chance for a coffee break but time was against us so we continued on to try to finish the dyke in one hit. Winds out at sea were now frenzied and a fish was dropped on the cycle path by a passing seabird.
When we reached the end of the dyke we were pleased but wet through and worse was to come as the storms got stronger with the last leg from Zurich to Harlingen proving very hard indeed. Our speed dropped to 9mph then to 7 as the conditions took their toll as if trying to test us again before the safe sanctuary of our next ferry from Harlingen to Terschilling.
A warm ferry, dry socks and footwear and some hot soup and a tea and we were feeling better. Tonights stay is one mile only from the ferry and we look out over the Wadden as our clothes dry on the room radiator.
A very hard day done. Maybe an easy day tomorrow with a lie in!
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