Day 6: From Amsterdam to Lelystad – A day full of wind, rain and emotions

Yesterday marked our first real stage: From Amsterdam we set out towards Lelystad, about 54 kilometers away – manageable after the 80 km we had already covered on Tuesday as a kind of test ride back to Amsterdam. But as so often happens when traveling by bike, the day was full of surprises, small dramas, and unforgettable moments. So, let’s start at the beginning – and make yourselves comfortable with a cup of tea. 🍵

A Turbulent Start to the Day

The morning began with rather unpleasant news: at the hostel, Jonas’s bike was stolen – a real shock for him and certainly not the best start. But fate somehow decided to be on our side at the same time. One person in our group, unfortunately, had to cut the trip short due to illness and returned home. Since their bike wasn’t going to continue with us anyway, a pretty practical solution presented itself: the now-available bike simply took the place of the stolen one. So in the end we were once again fully equipped and could all continue together – if it weren’t for the issues left over from Tuesday: two missing spokes and a bent back wheel.

So another short stop was necessary. Cedric, Mr. Bock, and I headed to the workshop where we had dropped off some bikes the day before. With freshly repaired and checked bikes, we returned – and finally it was time: departure!

Rain, Wind, and First Doubts

We set off full of motivation, but it soon became clear that this day was going to test us. The sky was gray, rain fell endlessly, and a strong headwind blew against us. Kilometer after kilometer we pushed through, the mood growing heavier with every stretch. Conversations fell silent, each of us pedaled with focus, and the monotonous sound of rain drumming on our helmets and clothing became our constant companion.

Still, we kept going. The landscape, if you could appreciate it despite the weather, was actually quite charming – wide fields, canals, small villages that seemed almost sleepy in the rain. But true joy in cycling didn’t really arise at first.

Tailwind Like a Gift

Then came the turning point – quite literally: with about 17 kilometers still ahead of us, everything changed. The rain stopped, the clouds broke open a little – and most importantly, the wind shifted, or rather, we changed direction. Suddenly it pushed us from behind, as if trying to reward us for the struggles of the first half.

The feeling was indescribable. We sped along at over 30 km/h, as if we had grown wings. After so many kilometers of battling wind and rain, it was as though someone had lifted a heavy burden from our shoulders.

Arrival

Once we reached Lelystad, we set up our tents on the dike – with a view of the water and right next to the harbor. One especially nice surprise: we were allowed to use the sanitary facilities of the yacht harbor, and they were truly a highlight. After a day of rain and wind, a warm shower there felt like pure luxury – we almost felt at home.

The evening turned out to be much more relaxed. Instead of collapsing straight into our sleeping bags, we went looking for something to eat. In Lelystad there are several restaurants right by the harbor, and we tried out a couple. Most of the dishes were really tasty, and the warm meal was exactly what we needed after the day. Later we met up again in the harbor restaurant, where we ended the evening with card games and conversations in a cozy atmosphere.

When I think back on this day, it was a perfect example of the ups and downs that make bike touring so special. From the morning shock to battling rain and headwinds, all the way to the euphoria of tailwind and a relaxed evening – it was all there.

In the end, the good moments clearly outweighed the bad. And even though we cursed at times, this day will surely remain in our memory for a long time – not in spite of, but precisely because of its highs and lows.