The Gran Fondo Rotterdam 2019 starts and finishes at the sport-breathing rowing complex Willem-Alexander Baan in Zevenhuizen, my backyard.
NL Tour Rides organised this ride because every big city deserves its Gran Fondo. This is also true of Rotterdam. For the many cycling enthusiasts who live around this global port city, but also for those who are not that often in the area, they have put together a wonderful trip.
In the morning when I woke up I received a message that one of my friends, Bianca, was ill and would ride with us. So before my other friend, Lisette, would arrive I had breakfast and rode already up and down (about 10 km total) to the start/finish to pick up our race numbers and Gran Fondo Rotterdam jerseys.
After Lisette arrived and we got ready we rode again to the start where already a lot of cars where parked, which meant a pretty decent number of participants. After the mandatory starting picture we drove off in the direction of Gouda. Via Gouda we went to Lekkerkerk and via the dikes we drove to Krimpen where we had our first and only stop. Unfortunately we got caught by a little rain shower just before the stop. After a small break with some food we drove in the direction of the “van Brienenoordbrug”. Taking us to the well-known Rotterdam neighborhoods and waters such as De Maas, Kralingen and De Rotte. Via Bergschenhoek, Bleijswijk and Moerkapelle we returned back to the finish where it was time for of course beer.
After the beer we had to cycle back home of course, which brought my total to 104 km. A good effort on a relaxing and surprisingly great route with unexpected roads.
Thank you Lisette for your company, it is always a pleasure to ride with you!
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