It was definitely a mistake having breakfast at the hotel. All these breakfasts are the same. Powdered eggs and bacon. Bread and coffee. I've reminded myself not to do it again.
Last night I planned the earlier portion of today's ride using Komoot. Upon reading the route instructions I noticed there would be a requirement at one point to carry the bike up some stairs. That wasn't going to happen and to get around the issue I had to split the plan into separate sections. It also meant a detour. I have plenty of time so additional distance isn't an issue.
I'm enjoying the Dutch cycling infrastructure. There seem to be cycleways everywhere and the locals of all ages use them. Vehicles stop and give way wherever a cycleway crosses a road.
It seems ironic that today was the first day I saw a windmill!
I suspect much of today's ride was on land reclaimed from the sea as all the cycling was done on elevated roads or cycle paths. I had the impression I was riding on top of dykes.
My first major city was Gorinchem and this was where my current south to north path crossed last year's east to west path.
It had been my intention to stay in Gorinchem but I had reached it before midday. I decided to continue on towards the next major city, Utrecht and arrived on the southern outskirts at 1.30.
Too early to stop for the day so I turned west passing through a number of small and attractive villages beside canals.
I had decided to stay at the prettiest of them only to discover there was no accommodation. After some research I made a booking at the next village informing them I would arrive at 3pm.
The booking was accepted but when I arrived at 3pm I discovered the premises were locked. A notice on the door stated they opened between 6 and 8pm on Monday and Tuesday. Three hours to kill. I could have cycled another 60km in that time!
All the bench seats beside the canal had no shade and it was hot. Cycling around I came upon a small patch of green with a pumphouse shaded by trees. I remembered I was carrying my collapsible camping seat.
Three hours were spent reading my eBook reader before returning to the hotel.
I declined the breakfast and asked about dinner. The hotel restaurant wasn't going to be open. After a shower I walked back into the centre of the village looking for somewhere to eat. All but one of the restaurants were closed and the one that was open was fully booked.
It was with some urgency that I hastened to the open mini-mart I had passed on my way to the village square. Two day old buns, some sliced cheese and ham will be dinner tonight.
Started the day in 'Made' (bottom arrow). Detour around the stairs (next arrow). Skirted Utrecht and am now just east of Gouda.
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