An Ordinary Ride
Netherlands (Friesland): Stage 10 Winschoten to Groningen 48 Km (Fri 21 July 2023)
Weather: 10⁰C min – 20⁰C max, chance of rain 80%
“Enjoy yourself – it’s later than you think” ~ Socrates
Worried about the rain predicted for around mid-day, I had an early breakfast at the City Hotel and was on the road by 7:30am. Alas the rain never eventuated so I arrived in Groningen too early and ended up drinking way too much coffee waiting to check-in to my apartment.
Of the ten stages I have competed so far, this was the least attractive day of riding. For most of the trip I followed the LF9 route, which took me mainly on secondary and tertiary roads and a few narrow, unsealed fietspads … nowhere near as good as the LF-K route I have been enjoying for the last couple of days. Gone are the lovely smooth paths running on top of or alongside the levy bank and I must confess too I am missing my ovine friends grazing beside the dykes.
Scenery could hardly be described as picturesque, consisting mainly of wheat, corn and potato crops. Even the few towns I rode through were nondescript.
The area around Groningen is known for its agricultural industry, with vast stretches of farmland producing crops like potatoes, sugar beets, and wheat, as well as dairy and livestock farming. Additionally, the province is home to several natural areas, including the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Groninger Hogeland, a scenic area with rolling hills and picturesque villages.
Groningen itself is a charming old city in the north of the Netherlands with a population of around 235,000 people. The city’s historic center is filled with beautiful architecture, including the stunning Martinitoren (Martini Tower) which offers panoramic views of the city. Groningen is a student city being home to one of the largest universities in the Netherlands, making it a lively and youthful city with plenty of energy and excitement.
After getting a feel for the city this afternoon I am glad I decided to have a rest day here tomorrow to give me a chance to fully explore everything that Groningen has to offer. And of course to give my legs a rest!
Lovely horse and foal, and duck and ducklings. That train looks a bit like Thomas the Tank Engine! Groningen looks very appealing. Hope you enjoy your rest day – you’ve earned it 🙂
It was wet in Gronigen yesterday but that didn’t matter because I was able to stay in my cosy apartment watching the Sydney Swans then the Ashes cricket on my phone.