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We visited Zeeland in August 2008 and enjoyed it so much that we're going back again at Easter. One of the highlights for us was being able to cycle safely as a family, everywhere. Although we took our own bikes I was easily able to hire a tag along as you describe for my (then) 4 year old and the place we hired from had loads of bikes to suit all ages from toddlers up and in all configurations including 4 seaters. There were lots of bike hire facilities in the area so I'm sure you'll be able to find something without any problem.

Quote: Originally posted by sennen26 on 24/2/2010

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Take your own because the most uncomfortable bike I have ever riden was in holland we were on a rally and hired bikes never again. I dont think the dutch are built like us some of the rallers even put cusions on the seat and they were still uncomfortable.

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You'll have no problems.  I've never found a site in the Netherlands that didn't hire bikes.  Lots of shops that do too.  They are soooo well set up for cycling.  Buy a local route guide at the campsite shop with all of the routes on.  It is virtually impossible to get lost & they are nearly all well away from roads.

The bikes come in many shapes & sizes, but a lot of them are sit-up-and-beg postman type.  These are great for the type of cycle tracks over there.  Few gear changes are needed as the paths are mostly flat funnily enough.  The gears you will often see are Sturmey Archer hub gears like the old Raleigh Choppers & Grifters had when I was a kid.  I hadn't seen them in years, but they are ideal.  Just stop pedalling to change gear if you come across them.

As said, there is no language barrier.  english is studied from an early age - (who  else speaks Dutch after all?)  The people are very friendly.  You'll love it.

Steve.

My son was 3 when we first went to the Netherlands.  He (or she) will find it a bit odd as the little ones probably won't know much English.  They do get Dora the Explorer over there in Dutch with English instead of the Spanish bits.  It didn't stop my son playing & taking part in some of the kids club activities (the staff all spoke English).  I remember one sunny afternoon him playing with a group of tanned half naked Dutch girls in a play area with a stream & a pirate ship.  Language wasn't a barrier or else he'd have got their names & addresses for future reference!

Steve.

Quote: Originally posted by georgiegirl104 on 26/2/2010

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Thanks Ina - we are really looking forward to going (especially as the trip was put off from last year due to redundancy threats). It seemed to me that the Netherlands is a place where it would be silly for us not to use bikes - since it is a country that is so well set up for them (unlike this country!)

My youngest daughter is worried about people speaking Dutch to her and her not being able to understand them, so the elder one and her have been studying a few phrases that are in a travel book and writing them down so that they will remember them! I can speak some German and French, however I know that although some words may look familiar the way they are pronounced will not be!

Roll on August!!!

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