Christine Cozien

Replying here in case the thread is useful to future hubbers adventuring in NL: My Dutch friend recommends this site for MTB routes all over NL http://www.mtbroutes.nl/ In mid-September there will also be an MTB event in Limburg, with 1 day distances and a 2 day option, which is apparently worth checking out https://www.mh2d.nl/

Yes, a 2nd hand oumafiets will do fine for commute too.

Oh, and learn how to use knooppuntten https://www.fietsnet.be/routeplanner/default.aspx This way you can plan any route, for example to a forest you want to ride in or just to your friend's house. You then write the numbers of the knooppuntten on your hand or a piece of paper so you can follow the route markers

Yes there is an MTB community and some MTB events happening (I can e-mail someone for details if you wish). You can get some elevations gain around Apeldoorn and Arnhem, but MTB in NL is not necessarily about elevation gain and gravel as it is for Saffa's. Forest riding in central NL is rad and dune riding we did around Wassenaar was cool too. If you're planning on taking your MTB to NL and will therefore also commute with it, take a very good lock and consider buying a rear wheel lock (cheap) there too - MTB's are like gold there and bike theft is rife (also for joy-riding).

Awesome thanks Kudos to everyone making this happen I'll go and play tomorrow morning I get there earlier than 8am, because of work, but hopefully some other peeps do too, definitely worth checking it out.

Can I get a show of hands - who of you riding Tokai/ Silvermine West on weekday mornings, and are you doing the peak loop, or down into Tokai via level 5/ level 4? From a trail runner wondering which routes are more populated...

You raise a valid point regarding commuting cyclists not being considered. I am one of them, and Chappies is my shortest and most sheltered route. So what happens to us now? Well, we wake up earlier and go round via other, longer routes, and have new adventures. Becuase riding a bicycle, not matter how far, is always better than sitting in traffic.