Getting through holland (Tim)

Today was always going to be a challenge. Our route was the reverse of our epic 12 hour run the previous week only this time we had an hour less to play with.
Getting out of Dusseldorf was a darn sight easier than getting into it and we seemed to fly along the roads heading north to Holland, our only stops to let flys and bugs out of our helmets - at one stage I felt like I was on "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" as 2 moth like bugs walked back and forth across the inside of my visor.
The sun was hot today but we both still decided to wear our armoured jackets and trousers. We stepped up our pace a little to 50mph and the bikes seemed to respond well. At this speed the wind keeps you cool, but winding through back streets made you very hot and sweaty. I stopped for a wee on the side of the road at some stage and have to admit keeping my fly open a little longer than necessary just to enjoy the breeze round my sweaty crotch.
Getting out of Germany was pretty straight forward, but getting through Holland was once again stressful and longwinded. We had learnt from our outbound journey that holland has a fantastic network of cycle paths that scooters can use. Oddly when we ride on the road, other road users tell us to use the cycle paths, and when we ride on the cycle paths other cycle and scooter users tell us to use the road - in the end we pleased ourselves and used whatever was most advantageous.
While aimlessly riding round in circles in Rotterdam trying to find a way out we spotted by chance a cycle route sign identifying Hook van holland - 35km. It seems mad to me that cycle routes identify places 35kms away while road signs seem to only show local suburbs (none of which you have ever heard of or give clue to a general direction) as soon as we found this signage for HVH we were determined not to let go of this life line that would save us from eternal circling in this complicated city - even if it meant pissing cyclists off for riding on their assigned pathways. As we passed the sign that indicated the exit of Rotterdam, I laughed out loud as Scott in front stuck 2 fingers up to the city behind.

Today we spent 9.5 hours in the saddle covering 186 miles. Thats an average of 19mph..... We're improving!