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VIDEO | Checking out the bees in Leiden

By
Judy
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June 27, 2017 – Leiden, Holland – Spent quite a bit of time in Leiden at the Hortus Botanicus; it’s the oldest garden in the Netherlands, founded by Leiden University in 1590, and the most beautiful. 

The large outdoor gardens and greenhouses carry a variety of plants including a water lily that’s so big it can hold a baby and not sink (see photo below). 

There’s also an orangery, which is an historic building that dates to 1745. 

While finishing the tour I found a collection of cute beehives and got in for a closer look. 
Note: The inscription above the hives reads “God feeds all creatures.”

Have faith in God but lock your bike

By
Judy
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June 27, 2017 – Judy Steffes, WCI editor, is currently on a bicycle tour in the Netherlands raising funds for Alzheimer’s programs at local Cedar Community.

Today Steffes rode into Leiden and got pretty close to a number of bee hives, climbed a four-story spiral staircase and shared other tidbits and another video.

Follow along at imthebikewriter.blogspot.com for more adventures and photos from the tour.

 

Off to work today in Holland

By
Judy
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June 27, 2017 – Netherlands – Off to work today in Holland. 

Leaving Lisse after 22 miles out of Amsterdam on Monday and a wonderful stay with Eduard and Marthy at Bed & Rest – De Dahlia. A beautiful house with energetic neighbor boys, Sam and Simon. 


VIDEO | Simon and Sam

By
Judy
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June 26, 2017 – Netherlands – Simon and Sam found me. The pair were up to no good summertime shenanigans. Digging a tunnel to China next to a covered bike port where I was taking a rest. 

Eventually, after chucking rocks onto the roof and making honking noises at the entry, they were brave enough to come in and try to have a chat. 


I found interesting, even with the language differences, some of the things we had in common, and their genuine “kid” sense of humor. 

What resonates internationally with children? Try starting with Frozen and Star Wars. 

I got a kick at how hilarious Sam found my name. 

Riding in tribute to Vic and Gen Albiero

By
Judy
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June 27, 2017 – Washington County, WI – Today I’ll be riding in tribute to:

If you would like me to ride in the name of someone you know, send their name, a jpeg photo, a brief note if you like, and your contribution of $100. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community.

Checks should be made made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Photo Gallery | Along the bike trail

By
Judy
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June 26, 2017 – Netherlands – Sharing a few photos from the bike trail today.

The price of a little petrol in Amsterdam.

A brilliant bicycle in Holland. Perfect for transporting children or a case of Pabst from Jeff’s Spirits on Main. 

 The artwork at the roundabouts is very Calatrava.

The tree-lined canals run through all the towns with designated bike lanes on each side. 
It is cozy and beautiful all in the same breath. 
My first windmill sighting in Holland. It’s on my bucket list to get a tour inside before I leave. 
Fields of flowers line both sides of the bike path as I make my way from Amsterdam to Leiden. 

A thatched-roof house. Very gingerbread. 

Stopped to help Fernando at the side of the road; his chain slipped off. The unique thing about a cycle in Holland is that they all seem to have wrap-around chain guards. Good at keeping grease off a pant leg but a total hindrance with small screws if you need to fix. We teamed up and solved it. 



No planning and wa-LAH … adventure!

By
Judy
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June 26, 2017 – Netherlands – Adventure by the seat of my pants … is quickly becoming the standard method of travel on these tours. 

Rode the jet stream from Detroit into Amsterdam and landed an hour early. Cobbled together my bike, which included repair to a broken spoke and a flat tire, and I was off. Don’t ask me “where to” as I had no maps and, yes, I can see your eye rolls all the way in Europe. 
I got lost six or seven times, and it was beautiful. 

Met storekeep Dirk Smits at his corner grocery “Smits Traiteur” in the old part of Hoofddorp. 
“You’re in Holland,” said Smits. 
It seemed an educated head nod to my lack of direction. 
Smits was a third generation grocer. 
“My grandfather started the store in 1885. His name was Jaap Langareis. “Brothers Langareis” was the name of the store,” said Smits. 



At 46 years old, Smits had a knack for multitasking – blending casual conversation with the art of stocking shelves and filling customer orders. 
“We originally started as an old-fashioned green grocer selling vegetables and now we have Dutch strawberries and other items from Mexico and Peru,” said Smits, “Nothing but the best.”

His glass display counters carried a vista of gorgeous olives, prepared meats and tables of fresh colorful fruits.

An elderly lady sat in a cozy, high-backed wicker chair and placed her order. 

“Many of the older generation still only know Dutch,” said Smits. “Their English is limited to ‘Yes, no and bye bye.'”
Smits prepared a plate of noodles for me. It had a hint of hot spice with a peanut sauce base.

The neighborhood grocery was open six days a week. “Sunday is closed,” said Smits. “We’re Christians.  If you give me a million we wouldn’t open the store. We see the Bible as the holy book of God.” Smits printed out a map for me on his computer – 12km to Leiden. 

Off I went with a full stomach and the best of intentions…. only to get distracted and lost again. 


Simon, Sam and riding the bike trail – the things you can see.

By
Judy
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June 26, 2017 – Netherlands – Judy Steffes finished off her first day cycling from the airport in Amsterdam to Lisse. Along the way she met youngsters Simon and Sam who enjoyed a little silly conversation.

Roadside fields of flowers, the proverbial windmill and much more in today’s photo gallery as Judy cycles to fund raise for Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community.

Read more and view today’s photos and fun video at www.imthebikewriter.blogspot.com

Launching The Amazing Ride in Tribute to My Dad Today

By
Judy
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0

June 26, 2017 – Washington County – Today, the first day of The Amazing Ride For Alzheimer’s, I’ll be traveling in the Netherlands to kick off the bicycling fundraiser in tribute to my dad, Al Steffes (photo below), who has Alzheimer’s disease.

As in the past, I’ll ride in tribute each day over the next three weeks to someone affected by Alzheimer’s.

If you would like me to ride in the name of someone you know, send their name, a jpeg photo, a brief note if you like, and your contribution of $100. The entire $100 donation will go toward Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community.

Checks should be made made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Bike is cumbersome, but connects conversation

By
Judy
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1

June 25, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Just sharing some of what it’s like traveling with a bike in a box. 

Cumbersome is one word that nails it. 

My bike flies with me on these tours. I take off the front wheel, handlebars and pedals, pack it up and heft it through the airport … along with my luggage. 

From what I’ve witnessed it’s easier than a kid in a stroller. Few people offer to help which means I must look capable; “sturdy” is how one gentleman described my appearance. According to the Urban Dictionary a sturdy girl is “equally capable of climbing rocks.”

I’ve got my system down to a science. 

The other thing that happens behind the scenes is the bike is a conversation starter. 

So far the three people I’ve met in line have all had a family member who has had Alzheimer’s. “My friend nursed his wife until her death,” said Bill. “Now he’s 90 years old and taking care of his son who has Alzheimer’s.” 

Bill wished me luck on tour and so did the woman at the ticket desk at Delta. She even waived the fee to fly my bike. “My grandma has Alzheimer’s. I really appreciate what you’re doing,” she said. 

On a side note: This year the bike and contents tipped the scale at 52 pounds. My luggage for three weeks weighed in at 15 pounds. 



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