Left Dudzele at 10am after a big brekkie (not much change there then!) and headed to Sluis. Sluis was a nice, small town that had.. a tourist office! So I found out that the ferries from Breskens to Vlissingen (Netherlands) leave every half hour and she also told me to leave Sluis on the main road and look out for the sign-posted turn-off after the channel just outside town. This was a nice “coastal” path to Breskens. It was 26k compared to the 15k direct route.. but it’s not all about having a quick route, is it?

It was 30degC (as I keep telling everyone on aus.bicycle who are really enjoying winter..).

Followed some roadies along the winding, country path (before the beach) and noticed they were all in the big ring while I was pootling along behind (not drafting, just keeping same distance gap). I worked out one dude’s cadence at 65rpm! Dude, use the little ring and spin! Your knees will thank you!

Got to Breskens and after a slight detour, found the ferry terminal. About 3? for the one way trip with bike. The trips takes less than 20min. I was on the 12:20 ferry and was the last person on board. Tied bike up downstairs with about 20 others and went upstairs for a better view. This machine makes a big bow(?) wave and hikes – I wondered what sort of engine/s this thing used?

The Netherlands (Holland is easier to type, I might just use that although it’s not correct or something?) was well sign posted and I soon found myself in Middelburg. I was in a riding mood so I didn’t bother checking this place out. I thought I might try and make Breda, which is almost in the middle, down south. The scenery was a little boring so I went a little nuts and leaned on my bars like I was time-trialling. Speeds up near 30kph (pretty good for the loaded/un-aero GT!). I was really feeling good but thought I’d better stop for food in case I don’t find any later on.

Stopped at “Goes” (haha) for some frites and mayo (2.55?) and an Aquarius (2? sports drink). The girls also filled my bidons for me. I was pumped so I ate fast and left quickly. Frites here were better than Belgium’s, more like proper chips and less like Maccas fries.

Okay, it didn’t look good for making Breda (I was fscked!) so I bailed in “Bergen op Zoom” and asked a chick if there was any accomodation in town. She directed me to a hotel. It was expensive at 60? but, like I said, I was pretty wrecked and really didn’t want to look around for other options. Bit off more than I could chew again..

I tell you what though, the 60? is almost worth it for the real towels!!! hehehehe (and cold shower, and AIRCON and free ‘net)

I found a place that had a pasta special on – 5? for a fair bit of Macaroni Bolonaise and some salad. Drank up too. Ate this in my room coz it was just too warm outside and I wanted to chill with the aircon and tv. Tried to go to sleep but it didn’t happen, so I wandered around town and scored some ice-cream. 5 scoops for ?2.70. I’m not sure if it’s as good as the aussie stuff.. let you know after further testing is conducted..

Back to the hotel for beer and to try and make the most of their internet connection (had to eat up that ?60 somehow!). Bastards closed up at 1am though so off to bed for me.. and then up at 6am to abuse their computers again bwahahaha

Oh, “human fly-paper” refers to me using sunscreen and the piles of bugs that end up stuck to my arms and legs! There’s heaps of bugs and floating plant matter here..

DUDZELE -> BERGEN OP ZOOM STATS:

120k, 5h34m, 22kph (probably a bit faster if I didn’t dawdle the first bit and ate/drank properly!)