Doug and Rickus : Europe – Really not sure why we did this!

The advent of Covid had many of us putting European and other holiday plans on hold, Rikus and Doug included. So when 2023 came round and most of the world opened up again, it seemed a good idea to put these stalled plans into action. Their plan was to cycle from The Netherlands through Belgium and France, into Spain and possibly onwards to Santiago de Compostella which is the end point for the Camino walks that go through Portugal, Spain and France. Others would call the intended journey an awakening of spirit and consciousness as one journeys through rural Europe and experiences the cuisine, customs and religious mores of the locals, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a feeling of deep inner contentment. Doug and Rickus just thought it would be a bloody good pub crawl!

So come and listen to how they were in Europe for around 60 days, cycled for 42 days, covered just over 2500km, slept on the ground for 32 days in succession, and had expenses of around A$60 per day when cycling. Biggest day was just over 90km, and hardest day was up and over the Pyrenees. Not speaking French or Spanish was not a problem, no-one really understands old men anyway, especially cranky, wild looking Australian types like the 2 of them!

Noel & Connie : From Stockholm to Brussels

The plan was to follow the Euro Velo 8 down the east coast of Sweden through quaint little villages to Malmo. Then crossing to Copenhagen, Denmark by train before arriving in Germany. A few days cycling in Germany before reaching Hamburg where we travelled by train to Den (The) Hague in the Netherlands. From there it was another train trip to the town of Maastricht which is a beautiful historic city, in the very south east of the Netherlands. Then to Belgium – Ypres (famous for the battles that took place during the First World War), Bruges, Ghent and finally to arrive in Brussels. Connie and Noel will fill in the details with postcard photos and stories of their trip.

Silent Auction

A kind cyclist has generously donated some good quality cycle touring items. So this is the one time when we ask you to bring some cash or your bank account number to participate in the silent auction. All funds raised will go to a good cause, namely the CTA (or if I have my way, it will go towards another fabulous Social night). Here’s a sneak-peak on what some of them are (RRP$ when new), with our very own in-house model who hasn’t been paid a cent.

For further information, please ring Jeremy on 0466 271 481 or email info@ctawa.asn.au.

• • Richard Jones Convertible Pannier/Backpack (Rear only) USD$282.00
• • Arkel Waterproof Handlebar Bag $272.00
• • Topeak Handlebar Bag $59.49
• • 1 pair Cannondale 6 point 3 Platform pedals $62.00
• • 2x Pro Bottle Cage $29.99 each
• • Richard Jones Classic Convertible Pannier/Backpack (Front & Rear Panniers convert to backpack) USD$495.00