Wanderings: Cycling down the Vecht to Amsterdam

July 29, 2026

Having coffee outdoors in Utrecht, a man approached and asked where we were cycling to (1). Replying "Amsterdam," he told us to follow the Vecht, which is a sinuous river between the two cities. While a little longer than the direct route along the canal, I'm glad we took his advice.

The ride was through lovely suburbs south of the capital city. Many people were out cycling, boating, and watching the world go by on this warm summer's day. We popped back and forth across the river various times. Our hotel in Amsterdam was near the Concertgebouw (2) in the southwest of the city. Given our approach from the south, we thankfully avoided cycling in the central part of the city. Rode 32 miles today.

The German National Youth Orchestra performed this evening. Rachmaninof's 3rd Piano Concerto was performed with gusto by 26 year old Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili, who banged his feet on the stage and thoroughly enjoyed himself (as did the audience). The progran ended with Pictures at an Exhibition, one of my wife's favorites before the orchestra performed another (unannounced) short piece to conclude the evening.

(1) Our friends had a time commitment, so they had opted for the train to Amsterdam.

(2) The name means "Concert Building;" simple enough

Riding through Utrecht

Church tower chimes at Maarssen Dorp mark 11:00.

On the Vecht River south of Breukelen

Drawbridge at Breukelen (Brooklyn)

Back on the east bank of the Vecht

Waiting for the bridge at Mijndense Sluis lock. My wife was wearing a small painted birdhouse at her waist which we had bought earlier in the trip, drawing questions from a Dutch cyclist. "All the cool kids are wearing them," I replied.

Across the river from Loenen aan der Vecht

The bridge tender at Vleeland rigged a hose to keep the metal bridge cool and prevent expansion in the heat (which also sprayed the passing boaters) on this hot day.