The West Frisian Omringdijk - the name alone seems to be specifically conceived for cyclists - is a 126-kilometer-long dike, created by the coupling of several short dikes. The West Friesland region has a long tradition of building dikes to keep areas dry or wet. In the beginning, as early as the tenth century, it concerned short and low dikes.Over the centuries, the dikes became stronger and higher. However, due to the eventual reclamation of some areas, the sea defense function of the Omringdijk became less and less important. With the arrival of the Afsluitdijk, the seawater no longer had any hold on the Omringdijk. Nevertheless, the dyke system is still being maintained.This Tour of almost 140 kilometers - indeed a bit longer than the Omringdijk itself due to the addition of some beautiful roads and cycle paths - starts in Enkhuizen, near the Zuidermuseum. If you still have the energy and time after your bike ride, consider a visit to this museum to learn a little more about the history of this special place. However, that is of later concern, first a long way on the bike!From Enkhuizen you cycle clockwise over the Zuiderdijk along the Markermeer to historic Hoorn. In any case, this Tour is packed with history: the Omringdijk itself, beautiful places such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Alkmaar, Schagen and Medemblik (the oldest city in West Friesland, it received city rights in 1289) with their VOC history, the old bell-jar farms along the way, the goes on all day long.The Omringdijk is therefore a large round of more than 125 kilometers. On a windy day you often have a headwind, but fortunately also a tailwind. It's hard work and smooth paddling. After Hoorn you cycle a little further in a southern direction, then it is about 20 kilometers to Alkmaar. If you still have a lot of energy in Alkmaar, then the cycle paths through the dunes at Bergen and Schoorl might be worth considering as an extra detour?From Alkmaar you cycle to Schagen. At Sint Maarten you cycle straight on over the beautiful Nieuwedijk or choose the Valkkogerdijk and Oudedijk. In both cases you will end up at Schagerbrug. You keep cycling on beautiful and meandering dykes. Can you imagine what it must have been like centuries ago in the battle against the water? And how many street signs with dyke have you already encountered?After about 90 kilometers of this Tour you will cycle south at Kolhorn. Ten kilometers later you take the beautiful Pannepad, a winding gravel path straight through the fields, which is also easy to do on a racing bike. Then it is on to Medemblik and via the Dijkweg back to Enkhuizen.