Recent Activity
Dan went for a bike ride.
November 25, 2025
I spent a few hours trundling around on my borrowed bicycle - what a wonderfully safe and steady way to discover some of the beautiful sights of Haarlem. Spoilt for cycleways, it is easy and comfortable to stop and start, taking as much time to admire and explore buildings old and new, as you wish. My favourite was the mind-blowing community hub for learning, meeting and gazing - converted from its former life as a panopticon prison. Oh, the dusk beverage sat beside a cycleway and canal was also a treat, taking in the evening sparkle ✨️
00:50
8.64km
10.3km/h
210m
230m
Dan planned a bike ride.
November 25, 2025
00:22
8.66km
23.5km/h
20m
20m
Dan went for a bike ride.
November 24, 2025
My return ride back from the coast to my temporary Haarlem home. After a cup of zinging ginger tea looking out to sea at Zandvoort, I pedalled back through the little town and along the cycle route across the national park. I imagine this becomes a bustling thoroughfare in warmer, brighter seasons. My journey took an upmarket turn, entering a really rather swell neighbourhood, full of distinct, sometimes ornate, and always grand, detached houses. Arriving at pretty much dusk and unable to activate the electronic lock to get back in, so awaiting assistance from my host Almer, finding further temporary refuge in the café next door!
00:33
8.21km
14.9km/h
90m
110m
Dan went for a hike.
September 7, 2025
After a jam & butter scone at the café (clotted cream all gone!), I stepped out into the aftermath of some heavy rain. There were fairly clear paths to follow up to the top of Old Pale Hill. The views were mostly obscured, but the sun briefly peeped through the clouds to brighten the slightly dreary, sodden scenery. Back winding through the trails laid out for family adventures (I liked the Stick Man!), I looped up towards the parched Blakemere Moss lake, where Canada Geese squawked their presence to each other. The forest is also home to humunkeys who enjoy going ape and a large camping & caravan site. The forest train station café looked well appointed and I rewarded the thirst I had worked up with an overpriced can of drink.
00:54
5.13km
5.6km/h
130m
160m
Dan planned a bike ride.
July 7, 2025
03:28
57.5km
16.6km/h
420m
350m
Dan planned a bike ride.
August 14, 2022
03:34
51.9km
14.5km/h
350m
350m