Spokes Folks Bicycle Tour - 1994 Photos

Norwich 

The whole group near Downham Market

Entire group

Transcribed November letter

November 27, 1994

Dear Eric and Judith,

What fun it was to have dinner with you at the American Hotel in the Hook of Holland on October 2. This meeting gave us an opportunity for a leisurely chat, and our friends appreciated your researching the restaurants and all agreed you’d selected a good one.

            Our return home went smoothly, and, of course, we were all quite tired and happy to get home for a rest after two weeks on bikes. We did about 350 miles; the maximum number of miles covered was 450.

            Following our return we travelled to the Boston area and then to Cape Cod for a few days of biking. We were the only people on the trail except for a young couple from Rotterdam. We had an enjoyable, but brief, meeting and told them of our recent meeting with you. They didn’t recognize your name, and I have forgotten their names as we had no pen nor paper to write on.

            As it developed, we didn’t need the maps you sent as one of our people picked up these same maps from another source. Again, our thanks for going to the trouble and expense of obtaining them for us. Since they are no longer needed, I’m returning them with our renewed thanks.

            It was a superb adventure, and all of us love Holland. We always feel very welcome in your country, and already look forward to the next time. But, in the meantime, we are already making plans for another bicycle adventure next August in the States of Washington and Idaho. Our travels will take us into Canada also. Before August, however, we anticipate numerous long weekend cycling tours.

            In late January, we go to Florida for about 6 weeks. This also offers opportunities to bike. We’ll be in Venice on the West (Gulf) coast of Florida.

            Whenever your travels bring you near central Pennsylvania, you know that a warm welcome will be awaiting you. We are only 2 hours from Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia. We wish you a joyous time over the Christmas holidays and great success and happiness in the New Year.

           

Your friends,

John & Kay

Transcribed August letter

August 29, 1994

Dear Eric and Judith,

We certainly do remember you and our delightful breakfast with you at “The Nassau House” last March. How thoughtful of you to write and close so many excellent brochures, particularly the maps of Gelderland which will be of special value in selecting the best routes.

Since our meeting in Key West, we have been proceeding with our planning for our bicycle tour, and all appears to be ready for our departure on September 19. There are 8 couples, and when you see the enclosed itinerary you’ll understand how much detail is involved in organizing 16 people.

Thanks, also, for inquiring about the ferry service to the Hook of Holland. As we also discovered, only cargo ferries operate out of Great Yarmouth, so I had to revise the English segment of the tour so as to ferry out of Harwich.

            In developing the itinerary for Holland, I received a lot of help from a friend who is married to a Dutch woman and spends several months a year at his house in Luttenberg, which is near Ommen. He arranged out hotel accommodations and suggested the sequence of our tour. A highlight will be an evening at the Het Loo Palace. The leaflet you sent will be a helpful reference.

            It would be wonderful to see you both again, and we’d like to propose that we meet at the Hook of Holland either for breakfast the morning of Wednesday, September 28, or for dinner the evening of Sunday, October 2. Meeting us for breakfast would entail your having to drive to the Hook for about 7:00 a.m., and we could spend about an hour and a half together. On the other hand, meeting for dinner would enable us to have a more leisurely visit. I notice that Raamsdonksveer is not too far from the Hook of Holland.

            Please let us know which of these dates would be best for you. If you decide to come for breakfast, on September 28, please meet us at the Stua Sealimb dock around 7:00 a.m.; if you prefer dinner on October 2, I’ll telephone you when we get to Holland to arrange the time for our meeting.

            Meeting you was the highlight of our stay at the Nassau House, which was not a good representative of bed & breakfast inns in America. However, it gave us an opportunity to became acquainted and discover mutual interests in bicycling.

            I was interested in seeing the literature about your Bike Bar, and we hope your business is doing well with this product. We have a friend in the Boston area who manufactures a bike bar under the name of “Allen.” Incidentally, he’s married to a Dutch woman and spends time in Holland.

            You will have no difficulty identifying our group. Just look for 16 people & 16 bicycles. I’m sure we’ll be able to identify you.

            We send our best wishes, many thanks again for your nice letter and information, and hope that we’ll see you soon.

Sincerely,

John & Kay

Letters to Eric and Judith

A letter to their friends in Holland

October 20, 1994

Dear Theo and Mieke,

Kay and I have been “on the road” almost continuously since returning home two weeks ago. This is why it has taken so long to send this expression of appreciation for all you did to make our Luttenberg visit such a happy and memorable occasion – from the moment we spotted the American flag atop your pole until you bid us farewell at the cathedral in Raalte.

            We shall all retain the memory of you sitting on your bike like the Pied Piper as you led us on the tour through Luttenberg to the pig farm, Spiyker Hein’s farm, and Betty’s house for the delicious heon, and finally to Raalte.

            We appreciated your opening your lovely house and hearts to use as we sat in your living room enjoying Mieke’s cakes and coffee, the inviting warmth of your fireplace, the American music in the background.

            Fred had mentioned Mieke’s beautiful gardens, and they are truly lovely. I don’t know if Mieke’s example inspired the others to be more creative about their gardens, but I do know Kay had me working very hard yesterday hauling compost to insure that we’ll have pretty gardens next year.

            As you probably have observed from your local newspaper, our town was publicized in response to your request. While in Deventer, I visited the newspaper office and the gentleman with whom I spoke very kindly offered to find us copies of the article. I received these yesterday and enclosed is a copy for your information. I’ll also send one to Fred and Betty as it will interest them. Thanks again for alerting your press to our visit.

            I have requested the group to give me any extra photos taken in Luttenberg and, unless they send directly to you, I’ll send you some in addition to those enclosed from our collection.

            On behalf of the group, I am enclosing a box of 3 compact discs featuring the “Best of the Big Bands.” It is a little gift of our appreciation for making our day with you in Luttenberg such a happy experience. When you listen to this music, we hope it will remind you of your many new American friends who join us in extending warm thanks.

            If you have time when here next year, we would welcome seeing you if your travels take you to Harrisburg or Florida. We will be in Harrisburg until the last week in January when we will be leaving for Venice, Florida where we’ll be until early March.

            Have a wonderful time over the coming holiday season and on your 1995 visit to the U.S.

Sincerely,

John & Kay

            

Spokes Folks Bicycle Tour - 1994 England/Holland

By far, I think... the most detailed-oriented trip with the largest number of passengers. Click on an image to enlarge.

England 1994 - Part 2

September 25: Norwich to Bury St. Edmunds

Off bright and early (8:30) – more dry weather. It is dull, but we’re thrilled. The route is fabulous – flat country roads for 41 miles. We stopped at a lovely small church where we recognized a man in the churchyard from our visit to the Wymondham Abbey. He was in charge of the bell ringing to celebrate his 40 years of marriage. They had six bells – the new ones were from 1790. Six bell ringers using chain bells play a tune. It was magnificent, and we rode off down the road to the sound of the bell ringers. We were in Bury St. Edmunds by 2:30 without a lunch stop. We had lunch in a little tearoom, which had delicious food and fabulous desserts and ice cream. We visited the Abbey Gardens and learned about St. Edmund, who was martyred, shot with arrows and beheaded for announcing he was a Christian around 800. I have a cold. Ugh. Bed at 6 – up at 8 for supper in our room. (Tired).

September 26: Bury St. Edmunds to Colchester (via Lagenham, Kersey, Hadleigh and Harwich)

The “Suffolk hotel” was fine and we left early (8:30) – about 12 miles to Long Melford, a wonderful small antique town with beautiful shops and pubs and tea shops. A pub was recommended for cream tea and we stopped as I couldn’t resist. Then we cycled on to Lavenham & Kiersey, reputedly the prettiest small town in England – not so. It made our trip much longer and we ended up bicycling 51 miles instead of 35. I am a basket case – so tired. Our hotel – “The George” looks like a flop house from the exterior, but it turned out to be OK. I had soup and a salad and fell asleep about 8:30 after a hot soak. Long hard day of cycling.

Long Milford is the nicest town we’ve seen on this trip for quaintness and shopping.

September 27: Colchester to Harwich

Our day in the van and I need the rest. The others have a short cycle day – about 20 miles. We drove to Harwich on B roads and I was in the hedgerows sitting in the left seat. We met Anne at the Tourist Office. She was so nice to John with his difficulty making ferry reservations. Then we got our insurance and assurance of packing materials from the local bike shop. We backtracked and found the chain gang. They’re in good spirits and close to Harwich. Now we are free to visit Flatford Mill, home of John Constable, the artist. We took a guided tour showing his paintings and exactly where he positioned his easel. A lovely English lady gave us the tour and told us her favorite book was “Sufolk Summer” by John Appleby which we had read about. Now were both anxious to find it. The church in Flatford Mill is lovely with many reminders of John Constable. We went on to Dedham. St. Mary’s Church is also lovely. We’ve seen so many gorgeous churches – so old – monuments to the dead of WWI & WWII. The antiquity is being preserved by the National Trust here in England. They buy land and buildings related to their interests whenever possible.

We arrived at the ferry about 6 o’clock and are waiting for the cyclists to take their panniers. Boarded at 9 and the ferry sailed at 9:30. After seeing it leave the dock, we went to the cafeteria style restaurant for a light supper. It was very bad – I had soup and a hot dog. It was gorelash soup and that was the best part. Our stateroom is minute with a private john about 4x4. I took the top bunk and had a pretty good night’s sleep. Awake at 6 to disembark at 7. All going smoothly.

September 28: Hook of Holland to Zwolle and Ommen

We put everyone and bikes on the train at 8:03 and John and I took the van to Ommen. We stopped on the road for breakfast and a very bad pankoken and 2 demi-sized coffees cost 28 Guilders, or $17 dollars. Everything is so expensive! We arrived in Ommen – pronounced “omax” and looked around. Our Hotel Zonn is very nice. We shopped for snacks, and cocktails were in our room. Getting ice from the bar is like panning for gold. They think we are nuts. We went to an Italian Restaurant. It was only OK. The food doesn’t compare to our last trip to Holland. Early to bed.

September 29: Ommen to Luttenberg to Epe

Left our hotel at 8 after conference with newspaper reporter and photographer. Dr. Ibis (Tao) called the paper as he thought our visit newsworthy. We biked about 12 miles to de Hof. Tao (pronounced Theo) and Meeka had coffee and desserts waiting, and the American Flag was flying on the flagpole in their front yard. He is the town physician and has a lovely home – quite large. Office connected and beautiful gardens, including a secret garden. Another thing I loved was a nursery for her grandchildren – 2 darling small cribs and a changing table. So pretty – lovely art, very comfortable home.

After our coffee we visited a pig farm and a dairy farm. It was revealing to me, as the pigs were in a barn – very cleaned and penned. Our row had mothers with litters – another barn had expectant mothers – one barn held infants or small pigs, etc. The dairy farm was quite automated with electric milkers. The farmer had a herd of 60 cows. Then to Fred and Bettys Royal Hunting Lodge. The first small building dating back to 1500 was quite simple and primitive. They use it for guests. The second structure is 3 rooms – gorgeous antique pieces, small kitchen, large living/dining room, and additional sitting bedroom. Very cozy – unusual, lovely garden and tennis courts on 2 acres. Quite a nice escape for four months each year. Just lovely! And so very Holand. We had a beautiful lunch that they prepared for us. Hot Bullion in mugs, sliced hams, cheese, hard boiled eggs, and many different rolls and bread. Delicious raisin bread – solid, with raisins.

Biked from there with Tao’s help to get out of town to a beautiful Catholic Church then on to Epe. Upon arriving we decided to try some Pofryers, a dutch treat: little pancakes with butter and powdered sugar. We had three orders for four of us when John started to feel strange and enquired from the chef as to whether they contained buckeat. His reciple, in fact, was 80% buckwheat. We ran to the drug store to buy anti histamines, but it wasn’t enough. He continued to worsen and the nearest hospital was 20 minutes away. We finally got a wonderful doctor and after much discussion, got a shot. It was a rough night of worry, but by morning he was fine. What a scare! We have several people with allergies and carrying medication, but it all happened so fast.

The hotel was very nice, called Dennenhaustal.

September 30: Epe to Apeldoorn

Another good day!! 25 miles to bike. Nice ride to hotel De Keizerskroon – Holland’s’ Ritz. We arrived early afternoon, as tonight is our big dinner and concert. We toured the Palace Het Loo. This place is immense and the gardens are especially lovely – formal designs, gorgeous fountains. It was the home of Queen Wilhelmina. Our dinner started at 6 o’clock with ham and melon (a parma-like thin, salty ham) then a soup course – clear soup with onion and small bits of beef. Then our entrée. The center of the plate had a tomato stuffed with broccoli and surrounded with 5 different kinds of fish – each more delicious than the last. A poached salmon – a baked salon – Dover sole roll filled with tiny shrimp – white plaice and a tempura shrimp. It was delicious. The dessert was very beautiful – a large white dinner plate with small scoops of sorbet – lemon, raspberry and orange, small dab of whipped cream and blackberries, strawberries, pineapple and a little Melba sauce. Beautifully arranged. We finished in time to walk to Het Loo for a concert – Eliane Rodriguez at the piano. The room was filled to capacity – a large ballroom absolutely gorgeous with an ebony piano raised in the center. It was fabulous. The hotel is very lovely and we are all too tired to stop for champagne being served after the concert. Another 25 miles ahead tomorrow. This was our $450 night.

October 1: Apeldoorn to Arnhem

Rainy – first day of bad weather. Today we ride through the Velume, the largest forest in Europe. Our breakfast was superb and the Keizerkroon is a wonderful hotel. They even had champagne on the buffet – scrambled and hard boiled eggs, ham, sausage, croissants, rolls, ceeal and much, much more. First stop was at the Kroller Muller Museum. Reputedly they have 278 Van Gogh paintings. It was quite wonderful. Stayed at the museum for a lunch of Brie and lettuce on a croissant and an almond pastry. Then we left in a little rain (first so far) for Arnhem, arriving about 3. The guys headed for the museum and the cemetery. We went shopping. It was busy but only a few really nice shops. Fabulous dinner awaits us here in the Groots Warnsborn Hotel. The dining room is gorgeous. Prices here are outrageous, but it was a terrific dinner.

October 2: Arnhem to Hook of Holland by train

This was quite a feat. We bicycled about 3 miles in our regular clothes with my rain suit on top. Upon arriving at the train station I removed the rain suit and put it in the van. We had a couple of hours, so we walked to the John Frost Bridge, as it is now called, and then back to the station. After a nothing lunch we got a train – first stop was Utrecht where we had to change. Getting the bikes on in a place where they don’t get in the way is a job. We were spread all over the train and had to move fast. One change we only had 3 minutes. Fortunately, the track was right across from our disembarkation. The next leg to Rotterdam, we were alone with our 2 bikes and as each platform came into view we had to move the bikes to the opposite side of the entry. Last stop was Hook of Holland and Eric and Judith Micklinghoff were on the platform. They are a darling couple. We took them to dinner at a hotel in town called “American Hotel.” We gave the place its only American atmosphere. Then our ferry ride turned out to be quite easy in spite of their announcing it would be moderate to rough. I was affected by this report enough to loose much of my night’s sleep. Awake at 6 to the news that we were in port due to a medical emergency that precipitated a speedy sail and early arrival.

October 3: Harwick to Gatwick

Disembarking the ferry at 7 a.m. – meeting Barry and our truck driver, putting our bikes in boxes and we are on our way to Gatwick by 10 o’clock. We’re all a little punchy – tired. The Forte Crest at Gatwick Airport is very nice and I could have tucked myself into those comfy beds immediately, but off we took to Royal Turnbridge Wells for more sight seeing. It is a quaint area (The Pastilles) with nice shops but it is raining and we don’t’ stay too long. Dinner at 7:30 – Scott Beihl and his wife Gwen joined us. Great young couple – they have spent the last eight years in Europe. He is with a bank – Morgan Guaranty and they have three children.

October 4: Gatwick – Atlanta – Harrisburg

Up at 6:00 – Breakfast at 7:30 and off to customs at 9. They make us open our bike boxes. The security is very night. Ready to go home – get rid of this cold and get some rest!!! Good flight to Atlanta but too much food. We had breakfast in London, then dinner about noon, then a snack about 5 o’clock London time. We changed our watches, losing 5 hours and it was time to eat again on the flight from Atlanta. I’m very tired. It appears our bicycles are on the plane also, but we’ll probably pick them up tomorrow. We called Susan to hear sad news – John Arnold died and will be buried Thursday.

Our flight stops in Allentown, then Harrisburg. Set down in Harrisburg.

England/Europe - 1994

September 19-20: Harrisburg – Atlanta – London

Susan, Emily and Caroline took us to the airport. Emily wants to see the real airplanes. The weather is fabulous – clear, cool and sunny. Arrived in Atlanta on time but left 1 hour late as our plane just came in from Paris and had to be cleaned, etc. An almost full plane took off in gorgeous 75 degree sunshine for a very smooth trip to Gatwick. Sixteen bicyclists ready to have 16 days of fun on wheels – BUT our bicycles went to Frankfort, Germany. John’s worst nightmare on our first day has come true. We are tired and the drive to Norwich is long. Delta is retrieving our bicycles and bringing them to Norwich tonight. We visited Norwich Cathedral – the second highest steeple in Britain (Salsbury is #1). Came back to put our bikes together – we are bleary eyed. Had a supper in the bar at 9 p.m. and went to bed at 10:55 Tuesday which equals 4:55 in Pennsylvania. No sleep since Sunday. Up early in the a.m. for a long biking day!!

Visited “Adam and Eve,” the oldest pub in England – great little (3 tiny rooms) spot.

September 21: Norwich – Thetford

Woke to sunshine!! A gorgeous day; approximately a low of 50 and a high of 65 degrees. These Trust Forte Hotels are excellent so far. We had a fantastic bicycle route – a few miles of fast narrow, dangerous roads, but mostly gorgeous country – flat, sparsely traveled thorofares. We totaled 34.6 miles and weren’t tired as we expect to be, as most are still fighting jet-lag. We stopped at a free house in Effingham for a long lunch break – slow service, but nice lunch. Food is fairly high-priced, but we don’t eat enough to really mind as 5-course meals are usually too much. A minimum lunch runs about $8 and pub dinner with wine and beer can run to $18-20 for two. We visited Wymondham Abbey and ruin – the most beautiful angels on the altar back and hand-carved natural wood ceiling. Arrived in Thetford about 4 p.m. – cocktails at 6 p.m. – dinner at the Bridge Pub. Lots of laughs – tired – home to bed by 10:30. Great day!!

(This is the birthplace of Thomas Paine, Father of the American Revolution, and has the largest area of woodland in the entire country).

September 22: Thetford to Ely

How can this be? Another sunny day in England? We are in shorts. We visited the bowling green across from the Bell Hotel and the gardens are still lovely although it is late in the season. We were surprised to see Southern Magnolia trees and yews trimmed into columns like giant pillars. The bowling green was perfection like green silk. Everything is real – no plastic. I love it. A long day of biking but a pretty nice ride. The traffic is fast and roads are narrow but drivers are very good – most give you lots of room. The trucks scare me. Arrived in Ely bout 4 and went directly to the Cathedral. It is magnificent. I bought more angel Xmas cards. Also, on the road we stopped at a chapel called St. Marys in Santon Downham. Beautiful and small with the needle point kneelers – each one unique. The Cathedral in Ely dates from 1081.

We opted for our room for cocktails and Jim and Jeannie’s friends, Sadie and John Chester from Bury St. Edmonds, joined us. Upon going down and off to dinner, Bernard and Rosemary met us in the lobby. What a happy surprise! Then we all went to dinner at the “Old Fire Engine House” Restaurant and Gallery. They had a room set up for us and all 18 had a great time. Dinner was superb – fine restaurant – not inexpensive ($100 for 4 including wine). Bernard and Rosie stayed in a B&B and we’ll see them again today or tonight, as it works out. We stayed t the “Lamb.” We had nice accommodations, but the others weren’t much and there was a bit of grousing. All in all a good day.

September 23: Ely to Kings Lynn

Another great day – a cooked breakfast and off by 9 to Downham Market; 20 miles along the Ouse River, a lovely road. At Downham Market we met Bernard & Rosie. She took my bicycle for the rest of the trip to Kings Lynn and had a great ride and I went with Bernard to our hotel “The Dukes Head.” It is pink and white stucco with flowing flower boxes in the windows – so pretty. Rooms are also very nice. The Forte Chain is excellent. We bicycled next to the river – lots of barges and power boats. Bernard and I had tea while we waited for the bicycles to arrive. All met in Royers room for cocktails and then across the courtyard to a small restaurant – we killed a bottle of merlot with Bernard and Rosie, and stopped in our hotel lobby for a nightcap. Very interesting – beautifully dressed dowagers enjoying coffee, tea and liquors in many little groupings of sofas and chairs. A lovely way to close the day.