Thanks to meeting attendees for great input, questions, ideas and attention.  We covered a lot of information, and there is a wide variety of interest levels.  To see the summary of my assessment of interest go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oZaJBRqGPOYuxw5eBLq5cocK28KGFjy9A3HBEKukbI4/edit

There are too many details to list so I’m doing a brief summary in a way I hope will be helpful.  Some of the great information that was shared will be compiled for use later.

Part A

Since our meeting I’ve heard from several highly interested people who expressed a preference for slightly later date, barge vs sailing ship, and alternate route.  I had thought departing April 15, 2023 on the Sail & Bike Tulip Tour Netherlands | Boat Bike Tours was one thing that was sure, but now I am checking into options that could increase the comfort level of more people.

Regardless, the group discount code GROUPBBT5 will apply.  If we end up with 12 or more we will get a 5% discount.  The discount is not valid if we book through a travel agent.  The tour company Full-service Boat and Bike Tours Europe | Boat Bike Tours  is extremely well reviewed and all their routes are excellent.  

This is the only part of the Netherlands 2023 trip in which there is some urgency to book as berths are selling quickly even for spring, which is not their busy season.  

Those of us committed to the adventure are confident that this will be an excellent week of guided cycling and fully managed trip.  

We will each book knowing that flights, additional days of travel and what additional adventures will be added is yet to be determined.  For most of us travelling to the Netherlands for a single week is not practical.

The prices listed in the power point I shared are guesses, and had errors.  Oops.  We expect this part of the trip to be around $3600; that will change a bit if the route changes.

Part B

John did a great job of explaining the appeal and opportunities of cycling from a hotel based in Valkenburg, including local knowledge, contacts, good tourist opportunities and great cycling (including hills), and proximity to other European countries.  He also provided information about travelling within the Netherlands.  He is still working on acquiring details.

Those of us interested in this adventure are open to uncertainty until details are worked out.  My line of thinking is the worst that can happen is it doesn’t come together and we choose a second organized tour, as many have done before us.

Sharing the Trip

After participants have made their commitments, including booking with BoatBikeTours, we will choose a travel agent and make arrangements for flights, additional accommodations that are required, and gain a full knowledge of travelling within the Netherlands as needed.  Where possible we’ll choose the same flights and accommodations..  

Those wishing to do only the BoatBikeTour, or only the Valkenburg experience, or extend their time overseas will figure out their own particular travelling details.

Timeline

Now/Very soon

• Stay tuned for updates on possible alternate route/time.

• I’m checking in with BoatBikeTours (I couldn’t do it this morning…sorry; I was out riding and now they’re closed (they are seven hours ahead of us)) to see if they will hold some cabins for us for a week.  I’ll try again in the morning .

Within a couple of weeks

• Receive more details about the Valkenburg opportunity

• Have another zoom meeting

• Confirm participation, with bookings as necessary

• Connect with a travel agent for flights and any extra accommodations.

Ongoing

• As you make changes in your status, please let me know.  I’ll take you off messages if you know you’re not joining, and update your status as you confirm plans.

• I’ll keep you posted about significant details and meetings.

• We will work out details for travel within the Netherlands.

Remembering Parameters

We are truly fortunate to have opportunities like this cycling trip.  If by chance it doesn’t work out as originally planned, I believe it will be hard to have a bad experience if we confirm our details and communicate clearly.  There is an element of uncertainty as plans unfold.  Know your comfort level before jumping in or choosing to wait and hope for space later.  That way you’ll make the right choice for you.