If you go cycling on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Amerongse Berg is without a doubt the climb you will want to ride. There is no longer climb to be found in the wider area, and with the Vuelta coming through in 2022, you also have a cool sign to ride past. Alto de Amerongse berg, what more could you want. The roof of La Vuelta Holanda. Whichever way you come from, you pass a sign in the village, which says: The Prologue, turn here. That means one thing: turn immediately and head towards the Fietscafé The Prologue, the region's cycling café. We recently visited (again) and we can confidently say: Cycling Destination Approved. Do you want to know why? Read along with us!
Unique combination
If you are not familiar in Amerongen, you may miss the way to Prologue. On the south side of the climb, just before you go up, there is a sort of gate you have to go through. Once you know it, you'll never go wrong again. You then turn onto a little square and 9 times out of 10 you will already see other cycling enthusiasts sitting on the terrace of The Prologue. You've arrived at the right place. Fietscafé de Proloog is a unique combination of a real bike café, a place where you can possibly tinker with your bike, where you can change and shower, and where you will also find all kinds of cycling-related activities.
But first coffee
A good cycle café stands or falls with the offerings, and then coffee is very high on the list. Fortunately, this is well taken care of, as the coffee is top notch. The Kickstarter of Il Magistrale was created especially for Prologue. Delicious doppios, latte macchiatos, black coffees or flat whites are served here. Of course with a choice of different milks, but all made with love. Feeling hungry too? Then you're in the right place. The display case on the bar is always filled with delicious baked goods, such as apple pie, the seasonal cake or apple pie. Homemade or not, everything is delicious. Besides coffee and cake, there is also a good lunch and drinks menu, with wine, beer on tap, delicious sandwiches, soups and, of course, the brown fruit platter. Check for yourself the map, then you can see what we mean.
Stuff
So what makes this a Cycling Destination Approved location? You can buy an extra tyre, bar or gel here. Handy if you've consumed just a bit more in your ride than you thought or if you suddenly run out of gear. Of course, there is also a limited selection of clothing available, but I don't expect you to try on a new shirt during your ride. Unless you've fallen, but that's another matter. What's also nice: there are works of art on the wall by Menno Anker, among others, and you will regularly find beautiful, special bikes from Dutch cycling stars.
Corporate social responsibility - but for real
Owner Berry van den Brink is an inspired entrepreneur who tackles many fun and new ideas. The premises of the Prologue housed a sheltered housing facility for people with a disorder in the autism spectrum. In search of a nice form of day care, the Prologue actually came into being. That was a while ago, but it is now a real draw in the area and a wonderful place for staff to develop.
Events and more
In addition to various events being organised, De Prologue has also set aside a permanent place for the 'What if!' podcast. The men record at the café. In addition, Nudge Cycling is also based at The Prologue, giving the café an increasingly wider function, but with everything still revolving around cycling.
We love coming here. Indeed, it is on a favourite round trip of both editor Sander and Erwin (the one from the Mountain High Chasers. A place to stop, start (and end) your ride or stop by for an event. A Cycling Destination Approved café for good reason!
