If you’re going cycling on the Utrecht Hills, the Amerongse Berg is undoubtedly the climb you’re going to want to ride. In the wider area there’s no longer any longer climb to be found, and with the Vuelta coming in 2022 you also have a cool sign to drive past. Alto de Amerongse berg, what more could you want? The roof of La Vuelta Holland. No matter which way you come, you will pass a sign in the village that says: "The Prologue, turn here." That means one thing: turn right and head towards Fietscafé The Prologue, the cycling café of the region. We recently went there again and we can say with confidence: Cycling Destination Approved. Do you want to know why? Read along with us!
Unique combination
If you are not familiar with Amerongen, you might miss the road to Proloog. On the southern side of the climb, just before you start going up, there is a kind of gate you have to go through. Once you know it, you will never go wrong again. You then turn into a square and 9 out of 10 times you already see other cycling enthusiasts sitting on the terrace of De Proloog. You have 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 clothes and shower, and where you can also find all kinds of cycling-related activities.
But first coffee
A good bike café is all about the selection of coffee, and that’s why coffee is high on the list. Fortunately, it’s well-organized, because the coffee is of top quality. The Kickstarter by Il Magistrale It is specially made for Proloog. Delicious doppio’s, Latte Macchiatos, black coffees or flat whites are served here. Of course, with a choice of different milk varieties, all made with love. Are you still hungry? Then you’re in the right place. The showcase on the bar is always filled with delicious pastries, such as apple pie, the seasonal pie or apple pie. Whether homemade or not, everything is delicious. In addition to the coffee and cake, there is also a good lunch and drinks menu, with wine, tap beer, delicious sandwiches, soups and of course the brown fruit plate. Check it out for yourself the card, Then you can see what we mean.
Stuff
What makes this a Cycling Destination Approved location? You can buy an extra band, strap or gel at this location. Handy if you just used up a bit more fuel during your ride than you thought or if you suddenly find yourself without any gear. Of course, there is also a limited selection of clothing available, but I don’t expect you to be changing a shirt during your ride. Unless you’ve been in an accident, but that’s another matter. What’s also nice: there are works of art on the wall, including those by Menno Anker, and you’ll regularly find beautiful, special bikes from Dutch cycling stars.
Socially responsible business – but for real
Owner Berry van den Brink is a passionate entrepreneur who tackles many interesting and new ideas. The Proloog building housed a sheltered living arrangement for people with autism spectrum disorders. The Proloog was actually created in search of a beautiful form of day-time activities. That was a while ago, but it is now a real attraction in the area and a wonderful place for the employees to develop their skills.
Events and more
In addition to the various events that are organized, De Proloog has also established a permanent place for the ‘What if?!’ podcast. The men hang out in the café. In addition, Nudge Cycling is also located in De Proloog, which gives the café an increasingly broader function, but where everything still revolves around cycling.
We love coming here. In fact, it’s on a favorite route of both editor Sander and Erwin (who runs the Mountain High Chasers. A place to stop, start your ride (and end it), or to drop by for an event. It truly is a Cycling Destination Approved café!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.