That the Achterhoek is a gravel paradise, that should be clear by now. At earlier times, we were already in the Berkelland area and around Zelhem, where we rode two beautiful routes. Beautiful, long gravel strips, which the Randstadian will envy to death. This time we rode a beautiful route from beautiful Ulft, a village almost against the border with Germany. The route was the reconnaissance for the tour by RTC de Widlt from Ulft. Whether it was worth it? What do you think! This gravel route around Ulft could go straight into a collection.
Text: Sander Kolsloot, photos: Sander Kolsloot and Manon Bouwman - Hiddink
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Beautiful Achterhoek
I admit it. I am a suburbanite. Born and raised in Amersfoort. Via a diversion through Leiden, Amsterdam, Haarlem and the greater LA, I ended up in Utrecht. In my youth and in my young adult years, the Achterhoek, was actually the ACHTERhoek. Behind the Ijssel, far away, close to Germany, Normaal and all the other stickers you could put on it. In short, you didn't go there, only when you REALLY had to. Because the big cities, that's where it happened. If I wanted to be in nature, I'd walk around Zeisterbos. An afternoon in Vondelpark, that's outdoors too, right? Since I started cycling more actively again in 2015, my view of the world has also changed. In particular, my view of the Netherlands has improved dramatically. The world is beautiful, the Netherlands is beautiful. The Achterhoek included.
Beautiful gravel route around Ulft
My cycling companion for today, Manon Bouwman, laid a beautiful gravel route. Or well, she got it from her club mates, who are preparing the tour. 'Whether she wanted to check with her event eye whether this is a nice route'. That's a nice task. Then you can also take in the route a little better. It is also useful because you can then assess: is this a nice gravel route for a group. A nice task, then. The official route starts at RTC de Wildt. With almost 75 kilometres for the fat tyres, it promises to be something great.
Non Stop Gravel
Anyone a little familiar with the Achterhoek gravel routes will know that you can sometimes find non-stop gravel here. Singletracks, farm tracks, a scenic landscape where you have the choice between paved and unpaved, beautiful natural areas. You'll find that on this route too. When we leave the village, within two kilometres we already have the first unpaved forest paths before us. It is the prelude to a beautiful route.
Turning and turning
We turn and turn through the landscape. Each time, I am surprised what looms behind the next bend. The ratio of gravel strips to paved road surface is perfect. Occasionally you have to bridge a bit, but those strips are never very long. A beautiful highlight on this route is the stretch around Vennebuiten. You really feel like you are abroad, but also away from the world for a while. In this stretch, take the MTB route. Beautiful meandering and a small vicious climb. The result is a viewpoint with a lovely little lake.
Zelhem, Germany and more
Gravel around Ulft also means close to Germany. First we seek out the fields and woods around Zelhem, then through the beautiful nature reserve near the German border at Dinxperlo and through the Schievekamp nature reserve. If you're not used to this and live in the Randstad, you'll want a house here right away. If you are used to it: still a cool route and environment. If you already know the route, you can always put your own twist on it or ride it in reverse. Because that's always an option too
Route ULFT
This route is best ridden during the tour of RTC de Wildt in Ulft. Would you like to participate in that? Then register via the association's site.
