Unlike provinces such as South Holland, where it is searching for even the very first real gravel path, the east and north of the Netherlands is richly endowed with these adventurous routes. During our recent visit with Cycling Destination in Groningen, we were also challenged to find a nice gravel route. In the Netherlands, the Achterhoek, that picturesque part of Gelderland between the river IJssel and the German border, predominates. In this region, the most beautiful gravel routes can be discovered. Previously, explorer Nynke explored this area and you can read her report here reading. This time, I decided to explore on my own. That it would be a true voyage of discovery was something I could not have predicted beforehand. Curious about my experiences? Find out all about it in my latest article: "Gravel routes in Gelderland: Exploring the Strade Bianche Achterhoek!"
text and photos: Sander Kolsloot
Hengelo -> Gelderland
About 25 years ago, I once played a youth tournament with a group of young guys. One of them was from Hengelo, Gelderland. It was specifically mentioned. That this was not the 'big' Hengelo, but a somewhat lesser-known village, in the Achterhoek. Even then, I had to search carefully for a while to find where it was again. Just above Zelhem, in the municipality of Bronckhorst, where you can find the smallest town in the Netherlands. Bronckhorst of the same name has just 90 inhabitants. No, Giovanni is not one of them. This is the proverbial gateway to the gravel heaven affectionately called 'Strade Bianche Achterhoek'. A good heaven has several gates and there is bound to be a back door too. Today I choose the entrance via Hengelo.
Long white strips
The pet name for this gravel route in Gelderland, Strade Bianche Achterhoek, is not for nothing. The start of the route is still on asphalt and a few hundred metres through the inspiring industrial area of Hengelo. Pretty soon after that it heads into the fields. In Utrecht, we know nice gravel paths (you can royal counting around Soestdijk), but this is a breath of fresh air. Long white strips, with no house, human or animal in sight. Ranging from strips in the forest to the characteristic farm roads. Roads that are not already paved here because of the needs of yuppie residents. Whatever everyone tells you: it's true. It is thunderously beautiful here. Or is that Twents again?
Coulissen landscape
If you search on scenic gravel and road cycling routes, you will read a lot about the characteristic coulisse landscape. For the scrabblers among us, this is one to remember. For the gravel lovers: you have beautiful paths marked by trees many rows in a row. It gives stunning pictures and, above all, it offers protection against the sun on the hottest days. Still, I would advise starting early in the day though. It will never get as crowded here as in the North Holland dunes on a Sunday afternoon, but the peace and space on a Saturday morning is bizarre. With peripheral glasses on, of course.
Ruurlo
Today's route takes you past versatile Ruurlo. A stop at the beautiful castle is actually a must. Not only because of the beauty of this property, but also because of the MTB/gravel route that runs pretty tightly alongside it. It provides an extra nice 'backdrop' for photos. From there, it's further into the woods and fields. There is variety between paved and unpaved. After Ruurlo, you have to cover a somewhat longer stretch by road. The chances of riding 100% gravel in the Netherlands are almost 0. There are a few nice 'comuts' in the route. That you stand somewhere and think, should I seriously turn left here? The path along the ditch is a bit narrow and further on there is a ditch, but not actually a path. Oh well, that's the charm of being an explorer.
Over the top
The beautiful gravel route in the Achterhoek continues and more and more often I see the sign 'you are on private property'. Still, kind that the landlords and noblewomen open their beautiful backyards to us. You find mostly hard gravel here, but sometimes you come across a dirt track. Then it is some extra stumbling, but you quickly get through that too. What remains above all is: enjoyment. Just after my halfway point I become overconfident. On a stretch marked on Komoot as a 'nice gravel path' things go wrong. I misjudge a bend and slide down hard. Result? A deep gash in the knee, a scraped shoulder, some bruises and mainly broken morale. I patch myself up, straighten my shifter and spray the wounds clean. That will be pain.
Helga from football
The choice is quickly made. More gravel means more dust and it all gets into the wounds. Fast home on straight asphalt roads is the alternative. With about 10 kilometres to go, I pass the local football club in Zelhem. I see a lot of people and in my mind has always lingered (those youth tournaments again): then there is also a first-aider present. I park the bike in front of the canteen and end up being helped by Helga. A resolute lady who briefly samples me and quickly says: 'will be fine'. The wound is properly disinfected, bandaged and with some home-grown tips, it is settled. The girls waiting to be taped up look a bit threatened. Apparently I have a big war wound. Oh well, it's part of the job.
After the ride
So although my ride was somewhat cut short by the fall, I also rode some beautiful gravel paths on the last part. It is truly beautiful here and what I mentioned: you hardly meet anyone. Almost no cars, no other cyclists, not even e-bike couples riding wide on the narrow cycle paths. I can count the number of encounters and brief 'hi' moments on two hands. I think that's a plus.
Gravel route in Gelderland: Strade Bianche Achterhoek
Are you itching to explore this route too? You can find the Komoot file below. If you are looking for more inspiration for beautiful routes in the Achterhoek, just take a look at the website of Outdoor Achterhoek. Here you will find a range of diverse routes, mainly starting from Lochem and around Zeddam. Whether you are interested in gravel or racing adventures, there is something for everyone. Despite my fall, I can honestly say I enjoyed the experience!
