Every year, as December 5 approaches, I am reminded of place names with St Nicholas, or references to it. . Although Saint Nicholas makes his appearance mainly in the BeNe(lux), the history of this benefactor goes back to other places. Places in southern Europe or 'Asia Minor', today's Turkey. It's great inspiration to follow the places of 'Saint' to put together your ultimate gift adventure. Are you also full of anticipation? This could be a great cycling holiday in the footsteps of St Nicholas.
Agios Nikolaos
The ancient Greek name of St Nicholas, Saint Nicholas or San Nicola, is Aγιος Νικόλαος, or Agios Nikolaos. For those in the know, this name will surely mean something as this is a popular destination on the Greek island Crete. It is on the east side of the island, in a bay with stunning views. It is in the lee of Hersonissos and Malia, which you certainly want to drive around in a big bow in summer. Agios Nikolaos, however, is a bit quieter and the views, as mentioned, are breathtaking. What's even better: you can drive straight into Crete's rugged hinterland and in less than 90 kilometres you'll pick up 1500 altimeters! So. I don't know if Sint can navigate his Amerigo (or Ozosnel, as it is called these days) through that well.
Antalya
St Nicholas was the archbishop of Myra, in what was then Lycia. Although Myra itself cannot really be found on the map anymore, you can still easily find Lycia and it comprises the province of Anatolia, of which Antalya is the capital. Coincidence or not: Antalya is also a popular seaside resort, not only for Dutch people, but also for locals. What many don't know is that Turkey is very rugged and you have stunning mountain passes. East of the city you find a beautiful mountainous area, where you are very soon alone in the world. Here you can gorgeous cycling. In the traditional villages, you can still eat for next to nothing. Do keep an eye on the provisions, as you will be alone for a long time.
Basilica di San Nicola
Earlier we wrote about Puglia (Puglia) as a wonderful cycling destination. The city of Bari is the link to Saint Nicholas in this province. The bones of St Nicholas lie in the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari's historic centre. In the centre, effigies of the saint are everywhere. People kneel willingly and the number of crosses struck for 'Saint' is innumerable. This gives Bari something special. San Nicola is also the namesake of the pompous, decaying stadium of the local FC. For cyclists, too, you're out of the city and 'into the wild' in no time. Because Puglia is rugged, gorgeous in fact. Also something the other places have in common with each other.
Saint Nicholas
The closer to home, the better. The naming is pretty obvious, but Sint Niklaas is named after the legendary bishop from Myra. The city is very much associated with cycling because of the Tour of Flanders. Start place, finish place, right in the middle of the Flemish countryside. You have to have some legs to get to the climbs from the RvV but then you have something to show for it. Another little tip for in your shoe: ask Sinterklaas if you can come along on the weekend to the Flandrien Hotel!
Last stop: Madrid
How the saint ended up in Madrid in our history is still a mystery to me. Perhaps it was logistically easier to get to the Netherlands by boat from Madrid. Although: then a port city is more appealing. Port cities are linked to St Nicholas anyway, as he is the patron saint of boatmen, shipbuilders, fishermen, dockers, grain merchants, as well as prostitutes and merchants. Things you see coming together in many port cities. Port cities like Amsterdam and Aberdeen have Saint Nicholas as their patron. In our capital's logo, you can see this reflected in the Saint Nicholas crosses.
Back to Madrid. Often finish city in La Vuelta. Cold in winter, hot in summer. Outside the city is where it has to happen and to the north you have some nice hills, where you can make nice altimeters and encounter some more spectacular hairpin bends! The long lap we did starts in the city centre and is mostly flat at the beginning. The devil is in the middle section.
Also read Dennis' report with route tips!
