This is the start of the "Mini Amstel-Windmill Bicycle Tour". The maps are given out at the bike rental places. This is a self guided tour and I would have to say one of the prettiest bike routes I have ever been on. This route runs down both sides of the Amstel River at the south end of Amsterdam and is 28km round trip (about 20 miles). The day turned sunny and warmer and the Dutch road bikers came out in full force. You don't see that many road bikes in town, mostly city cruisers, but out here road bikes are common. May 2012
Once you leave the city part of the Amstel River it abruptly turns into farmland
with scattered houses dotting the edge of the water. May 2012
The countryside is loaded with wildflowers and the scent from the flowers is nice, but almost overwhelming. May 2012
The trail/tour passes a handful of farms on the east side and many have sheep and cows. May 2012
These little guys had the right idea, they are enjoying a great day to be lazy. May 2012
This is the coolest of the four Windmills I saw today, it is actually a house for a small farm.
The bike route at the rivers edge passes right by it. On the way back I took a photo of it from across the river. May 2012
This is the town of "Ouderkerk AD Amstel" (AD means on the). It is an old Jewish town with Jewish cemeteries, but it's history dates back into the 1600's as a town were the Catholics lived, because Amsterdam was Protestant. This is the place you cross the river for the return trip. It's a great place to take a break and grab a snack or drink. May 2012
This side has a few more cars, but the cyclers and joggers dominate out here. May 2012
Here's the same windmill from across the river. A great picture I think. May 2012
This steakhouse called the Klein Kalfje (Clean Calf) was right next to the water out in
the countryside and` it was packed. many had arrived by bike. At this point your are nearing the city,
but you would not know it and there a big park at the cities edge. May 2012