Cycle Holland 2015: Day 5 - Enkhuizen to Weesp

We left Enkhuizen and on the first part of our journey we were faced with crossing the 27km long Houtrib dyke in temperatures approaching 35 degrees - even with the wind (which we thought would cool us down).

The heat was relentless and for some strange reason we could not find an open cafe to cool off (with a steaming cup of coffee, as you do). Then before we mutinied against Mike (why did he bring us to this god-forsaken land) we found a yacht club and sipped cappuccinos on the floating pontoon. Whereas poor Mike nursed a serious headache (heat exhaustion) and sat with the bikes on the concrete curb. Soon an ambulance showed up, which Mike thought was for him (you can't duck out of navigating that easy). Needless to say it wasn't.

With Mike's head beginning to heal and fresh caffeine cursing through our veins, we headed back on the road searching for shady cycle paths - and found almost none. We stopped for a late lunch in Almere Haven - cheese sandwiches, chips and sleep. I mean real sleep - we were conked out snoring in an outdoor cafe while tourists sipped beer and wine beside us.

Then back on the road again... with only had 10 short miles to destination! Mind you - the winds were up and unfortunately against us. Ever wonderful Mike braved the first position and took the worst of the wind.

We landed at the hotel (Steve and Hugh's room was hotter inside than out) and adjourned to the outside bar for cold beers. After showers and shaves we had a walk around the town and settled into a fabulous restaurant, de Galagkamer van Weesp, where they set up tables for us on the other side of the road. All of us had the same Dutch special (including roll mops and dairy ice cream).

After dinner we headed home as dense black clouds rolled in - luckily we just got into the hotel when the clouds burst. Even the certainty of a soaking was not enough to dissuade the gang from heading back out for a late night tipple.