Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Gorinchem and Hoornaar

Be amazed by the vast, flat landscape of the Netherlands. You can look hundreds of meters away over fields and farms and farmlands are visible as dots on the horizon. Beautiful houses stand on large pieces of land, while the plots of the various plots are demarcated and intersected by dead straight ditches. The peace and space that characterizes the landscape between Hoornaar, Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Gorinchem creates a relaxed feeling in a typical Dutch setting. Gorinchem is the largest town through which the cycle tour takes place. The city probably originated when fishermen and farmers founded a settlement here around the year 1000, in the estuary of the Linge and Merwede. In the thirteenth century, the area and the city became the property of the Lords of Arkel and they ensured that the city was further fortified. In the mid-fourteenth century, the raised ramparts were reinforced with stone walls. There were a total of 23 towers and there were seven gates, creating a real city wall. The beginning of a real city was a fact! During your bike ride you could pass the Jan van Arkel corn mill in the Arkel. The octagonal mill was built in 1852 on a spot where a polder mill stood in the years before. In 1946 the mill became the property of the municipality of Arkel and until 1952 the part of the mill that was located under the attic was inhabited. After that, the mill was rented to a miller, who again started grinding corn on wind power with the Jan van Arkel. From 1955, a diesel engine was used when there was no wind, so that grain production for animal feed could continue. Those who want to visit the corn mill can view the inside of the national monument on Saturdays. Before or after your cycle route, you can bring your bike to Profile Kramer (F) for a thorough overhaul. The location is located near the parking lot where you can park your car for free. As an avid cyclist, it's important to have your bike properly maintained, and who better to do it than a bike specialist? On presentation of your bicycle discount card you will receive a discount of 10 euros on the work.