Telegraaf cycle route: Around the Maasvlakte quite special

We start at Hoek van Holland Haven. A nice place with a few nice houses and some catering establishments, where sometimes a gigantic ship glides by. Nothing special yet. But then it is time to embark. With the Fast Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists, which sails to the other side. Officially you go from bicycle junction 94 to 57, but you don't have to climb stairs. Along the way the view is impressive of all the refineries, ports and industries that are located here. We cross the Nieuwe Waterweg where millions of containers arrive every year. Before we dock in the Yangtzehaven we see about ten seals lying on a beach. They enjoy the silence, because apart from a few cyclists there is nothing here. You will find a more vibrant beach life in Hoek van Holland Strand. But that suddenly seems very far away. The landscape here seems surreal, a bizarre emptiness with industry. I am on the Maasvlakte 2, an area that is located further out to sea than Maasvlakte 1, the capacity of which became insufficient. Hundreds of millions of kilos of sand caused the port area to grow to 12,000 hectares. There has been much disagreement about the expansion of the Maasvlakte. The costs have skyrocketed and the lost nature has to be compensated for elsewhere. It is certainly not yet fully built up and as a cyclist you have a wide view with container platforms, impressive chimneys and winding pipes in the background. Nature has not given up, however, given the many salt-loving plants that grow along the cycle path. In the Futureland visitor centre you can learn everything about this area. Definitely worth getting off. Alva After the Oostvoornse Meer I return to the 'normal' world of nature and villa districts. A nice place for a stop is café Dixi in Brielle. Anno 1886 is written on the window. The interior is decorated with old beer advertising boards. But it is also pleasant to stay on the terrace by the water. We have a meatball sandwich, with tomato, cucumber and hussar salad. Brielle was a rich city and the fortress was an important stronghold. During history lessons we learned that on April 1, 1572 Alva lost his glasses (Den Briel). Together with cycling friend Bob, with whom I have an appointment, I take a quick tour through the city along the nine bastions and the Catherijnekerk. It is thirty degrees when we cycle along the Brielse Meer. The water beckons for cooling down. We dive into the water with cycling shorts. And not only us. The lake is popular with water sports enthusiasts. It used to be a sea connection, but was later dammed. At Rozenburg, the industry suddenly looms again and the stench penetrates our noses. Not a nice place to live, we think. We hardly notice that Rozenburg is actually on an island. Ferry We are too late for the Fast Ferry Boat. Instead of the headland, we therefore take the ferry to Maassluis. And so follow a few more beautiful kilometres along the banks of the Nieuwe Waterweg. When we take a drink break on the Slachthuisweg, we see the signs indicating England. A great idea to sail from here to the other side with the Stena Line. Later we see the boat, but we also think Hoek van Holland Haven is a great final destination for this futuristic trip. Sailing times Pay close attention to the sailing times. During the day, departures to Yangtzehaven or the peninsula take place every hour at'6 minutes past the whole\\\'. Costs €3.40, to be paid in cash on board. www.ret.nl/fastferry