Tour of Holland in April/May, space for one couple available. Email coordinator below if interested...

With warm wishes,

~Dwight L. Hulse

From: Ed Stodola [mailto:esbike@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2007 4:48 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Bicycle Holland Anyone?

Hello GABRAKY 2005 Cyclists,

You likely remember Mike Heitz from our ride across Kentucky in 2005. He and Janette (his wife) have planned an inclusive bicycle/barge tour of Holland for April 28 to May 5, 2007 -- details are provided below. My wife and I are going. The cost of $825 per person includes barge accommodations, 3 meals per day, bicycle, and other items listed below. Due to a recent cancellation, an opening remains for one couple. The website for the tour company in Holland is www.fenikscharter.com If you are interested in joining us, you should respond directly to Janette at jayheitz@xxxxxxxxxxx .

Ed Stodola

After biking in Holland this past April with my daughter, i decided to charter the boat that we traveled on for a "Friends Bike and Barge Tulip Tour 2007". Mike and I contacted the boat owners, signed a contract, and are now contacting biking and non-biking friends to join us. The boat can accomodate six couples in addition to us.

Here are the details:

Date: 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 - 10 a. m. Saturday, May 5, 2007

Place: Amsterdam, Holland to various destinations in Holland

Cost: $825 per person

Included in fee: 7 nights on board the Feniks (linens included)
                       All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
                       Coffee and tea on board
                       21 gear hybrid bikes including pannier bags, lock, and water bottle
                       Experienced tour guide
                       Route information
                       Ferry fares on the route

Not included:      Bicycle insurance ($15.00 CASH paid on boat)
                       Entrance fees to museums on the route
                       Travel risk insurance/cancellation insurance (optional)
                       Soft drinks, beer and wine on board
                       Bike helmets

Mike and I have each done two bike and barge trips in Holland. It is a no-frills, yet beautiful, way to see the country. We stay on a barge that has been converted to a passenger boat. Each room is equipped with two bunk beds and private bathroom with shower. The Fenicks, our boat, is run by a charming and hard-working couple named Winfred and Els. Plus, they have an adorable dog named Layla. The boat can accommodate 14 people. It is immaculate, and Els is a gourmet cook who serves five-star meals every evening as well as delicious traditional Dutch breakfasts. Food is provided each morning for us to pack our lunches.

A typical day on the boat begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. We leave the boat at 9 a.m. on our bikes headed toward our day's destination town. Along the way we ride through charming towns, see historic sights, and since it will be tulip time, we will see acres of tulips. That evening we will meet the boat at our next town around 4 p.m., have a shower and a cup of tea, and relax till dinner. After dinner we can walk around the town, enjoy a local pub, play cards, or go to bed early.

The mileage per day is between 30 and 45 flat miles. If you don't feel like riding any day, you can ride the boat to the town. However, maps will be available for sale, and if you want to ride more, you will find an excellent bike trail system that is well-marked. This will be a leisurely ride. There is no clipping in to the pedals. In fact, the Dutch don't even wear helmets.

If you are interested in seeing the boat, their website is www.fenikscharter.com. It is in Dutch, but you can get a view of the boat.

Many people have expressed an interest to us in this trip. Therefore, we are making it on a first-come, first-seve basis. The details follow:

$200 per person to hold your spot. Make the check out to Janette Heitz.

Second installment of $225 per person by January 1, 2007.

Balance by March 1, 2007.

If you book and must cancel, tour cancellations must be received in writing, and the date of cancellation will be the date of receipt of communication. Cancellations received less than 60 days from the embarkation date will not receive a refund unless we can fill your spot.

Please know that we are NOT doing this for profit. We just thought it would be fun. If you have any questions, contact us. I will get a detailed itinerary to you once it is confirmed by Winfred and Els. The typical Tulip Tour consists of visits to Rotterdam, Delft, Leiden, the Keukenhof, and Haarlem, We begin and end in Amsterdam.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Love,
Janette Heitz

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