The Netherlands

"Nederland" is a geographically low-lying country, with about 25% of its area and 21% of its population located below sea level, and 50% of its land lying less than one metre above sea level. Often incorrectly referred to as Holland, (North and South Holland are but two of the twelve provinces.) it borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east. Hunter and I have Dutch friends who recently opened their home to us and our "traveling tandem" for a week. Their generous hospitality allowed us the privilege of exploring Limburg, a southern province of the Netherlands, via a myriad of bike routes. This country is a bikers gem! Though clouds and chilly weather prevailed our adventuresome spirit spurred us on to back country bike roads proving not all of The Netherlands is flat! Once we mastered the system of bike roads courtesy of the internet and a local map we were "on our way". Yes, we managed to get lost a time or two, but our faithful GPS always pointed home. Next visit we plan to explore the flat lands around Amsterdam and the windmill area, which is in South Holland. In this country there is a never-ending network of paved bike routes tempting our tandem so we'll gladly return!