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The 2003 ECO-trip in the Netherlands
From 25 to 30 may, 2003 |
This site is about the ECO-trip in 2003 in the Netherlands.
Click HERE for a direct link to the list of participants.
Index:
The ECO-trip is a 5 day trip with the following aims:
- To promote environmentally friendly tourism;
- To enjoy beautiful nature in a group;
- To bring people from many countries together in a pleasant way and giving them an unforgettable holiday.
In 1998, in Finland there was a group of people that called themselves
'Kevytkulkuneuvojen Ystävät ry' (friends of lightweight vehicles).
This group was only very small and wanted to advertise to its aims.
Moreover, this group wanted to make an environmental friendly holiday trip.
Their idea was that, if the group would increase somewhat, they could get more attention. That's why they also invited people from other countries.
This way, under the leadership of Olli Kuusisto, the ECO-trip was born.
This trip went over the island region in the utmost southwest of Finland.
The trip was successful and was repeated the years after, every time the same route.
Because there was talk of the fact that there would be no 2002 trip, a dedicated ECO-trip visitor, Karl Auer, decided to organise an ECO-trip in his own country
(Switzerland).
Ultimately, there was also a trip in Finland. This time it was in the utmost eastern part of the country.
This way, the year 2002 counted two ECO-trips.
During the Swiss ECO-trip, there appeared to be more interest in having a choice from more different countries for a holiday.
This way it was decided that, apart from the Finnish trip, another trip would be organised in the Netherlands.
There is a friendly relationship with the organisation of the Finnish ECO-trip,
who kindly supports the Dutch initiative.
With our trip, we have an important PR function: We can show the advantages and the funny side of ecological tourism.
Moreover, it is a perfect way to refer people who might be interested to Cycle Vision, were they can be even better informed.
We will also try to inform and interest the local and perhaps national press.
To avoid too long loading times, there is a separate page about the Netherlands. Click HERE to get there.
The trip will be around the IJsselmeer: The inner sea in the Netherlands. It will be at the last week of May. (The week of Ascension day.)
It will start in Edam. That's only 25 km from Amsterdam, so that it can be easily reached for everyone, coming by bicycle, international trains, sea ferries,
Schiphol airport, motorways.
From there, we will mainly ride along the 'Zuiderzeeroute': A long distance cycle route of the Dutch tourist organisation ANWB.
The route can be recognised by white-green hexagonal signs. In some places, we will deviate from this route.
Click HERE for a description of the planned route.
During the trip we try to stay together as much as possible.
Everyone will receive a route description with maps. If he/she might nevertheless lose contact with the group, there is a mobile phone number.
The trip is explicitly no race! We ride in a quiet recreative pace, adapted to the slowest participant.
And if we see something interesting along the route, we can always decide to stop there for a while.
Everyone is expected to bring his/her own environmentally clean vehicle.
It can be a human powered vehicle, but vehicles with (partial) solar, wind or will propulsion are explicitly invited!
Experimental vehicles are welcome as well.
In case you want to participate with a boat: Please contact the organisers in time.
There is also a possibility to rent a recumbent bike. We have made an arrangement in cooperation with hpv specialist Twigt in Bergen aan Zee.
Click HERE for more information.
Other things that everyone is expected to bring to the trip:
A well functioning bike lock, sleeping bag, sleeping mat/mattress, toilet articles, sunburn lotion and of course your own clothes
(sleeping clothes, spare clothes, raincoats. You may also bring swimming clothes. They are required in most Dutch places if you want to swim.)
And don't forget your passport and other official papers.
If you want to stay on the camp site camp site 't Oppertje during Cycle Vision,
you have to bring your own tent and camping things.
There will be an opportunity to let them bring on the first day to the camp site, where they can be stored until friday.
During the whole trip, the ELFiets bike road patrol car is available.
It can be reached by telephone and carries most essential bike repairing tools (Of course we have our own puncture repair kit.)
and if necessary a vehicle and its rider(s) can be transported to the sleeping place of that day.
But also with major technical problems, we shall use our best endeavours to get it riding the next day.
The service car can also carry a modest amount of luggage such as extra clothes, sleeping bag etc..
These will not be available during the days, but they will be brought to the next sleeping stop.
We will sleep in very simple accommodations, such as scouting houses, barns etc.. At least there will be:
A floor to sleep on, toilet, drinking water, a wash basin.
Perhaps there is also a possibility to put up a tent near the sleeping place.
Mostly we will sleep in one or two common places, so there is limited privacy.
We keep the accommodations simple in order to keep the costs as low as possible.
A breakfast will be provided by the organisation.
In the morning we prepare our own lunch package, for the picnic.
In the evening a (vegetarian) dinner will be served for the whole group.
If people want to help, they are welcome.
The climate in this time of the year is mainly influenced by the sea. So it won't be very warm, although sometimes the sun can be pretty warm.
At least it won't be very cold. We can expect that it will rain from time to time.
Mostly it will not rain the whole day, so with showers we can shelter for a while and then continue.
In the Netherlands it's always wise to take a rain protection with you (a rain coat or a fully faired vehicle, of course!).
We do all our best to minimise the costs of the trip.
The total amount will be € 150,- per person.
Included are the prices of meals, sleeping places, service car, ships and the admission to
Cycle Vision (both days).
Drinks between (in café's) and optional visits to museums etc. are at your own account, as well as expenses to repair your vehicle.
Because we have to pay some deposits, it's necessary to pay a € 50,- registration payment in advance.
This will be credited to the total costs that you will be expected to pay on the first day of the trip.
A subscription is only definitive when we have received the registration payment.
By registering for the 2003 ECO-trip in the Netherlands, you undertake and agree that:
- this trip is organised by volunteers who do as good as they can. You cannot expect perfection.
- normally, you are able to ride the trip with the vehicle you brought. The vehicle must come up to the Dutch legal requirements.
- everyone is responsible for his/her own deeds and has to obey the Dutch traffic rules and laws.
- you are advised to take out the required insurances, such as responsibility, health care and theft/loss. The organisers will not be responsible for these things.
- the organisers will not be responsible to loss or damage of luggage or vehicles. Please take a minimum of valuables with you, and keep them close to you.
- in case of cancelling by the subscriber, the registration payment will only be refunded if someone else is found to fill that place.
That is because some reservation costs have already been made.
For a description how you can reach the starting point, click HERE.
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The maximum number of participants has been reached. If you subscribe now, it means that you will be placed on a waiting list.
In case that someone on the list of participants unsubscribes, the first person on the waiting list will be invited to join as yet.
Click HERE for the subscription form.
Click HERE to see who is on the list of participants.
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Do you want to place a banner of the ECO-trip on your own site? Click HERE for the code. |
[ This site has been designed and produced by Erik Wannee. ] |