From tour organizer to local cycling guide in Haarlem
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In these times, as a travel organizer you have to be a jack of all trades. Last month I switched from tour operator to cycling guide in Haarlem!
Because what did my Belgian customers do when their cycling trip in Suriname had to be canceled due to the corona crisis? They just came from Lembeke β East Flanders (Yes, that is the place of the Lotus Bakery, where the Speculoos cookies come from!) on the bike to Haarlem. Luc had turned it into a mini 5-day holiday with two overnight stays in Haarlem as the end station.
By bike from Belgium
Luc Dossche is a well-known face in Lembeke and the surrounding area. Cycling is his passion and his life, especially long distances. He surprised us once before with a visit to Haarlem. Then he cycled the distance on his own, in just one day Lembeke to Haarlem! A trip of more than 200 km.
Goldrush Extreme ATB
Last May he was supposed to travel to Suriname to... Goldrush Extreme ATB bike tour with a group of cycling fanatics whom he had managed to convince with his enthusiasm to sign up. He had participated in one before Apoera ATB Challenge. He has a soft spot for destinations where you still travel 'in the middle of nowhere' you can imagine yourself without WiFi or mobile coverage. Fortunately, this is still possible in many places in the Surinamese jungle.
New tour planned for 2021
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the tour earlier this year due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. If it is up to Luc Dossche and his group, we will move the Goldrush tour to May 2021. If you would like to register for next year's tour, that is of course possible. The tour is planned from May 13-25, 2021. Please send an email to: suzette@surinameholidays.nl
Nice bike ride in Haarlem
As agreed, I would plan a nice bike ride in the area for Luc's group for the 'rest day' in Haarlem. The distance had to be about 70 km, a rest day for them... Because it was quiet in the office, I spontaneously thought: βI'll just cycle along!β. The route was via Haarlem, IJmuiden through Noord-Kennemerland, Wijk aan Zee and my old hometown Heemskerk. We returned to Haarlem via Assendelft and the picturesque Spaarndam.
Beautiful cycling day
For me, 70 km is not a distance for a rest day, but my Flemish cycling friends had a great pace that I could keep up with. In any case, I was glad I put on my cycling shorts and borrowed a fast bike from a friend!
What a fun day it was with this fantastic group of people from Flanders. We ended the day with a beer on the Grote Markt in Haarlem. The next day the group left with a Haarlemmer Kruidcake under the bungee cords for the first leg back home to Brielle.
Wise lessons from Luc
We had nice conversations during the trip. Of course, especially about the ATB tour in Suriname, which everyone is eagerly looking forward to. But also just about the daily things of life and about passions. Luc's motto was on his shirt in Surinamese. Before every cycling trip, he has his life motto translated into the language of the country he is going to.
A pasi di yu e teki, na a pasi di yu srefi piki.
A dey di yu e draydray, na e day di ya sa lasi.
The path you take is the path you chose.
The day you doubt it is the day you lose it.
Even though the day of playing cycling guide in Haarlem was a lot of fun and I did quite well. Luc's motto in life is one that I fully agree with.
No doubt! I will continue on the path I have chosen: organizing trips to Suriname!
Right from my first visit in 2003, Suriname stole my heart. An overwhelming jungle, friendly people and good food: Suriname has it all.
Because I know the country and its people so well, I can tell you exactly where you can find the nicest and most special places and what you can expect from your Suriname trip.
Going on holiday to Suriname with children
My two sons have been traveling since they were little and would prefer to go on holiday to Suriname every year. You have come to the right place for advice and useful tips from my own experience.
17 years later
Since 2010, I took over the company and became the owner. My goal is that with our experience we can contribute to the development of tourism in Suriname in the long term so that this industry is built up in the fairest and most sustainable way possible.
