Whatsit Wednesday - Fietsen

Most people are aware that people in Belgium and the Netherlands ride bicycles. Most recently the Dutchwoman Marianne Vos won the world championship cyclocross which was held in Fayetteville, Arkansas (NOT North Carolina - I knew that!). You will often hear either a Belgian or Dutch name when it comes to competitive cycling. 

You only have to walk the dog along our canal every morning and evening to see how many people bike. But also to see the difference between the Dutch and the Belgians. Every weekend, especially if the weather is nicer, Chester and Scott have to make sure to keep their ears peeled. Regularly a large group of men (and women) dressed in the same outfits and bunched together will come flying by on their bicycles. Thankfully, you can hear them coming from far off, gabbing with one another as they ride along. 

Although this will also be the case in some areas of the Netherlands, the bikes there are much more practical. It is in the Netherlands that you will see mothers or fathers biking with two children in a box connected to the front forks, with a third child in a seat behind her and groceries in bags straddling the rear wheel. Bankers, mechanics, students, professors - anybody can be found riding a bike to work or the store or the cafe. 

Whether it is for sport or daily use, the “fiets” (bicycle) is clearly a part of life in both the Netherlands and Belgium.