The Netherlands are incredible. A bikers paradise (except for the fact that motorbikes are allowed on bike paths). By far the largest bike population in Europe. It actually got pretty chaotic at times, especially with my wide load. Lots of three speeds. Lots of well marked bike paths, that is if you speak Dutch. Most people speak English, and prices were reasonable. I rode on a dyke, and fed a kangaroo. What seemed strange was walking through Amsterdam and seeing people taking bong hits in downtown coffee houses.