Healing Bones in Zijtaart

Saturday, 30-June-2012 - Veghel - Jeannette caught up to us in Sint Oedenrode.  We then continued in the direction of Mariahout.  On our way back to the Sligro meeting point, we visited injured Fun-on-Wheels skater Ine (photo) at home in Zijtaart. She just got back from an eight-day hospital stay in Croatia for a broken arm. She was on a motorcycle vacation with her husband Harrie, when their motorcycle slid over a gravel shoulder during a braking maneuver before falling on its side.  Six skaters--good for 21 km. pics (52)

Thursday Evening Skating Before Thunderstorm

Thursday, 28-June-2012 - Dinther - Wim was our guide this evening.  We headed for Schijndel, and stopped for ice cream at ijssalon La Toscana Schijndel.  We were trying to get back to the cafe de Toren before the thunderstorm would arrive.  Six skaters--good for 32 km. pics (52) gps-tracked route

Klunen

Tuesday, 26-June-2012 - Boekel - The most-direct route to Restaurant Erica was newly-paved--we took that on the way back. On the way there, we were faced with klunen (kluning). In the Netherlands klunen is normally associated with ice skating tours where there are obstacles.  One has to go over dry land to get to the next patch of ice.  This evening in Mill, we had find our next patch of smooth asphalt.  18 skaters--good for 39 km.  pics (79)

Fun-on-wheels Sligro Skating

Saturday, 23-June-2012 - Veghel - We passed through Eerde today.  Four Fun-on-Wheels skaters--good for 18 km. pics (28)

(Almost) Longest-Day Skating in Boekel

Tuesday, 19-June-2012 - Boekel - It was almost the longest day of the year, and Fun-on-Wheels skater Sanne's first time skating in Boekel. Fifteen skaters headed for Helmond.  On the way back we found our way to the Brabantse Kluis, for an ice-tea break.  There we shared the courtyard with newly-born calves. At the end of the evening milking, they the got their share to drink (photo).  Super evening skating!  We were good for 33 km.  pics (70)

Vendelier Gives Start Sign for Inline Skaters

Saturday, 16-June-2012 - Oirschot - After breakfast, I checked the weather radar:  slight chance of rain.  I knew it was going to be a great day. I rode my bike to Mariaheide to catch a ride with Hélène and Louis and Mieke.  We headed to Oirschot, the starting point of today's tour.  Fifteen Alphen aan de Rijn Omni and nine Veghel Fun-on-Wheels skaters met at the home of our host, guide, and vendelier (guild standard bearer) Pieter Smits.  Pieter greeted us in his Sint Joris Gilde uniform.  We enjoyed coffee and pie as  he explained the history of the guild and treated us to an athletic performance of vendelen, also called vendelzwaaien (flag-waving drill). After 53 km super skating, we enjoyed a shower in a nearby sport complex, returning back to Pieter's place for a delicious barbecue. What a great day! Special thanks to Pieter. pics (213)  vendelen 1 (6:42) gps-tracked route--part 2

Thursday Skating in Dinther

Thursday, 14-June-2012 - Dinther - It was a nice sunny day.  After a big plate of spaghetti, I rode my bike to the de Toren meeting point.  This evening we headed for Uden.  Nine skaters--good for 28.7 km. pics (37).

Swiss Sense Skating

Tuesday, 12-June-2012 - Boekel - Frans knew a good route along the airbase.  We took time for a group photo at the Swiss Sense logistics center where my son Chris works.  We stopped for coffee at an orange-decorated cafe 't Oventje in 't Oventje.  Super evening skating!  15 skaters--good for 30 km. pics (85)

Veghel Sunset

Thursday, 7-June-2012 - Veghel - Sunset viewed from Chris's apartment. Marij and I visited Chris and Marit to discuss upcoming trip to Nova Scotia.

Tuesday Evening Skating

Tuesday, 5-June-2012 - Boekel - Maureen took this photo of me on the way to Landhorst.  Twenty-four skaters--good for 31.4 km. pics (59)

Diamond Jubilee Concert

Monday, 4-June-2012 - London - We watched along on television--the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth was held in front of Buckingham Palace. Grace Jones (photo) was one of the performers. pics (70)

Sligro Skating with Sanne

Saturday, 2-June-2012 - Veghel - Sanne and I were the only Fun-on-Wheels skaters today.  The rest of the club was on a long-weekend in Heemskerk.  We had great skating weather.  First to Keldonk, then Erp, before ending up in Mariaheide.  pics (41)