Amsterdam/2009English
The first Northern Hemispere WNBR 2009, Amsterdam, was successful and fine.
Although the weather was not so nice, with sun but also a strong cold wind and even frost in the night before, some thirty people came and made a tour of about one hour through the center of Amsterdam, riding along and crossing the wonderful Amsterdam canals with trees, bridges and historical houses reflecting in the water, along the river Amstel with the famous bridge "Magere Brug", and passing some crowdy places, including the heart of the Netherlands, the Dam.
Many of us carried WNBR slogans with papers attached to the bike or painted on the body. Almost all of us were naked, some of us being glad when we finished -with a content feeling- and could put on warm clothes.
Most people who saw us, reacted very cheerful, joyful and encouraging, just a few people looked disapproving. Many times people seeing us were calling lively to us, people on the streets, groups "making Amsterdam by bike", and people on round trip boats on the canals, bike and boat being the two best ways to see Amsterdam. We were calling as well and ringing our cycle bells. It is fine to see that most people get a good feeling from the WNBR.
Before the ride we had good contact with the Amsterdam authorities who showed to have a broad vision on this colourful city. They were really cooperative in order to make it a tour without problems and adviced us very well about the route. Nevertheless we were glad to have portophones with us in some parts of the route with narrow streets, crossing streets with much traffic or many pedestrians or traffic lights. It was the second WNBR in Amsterdam and the first time through the center of Amsterdam. The previous one was in 2005 with bad weather and only a few courageous riders.
The press was very interested, there were lots of reporters and photographers at the place of the last preparations (in a park). Several of them accompanied us on their own bikes, making photos and interviewing us and the public. In most reports the goals of the WNBR are indicated. We hope that we have contributed to make people think about the matter-of-course use of cars and scooters, of dependency of and addiction to oil and gas, the joy of moving on your own power and at the same time wonder why we should conceal parts of our fantastic body.
