E-bikes are introducing more people to the joys of long-distance, multi-day bike tours, says Emiel Blok, owner and manager of Holland Bike Tours, a popular European bike touring company based in Haarlem, the Netherlands.
“E-bikes attract different types of cyclists,” Emiel said in a recent interview for This E-Bike Life. “Ten years ago, the guests we had were hard-core cyclists. At first, there was skepticism about e-bikes; some even felt they were cheating. Over the past five years, e-bikes have become more mainstream.”
Note to readers: I recently completed a five-day ride with Holland Bike Tours, riding a German-built Cube e-bike. You can read more about my experience and my observations of Holland’s famous cycling culture by clicking here.
Demand for Electric Bikes Growing
Most customers at Holland Bike Tours still choose regular bicycles, but Emiel said demand for electric bikes increases each year.
“Two years ago, it was 20 percent (of customers requesting e-bikes). Today, it’s more like 30 percent. On average, I think it’s growing five to 10 percent per year.”
E-bikes are an “equalizer” that make taking a cycling tour possible for a wider range of people, Emiel said. He’s seen more multi-generation family groups riding together, such as grandparents being able to take bike tours with their children and grandchildren.
I can speak from personal experience. As a senior adult who has never considered himself the athletic type, I would not have attempted a multi-day, 140-mile bike ride at my age without an electric bike. While the days on the road are still tiring and do require a reasonable level of stamina and good health, you no longer have to be in top physical condition to enjoy a bike tour.
Even though e-bikes are easier to ride, Emiel said they still provide excellent exercise when e-bike owners ride them on a regular basis.
“The coolest thing about e-bikes is that researchers have learned that if you ride an e-bike, you burn more calories. That is because e-bike riders tend to ride longer and more often. You don’t burn (calories) as much per hour, but you ride longer and more often.”
Why Tour in the Netherlands
It’s not just the Netherlands’ superior cycling infrastructure that makes it an ideal destination for a multi-day bike tour. The terrain is relatively flat. While small in land area, the Netherlands is packed with sophisticated large cities, charming small towns, historical sites, museums, beaches, parks, and farmland.
One benefit for guests from English-speaking countries is that most Dutch speak English. While it’s always best to know at least a few words and phrases in the native language of the country you are visiting, you can manage just fine as a tourist in the Netherlands if you only speak English. Many restaurants provide menus in English or a QR code you can scan for an English-version menu.
When not on your bike, the Netherlands has an excellent mass transit system, including trains and buses. I spent 10 days in Holland and never needed a car.
About Holland Bike Tours
Some of the Holland Bike Tour Company family, from left: Nico, Emiel, Rian, Hans, Lilian.
Holland Bike Tours is a family-owned and operated business. It offers 15 tours, ranging from three to eight days in length, plus the company creates customized tours when requested. Emiel’s father, Rian Blok, started the business as a part-time venture in 2001. Over time, it became his full-time job.
Emiel took over the business seven years ago, leaving behind a corporate career. He’s been able to streamline the service, upgrade the technology, and hire staff. Demand has grown steadily, especially since the end of the Covid pandemic.
Technology has helped grow and improve the bike tour business.
“The internet made it possible for my dad to offer tours to people from all over the world and do so at a reasonable price,” Emiel said.
Technology has also made the tour more enjoyable and less frustrating for customers. In the early days, Emiel said the company gave riders laminated maps to help navigate their tours. Now, customers get a Sigma brand GPS device about the size of a cellphone that fits on the handlebars.
The Dutch Love to Cycle
“I love cycling,” said Emiel. “I practically grew up on a bicycle: as far as I can remember I was always cycling to school. As for most Dutchmen, the bike is my number one mode of transport. In town, we rarely use our cars.”
You may also want to read:
-What to Expect on a Netherlands Bike Tour
-Why a Canadian Couple Who Are Avid Cycling Advocates Moved to the Netherlands
