The best road cycling routes in Boswachterij Gees

Boswachterij Gees offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 280 tours available. These include 89 easy routes, 193 moderate routes, and a few challenging options for experienced cyclists.

The region features a diverse landscape, perfect for road cycling. You'll traverse mixed forests, open fields, and expansive heathlands like the 'Hooge Stoep'. The Geeserstroom stream meanders through the area, adding to the scenic beauty. A unique feature is the 'Tilweg kasseienstrook' (cobblestone section) in the Geesbos, known from the 'Ronde van Drenthe' UCI road race, offering a challenging experience. While most roads are paved, some sections may benefit from at least 28mm tires.

Yes, Boswachterij Gees has many options for beginners. There are 89 easy routes available. A great choice is the Col du VAM – VAM-berg loop from Nieuw-Balinge, an easy 38.2 km path with 67 meters of elevation gain, passing through varied Drenthe landscapes. Another easy option is the Cobbled Section Flintenweg – Orvelte Museum Village loop from Meppen, which is 27.4 km long with 40 meters of elevation.

As you cycle through Boswachterij Gees, you can encounter several interesting sights. The Tilweg Cobblestone Section (Gees Forest) is a famous spot for cyclists. You might also pass the Bridge Over the Geeserstroom or the unique Mekelermeer in Boswachterij Gees, a pingo ruin from the last ice age. For nature lovers, there's a Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Boswachterij Gees are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the popular Col du VAM – VAM-berg loop from Geesbrug is a 49.2 km circular route, and the Zweeloo Church – Orvelte Museum Village loop from Zwinderen is a 45.0 km loop that takes you through charming rural villages.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 110 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from quiet forests to open heathlands, and the well-maintained network of cycle paths. The mix of natural beauty and historical elements, like the 'Tilweg kasseienstrook', also contributes to a unique cycling experience.

The heathlands, such as the 'Hooge Stoep', transform into a sea of purple during blooming season, typically in late summer (August-September), offering particularly picturesque views. Spring and early autumn also provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is generally good, but can be warmer.

While the region is generally known for its accessible routes, there are a few more challenging options. The 'Tilweg kasseienstrook' (cobblestone section) within the Geesbos provides a short, straight, and bumpy challenge for those who appreciate cobblestones. Routes that incorporate this section or cover longer distances with slightly more elevation, like some of the moderate tours, can offer a good workout.

The region includes authentic villages like Gees and Oosterhesselen, which often offer cultural stops and opportunities for refreshments. While specific cafes are not listed for every route, these villages are good places to look for a break during your ride.

Yes, parking is generally available at various starting points for routes within and around Boswachterij Gees. Many routes begin near villages or designated recreational areas where parking facilities can be found, making it convenient to access the cycling network.

The duration of routes varies depending on their length and your cycling speed. For instance, the Col du VAM – VAM-berg loop from Geesbrug, which is 49.2 km, typically takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes. Shorter, easy routes like the Cobbled Section Flintenweg – Orvelte Museum Village loop from Meppen (27.4 km) can be completed in around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Drenthe is renowned as a cycling paradise, boasting an extensive network of over 2100 kilometers of well-maintained cycle paths. The varied landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and charming villages, combined with generally flat to gently rolling terrain, make it ideal for road cyclists of all levels. You can find more information about cycling in Drenthe on Visit Drenthe's website.