The start of the spectacular initiative of Derk Thijs is at restaurant "Bestevaer", on the bungalowpark of Roompot Zeeland Vakanties, main sponsor of the Rowingbiketour de France.

Local television Omroep Zeeland is on the spot together with several journalists. Eric Rotte, in Zeeland well-known from the local television gives a brief introduction after which Derk gives additional information about the Rowingbiketour. He also thanks sponsors Roompot Zeeland Vakanties and Recreanet IT-Consultancy, Eric Rotte and Pieter Stoter. Mr. Stoter has provided Derk several times with sponsoring from the Zeeuwse energy company Delta Nuts. And of course Derk thanks everybody who has directly or indirectly supported the Rowingbiketour de France.

In the meantime the "Rowingbiketeam", consisting of Kees Berwald (driver and cook), Frans Bolweg (driver and navigator) and Danny Siepman (navigator and internet) has loaded the camper with the last couple of items. The start is given and Derk leaves, together with Wim Thijs, Beb Thijs, Caroleen, Nico Rienks and several other rowingbikers for the boat from Vlissingen.

Soon the group arrives in Vlissingen and everybody says goodbye to Derk. From now he's on his own.

Derk races through Belgium. After Brugge he gets a list of villages he passes, which makes navigating much easier. Without much trouble he arrives at 17.15 at the end of the first trip, Zuydcoote, near Dunkerque. No sign of fatigue. But after such a 'short' trip this shouldn't be visible.

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In Dunkerque the press awaits us. Local television and several newspapers are on the spot. They're very interested in the special bike and Derk has to answer a lot of questions.

Rather late, at 10.30 AM, Derk starts his 230 km trip. In the meantime we are solving some technical problems with our datalink via the GSM network.

We drive on to Pernes, the first meeting point. He's going well, feels good and had enough food with him. At the local restaurant he orders two big plates of spaghetti Bolognese, which are consumed completely.

Because of the rather flat terrain, he decides to switch to his faired rowingbike and with another supply of water and energy drinks he moves on.

Next stop: Verton near Berck. At the old church we wait for Derk's arrival. He looks energetic and says he loved the small country roads. Fortunately he had by accident followed a route parallel to ours, which was very busy.

We head on to Bologne-Sur-Mer and halt close to it at Terlincthun. We await his arrival, but no Derk. It starts to rain and it is getting dark. Finally he arrives at 20.45. It just proved to be a longer distance than anticipated. His trip terminates here, he's not entering the city itself, because it's just too busy.

After dinner we leave for the camping. Apart from his fatigue Derk feels good. He's happy that his muscles don't hurt at all. Nevertheless he's going to sleep immediately after our arrival at the camp site.

Go to day 2 »