The 6th Tank Bag Tour of 2018 has the start and end points in Harderwijk. An intensive Tank Bag Tour through northwestern Gelderland. Actively swirling through agricultural landscape, past old botters, over game grids and through dark forests. Enjoying the variety, but especially the diversity in flora and fauna. With a sharp eye, you can navigate unquestionably along lovely Zuiderzee heritage and autumn-rich Veluwe.

After the start in Harderwijk, the route quickly leads through lush polder landscape. The good quality of the often winding road along beautiful farms is striking. You hardly or never come across oncoming traffic or other road users. Nice away from the crowds. Rural tranquility that is interconnected from hamlet to hamlet. The many mist banks above the fields and waterways reinforce the feeling of pleasant loneliness. Undoubtedly, this is a piece of pleasantly undiscovered Netherlands for many. The agricultural activities during the harvest season sometimes leave some traces on the way. Here and there that requires a little more attention to the asphalt than usual. Swallows regularly brave along and over the engine. Convinced of their own navigation skills and as a statement to whom the area belongs. In the meadows, long, fluffy ears betray their nibbling owners: hares. A few people challenge you to a sprint.

After the start in Harderwijk, the route quickly leads through lush polder landscape. The good quality of the often winding road along beautiful farms is striking. You hardly or never come across oncoming traffic or other road users. Nice away from the crowds. Rural tranquility that is interconnected from hamlet to hamlet. The many mist banks above the fields and waterways reinforce the feeling of pleasant loneliness. Undoubtedly, this is a piece of pleasantly undiscovered Netherlands for many. The agricultural activities during the harvest season sometimes leave some traces on the way. Here and there that requires a little more attention to the asphalt than usual. Swallows regularly brave along and over the engine. Convinced of their own navigation skills and as a statement to whom the area belongs. In the meadows, long, fluffy ears betray their nibbling owners: hares. A few people challenge you to a sprint.

On the Drosterweg you have the possibility to stop at the propeller of a downed war pilot. Perhaps a photo opportunity. The route is clear in the first part and curves mainly along corn cultivation and grazing spring axes of all kinds. Many a horse will follow you when you pass. You also have sufficient opportunity to drive or encourage the link. Many small (old) farms have visibly made a fresh start, which exudes clean satisfaction. Old avenues of trees determine the characterful access to the villages.

Along the Veluwe Lake you will arrive in the beautiful medieval Hanseatic town of Elburg. A botterwerf, the eel smokehouse and the hanging fish traps illustrate the fishing past on the Zuiderzee outside the ramparts. The cherished architecture in the old Dutch town center mainly refers to pride. Perceptible tourist energy makes you hungry and requires a fish engine. The history-rich center offers more than enough establishments to stretch the fins while enjoying coffee or cod. The tour then continues northeast along the rural well-being on Drontermeer. Due to the long fields and the dyke along the water, the clutch lever remains untouched for a long time. A village is sometimes only a few blocks small. Large ponds, colorful gardens with clean streets. You will still be viewed when you pass. Country children also seem to have a natural fascination for motor vehicles. So wave goodbye. Along the way you will sniff the farm and fresh autumn air. Just after the village of Noodeinde you will pass the northernmost part of the route. Delivered uncomplicated to the clear instructions on your navigation.

At Wezep you will only arrive in the western forests of the Veluwe. The first game grids thunder under the wheels. Warm and natural tones characterize the season. Mushrooms as signposts and living autumn symbols. Along the roads, frequent warnings are given for overhanging danger. So watch out for wild cyclists and boars. The many blubber pools along the asphalt create questions. That is because of the nocturnal rooting excercises of these rugged knotting heads in search of food. The chance that you will see the shy and large game during the day is rather small. The animals then retreat to the safety of the dark forests. Nevertheless, it is advisable to drive somewhat cautiously. The roads wind through forests with alternating high tree species. Its composition stimulates the nose in a pleasant way. You also regularly visit sandy heathland which offers a wider view.

After the heath follows another forest, with a guarantee for driving pleasure. The roads here are usually busier because of other recreational users, but there is enough room for everyone. You can scale Vaassen via the Prinsbernhardlaan. Although it is certainly worth it to cast the anchors at Castle Cannenburgh. Then you will be handed over to nature and its beauty. Every village center in the Veluwe is designed for visitors, which makes the menu on the terraces very generous. In Vierhouten you can let the crown jewels rest at Restaurant De Vossenberg to try the famous meaty bitterballen. The service is smooth and friendly. Via the Vierhouterweg the route goes with a nod through Elspeet to the N310. Because of the wonderful surroundings we keep you in the vast and beautiful forests at Staverden and Speuld. Ditches with mossy walls babbling zigzagging between brown-red foliage blankets. Silently, from the trees or from under the thickets, many alert wild animals have seen you pass by. You can accelerate on the straight and uncluttered Drieërweg to Ermelo. But beware: many a servant is measuring the speed with his laser gun in the thickets. After Putten you can 'deforest' another twenty kilometers, through the route along farmland that eventually ends up in Harderwijk.

Gelderse kusten is a varied journey, where the maker takes into account an active but above all green driving experience. Ingredients such as nature, culture and roads stimulate the engine heart. Actually a wonderful conclusion for motorcyclists who are plagued by an obligatory winter break. For the others, the tour means a continuation of a successful motorcycle season. (Source: Promoter: 07-2018).

Because I have driven this route myself, this route gets 5 stars.