The 1st Tank Bag Tour of 2018 has the start and end points in Hengelo.
A varied green route along grassy meadows, winding streams, timeless ponds and dark forests. In De Achterhoek you enjoy as a motorcyclist the geographical embrace between beautiful nature and unpolished agricultural landscape. In the spring, the full scents stimulate your senses, while many a meadow bird cheering in the spring.

After the start in Hengelo, the narrow roads that run through the beautiful meadow landscape follow relatively quickly. The area is completely unpleasant, mainly due to the lack of a maze of traffic lights, traffic signs and thresholds. The rural character of the Achterhoek caters to the pure enjoyment of people and motorbikes. Imagine what that should be like when it's spring. When the cattle ruminates on juicy grass, birds of prey circling alert in the zwerk and lapwing showy antics. Spring in the Achterhoek, that is really something to look forward to.

The ride takes you past many characteristic farms, some of which have stood the test of time with difficulty. Cuddly decay, which also characterizes the route's sjeu. Dull paint on crooked barn doors or rusty agricultural equipment far away in a meadow looks nostalgic. Lack of maintenance deserves a friendly nod in De Achterhoek.

Until the mid-20th century, De Achterhoek (also known as De Graafschap) was important for the substantial logging. Nevertheless, the rugged area was considered a corner for centuries and was therefore hardly cultivated. Both socially and geographically. And especially from the latter you get your driving pleasure today, reinforced by the idea of not being constantly monitored. Especially when you start early, when the region slowly awakens, you experience a great deal of freedom through the landscape.

In many picturesque ponds, herons are spying on a tasty meal. No hurry seems obvious. The Achterhoek asks for it. With an adjusted speed you can also explore the area from the saddle well. After all, the route hardly ever touches village centers or busy areas. The landscape is rustic and you have all the time.

For a moment you cross the border with Germany and you pass the tiny German Oldenkott. Then you cross the meandering river Berkel to the Huttendijk in the Netherlands. The differences in height between road and pasture betray an old landscape. Fields that were cultivated by many generations of peasant families slowly increased in size, like annual rings of an age-old tree. The roads along the many groves also invite you to take a break every now and then. The pleasant air from early spring will soon stimulate your lungs. The signposts and farms covered with moss contribute to the timeless character of this beautiful region. And you understand better and better why De Achterhoek is a beloved environment to go through quietly. Great for the awakening motorcyclist, who can also sharpen his or her driving skills during a first fresh spring ride.

The pleasant TankTasTocht winds among other things along the village of Meddo. At Lichtenvoorde you reach the southernmost and also furthest point of the route, which still guides you around many built-up areas. Therefore, from the corner of your eye, take a little account of small crossing or uninhibited game. Mating behavior makes animals - just like motorcyclists on their first ride - somewhat blind. If you look into one of the many forest paths at right angles to the road, it may just happen that there is a watchful deer in the middle. Roodwild was once a popular trophy of the local large landowners. Many four-legged friends ended with a hook on the wall. We continue, past the pale green meadows where the dandelions will soon stand out. Then the hares are skittish. Given the driving pace and the nature of the route, there is ample time to observe all this from the saddle.

Along the way you can refuel that it is a sweet delight. 'Eat and drink! The local dialect of the service is inextricably on the De Achterhoek menu. Don't forget to bring a camera. The sunlight through the trees along the many winding roads produces very beautiful light harps. And the few shards of fog also do wonders. So above all enjoy the photogenic grits that still have to grow considerably in horsepower. Via the Zegendijk the route winds along Beltrum, Haarlo, Noordijk to Sint Isidorushoeve, the church tower of which is clearly visible from afar. Most likely it is now high time for a coffee break. With a traditional Achterkoek or apple pie.

The last tens of kilometers of the TankTasTocht once again take you through a brash landscape and therefore deserve just as much attention. Because here too, the region is still showing its best side. Via the Geessinkweg you finally enter Enschede again. The first TankTasTocht is finished: The Achterhoek has fulfilled its honest promise. (Source: Promotor 02-2018)

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