England, France and Belgium - in one day

Done, I'm back on the mainland. On Monday, I took the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk in France. Just like on the crossing to Sweden, cyclists have to take the same ramp onto the ferry as trucks and cars. Somehow I manage to get in front of the queue between a lot of trucks... the staff is in a good mood, I'm allowed to board the ferry first. Secure the bike and then go up to the deck. This time no sun deck, it's cloudy.... Still, it's two relaxing hours - the crossing doesn't take any longer... unloading is also stress-free, I'm allowed to go first again.

Then I'm in France, pure stress, no marked cycle paths and no signs anymore. I ride towards the city, nothing changes in the city either, bicycles are the exception here... I struggle through the traffic on busy roads - only one goal, the Belgian border, then the situation changes abruptly, cycle path signs, good cycle paths and considerate drivers.... Today (11.07.) I reached Bruges. I will spend a day here before I continue on the official North Sea Cycle Route. From here, I have 575 km ahead of me in the Netherlands.

P.S. both of my buddies have safely arrived back home with their families.