Bicycling in the Netherlands

Don't have a recommendation for routes. It is indeed flat and 30 miles is nothing. However, the rental equipment is some on the heavy and clunky side so it would be slightly more difficult than with a standard, narrow tire road bike. The bike rental shops have lots of maps and suggestion for where to go.

Your biggest problem will be that most websites with route planners will be in Dutch. This website has several links to different maps and routes: http://holland.cyclingaroundtheworld.nl/Wheretogo/WhereToGo-LongDistance.html
You can also set out your own route using 'cycle junctions'. In the Netherlands, most rental agencies will have maps and suggestions, as will local information offices.

Thanks. I hear that rental agencies have maps and route suggestions? Also, will they provide me with a bicycle lock or should I bring my own? Thanks

There is a circular cycling route that runs from Scotland via England over to Belguim to Holland up to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. This may give you some routes you can take in that it tranverses the entire country. It's broken down in various legs, the drop down menus on the left hand side labled Search Articles and Search Routes look like they are very detailed.
http://www.northsea-cycle.com

Dutch bikes tend to have a frame mounted circular lock just behind the seat stem which goes through the rear wheel.

There are bulb fields north but we have had the most success riding through the painted scenery south of Haarlem towards Lisse and west of Leiden. That's also on the doorstep of Keukenhof. At the moment I can't remember the name of the Dutch cycling organization but they make a highly detailed map easily available at the VVV (tourist office). Its excellent. One for North Holland, one for South. Bulb fields and cycle routes identified on both. Can you get that map from hire agencies? Dunno, we got ours at the VVV next to Haarlem ststion.

Hello Karen,
I was about 58 when I rented a bike in Holland and spent five days biking through the countryside. I went through a company called Tulip Cycling....believe it is in Houten. Here's what I remember. Very flat...I easily did about 30 k a day, and I am/was not in great shape. Signposts are everywhere with numbers that correspond to a bike map. You look at the signpost, find the number on the map, and you will know exactly where you are. My map came from the cycling company but I am sure they are available from cycling shops or associations in Holland. I started in Houten and made a loop that took me through Oudewater, Kinderhjook (I know I butchered the spelling) Schoonhoven and eventually back to Houten. I loved it and plan to do the same type of trip again before I get too old. The bike I rented was the smoothest riding machine I have been on. It only had 8 gears, but a big comfortable saddle and it was very easy pedaling. I want to say it was a Multicycle as a brand....but not positive. The company provided me with a lock as the bike had a dual locking system...even in Holland people borrow bikes. The advantage to going with a company is they can plan a route and book rooms...but it does cost.