Bergschenhoek, Leiden, Noordwijk, Oostvoorne, Rijswijk, Zoetermeer
This link might come in handy: www.recreatiezuidholland.nl.
Trail setup
Only 8.5 km long, you might not head out from far away to ride this loop. If my Garmin calculated correctly, the loop takes in 240 metres of climbing (which gives a hill factor of 28.2)!
Map
Map and gps file can be found here (click on Routekaart) (link for downloadable gps-file further down). BUT, they are not up-to-date! The loop has been complemented with even MORE off-road bits.
Signage
International one with two wheels. Signage is impeccable!
Notes
What a deal! WOW! Almost all singletrack, and tight, steep switchbacks. A topper!! (June 2010)
Trail setup
Only 12 km long, but it is technical enough to feel longer for the uninitiated!
NB! Three starting points: Beach Center, Hotel 't Wapen van Marion and Paviljoen de Duinrand . There are bike washing facilities at the latter two starting points. At the Paviljoen de Duinrand we also spotted a slot machine for spare inner tubes!
Map
Map can be found here (click on Routekaart) (link for downloadable gps-file further down).
Signage
International one with two wheels. Signage is impeccable!
Notes
I visited the area in March 2010. After having tried out Holland trails the first time in September 2009, and having felt zapped backed to man-made trails in the US, I have to admit I had high expectations.
They were thoroughly met.
What a fantastic loop! Too bad about last night's almost torrential rain. It was still amazingly rideable, but the rollercoaster singletrack along the Europaweg was seriously slippery with my Python tyres. Singletrack in abundance, never super steep, never super technical, but very enjoyable!
To be noted is that part of the trail goes through an area with wild horses. This section can nevertheless be circled on tarmac.
Map
No maps are provided, at least not through www.mtbroutes.nl. However, check out www.wtos.nl; they provide a gps file on Elsenburgerbos that might be interesting.
Signage
Nada. They are long gone, according to local mountain bikers. Such a shame!
Notes
It was with reserved enthusiasm that I entered the Elsenburgerbos on foot, in the late afternoon in early June 2010. This was because when I briefly popped in here for a first reconnaissance in March 2010, I had not succeeded in spotting any trail signs. Would I be luckier this time?
Well, I could hardly believe my luck when I walked into the parking lot: a large group of mountain bikers were getting ready for a ride! A notch better timing would have been me having had MY bike with me to be able to join them!
I introduced myself, and asked about the local loop. Sadly, I was told the trail signs have not been maintained; they are long gone.
This is such a shame. From the little I've seen of this parc, there are plenty of nice singletrack sections. I am sure I would enjoy riding here.
As the aim of my biking in the area was to trail-explore WAYMARKED loops, the next morning I skipped the Rijswijk trail and headed over to Zoetermeer and Bergschenhoek (notes on the latter still under construction, sorry).
Starting point is SnowWorld (if signs are missing; go for Buytenpark).
Map
Map can be found here (click on Routekaart) (link for downloadable gps-file further down). Or why not through www.mtb-zoetermeer.nl.
Signage
Bad. Of the two official signs I found, one was black, the other was red, perhaps indicating a second loop that I have found no information on.
Notes
With such a myriad of paths, signage would be essential for anyone riding the loop for the first time. A gps file in all honour, I am not in favour of having to stop every twenty meters to double-check I am going the right way.
On the other hand, if you are more into general trail-exploring and bumming around, you could have tons of fun out here!
If you want a properly waymarked trail, go to nearby Bergschenhoek (still under construction, sorry). It is quite technical, though!