Barcelona to Amsterdam

[awbikes]

I will be in Barcelona in late April and would like to cycle north to Amsterdam following the Rhine through Germany. I have been told due to prevailing northerly winds this is a north to south route, is this correct? I am hesitant about taking a train north and starting from Amsterdam at the end of April due to cold weather. I am therefore hoping to go south to north thus moving north as it warms up.

[neil]

To be honest this is a new one on me, European winds are traditionally westerleys. Being a continent different to America our wind and weather patterns are far less set, so I'd not plan a tour on wind alone. Your idea of following the sun is far more sensible
   Cheers
     Neil

[dombrosk]

I wouldn't worry about winds along the Rhine... I've bicycled sections in both directions between Koblenz and Amsterdam and it's not been an issue.

Where winds have been an issue for me is north of Amsterdam where there can be strong winds coming off the North Sea, especially along the Ijssselmeer and up in Friesland.

For your trip I'd think following the seasons north would make sense.  Enjoy the ride!

[RussSeaton]

Twenty years ago I rode north through Germany, eastern side, and down into Netherlands along that very long dike.  I don't recall there being any consistent wind direction.  You're going to be riding amongst the Alps and Pyrenes mountains.  And inland a long way.  There won't be any consistent wind direction due to the mountains.  And everything else that affects wind direction.  Pyrenes go north south along your west side.  Alps go east west along your east side.