Cycling from Amsterdam to Cologne along the Rhine river

This winter break I had plans to meet my good friend Carlee in Berlin. I had 3 weeks off work and no other real plans. Until I discovered the European cycle networks and I found EuroVelo 15, an epic 1000 kilometre ride along the Rhine river from Switzerland to Rotterdam. I was roped in straight away. The only challenge was I didn't have a bike. Sorted after several visits to bikes shops and pawn shops around Amsterdam. 

The Plan: Cycle from Amsterdam to Cologne
Timeframe: 1 week
Distance: 350 kms

Start Date: 15th July 2014
End Date: 23rd July 2014

Where did I get my bike from?
I went around a few bike shops in Amsterdam and several second hand bike shops but most of the bikes were cruisers or super pricey. I had nearly given up and was lost in the suburbs of Amsterdam when I found a small shop that was selling Vittorio for 95 Euro.

So how much did the equipment cost?

• Bike & flat tyre kit - 95 Euro
• Bike bag - 15 Euro
• New seat - 30 Euro
• Service to fix chain - 50 Euro
• New pedal - 10 Euro
• New pedal - 10 Euro
• Cable to tie bag ups - 3 Euro
• Maps - 10 Euro
• TOTAL COST = 200 Euro

Here are a few link links

• Arnhem to Koln map
• Map
  

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I was prepared for changing flat tyres but things I weren't prepared for were:

• Pedals fell off - riding 10 Kms to nearest bike shop for repairs
• Chain skips a link - got it serviced, dodgy link removed
• Losing my backpack with my passport and wallet - found in some bushes, started stashing a credit card and money in my shoes 
• Falling into bushes of stinging nettle - this burnt for days after. I later found out the remedy is a plant that lives under the nettle 
• Pedals breaking and needing repairs again - solution don't use cheap plastic pedals when cycling for 300 kms

Stinging nettle feels like you've been stung b 1000 blue bottles