The Drenthe stage Peat and narrow gauge

On Sunday 12 September, our GCCC members Marchel and Paul will take you to South-East Drenthe. There you will get a closer look at the historic peat and oil industry.

The diversity of nature and industry has partly remained visible in the Drenthe country after the centuries-long peat production has ended. Very typical of the peat areas are the many channels and ditches for transport and the drainage of the peat areas. As soon as we pass the national border, we enter the German oil fields via the moor areas. This extraction of oil is known for its nodding donkey pumps and the kilometres long pipelines above the ground. Here and there you see the nodding donkey pumps patiently going up and down. There is also a very fine example as a work of art. When we continue the route on the Dutch side, we pass a beautifully restored air watchtower. It dates from the beginning of the Cold War in the 1950s.

On the Dutch side you actually only see the remains of the oil fields in the country. After the oil fields we continue to the Industrial Narrow Gauge Museum in Erica. Here you can see a nice collection of old tools and rails while enjoying a cup of coffee (included in the participation fee). There are several sheds here with interesting things to see. From the museum we continue the route to Klazienaveen through the agricultural and horticultural greenhouses. Here we see a mix of the old industry and the greenhouse area. This mainly arose after peat production ended in Drenthe. Large forests have also been planted for the production of wood.

After all these different industries, there is again time and space for nature and the village center of New Amsterdam. Here we cross the Hoogeveensevaart and pass the Van Gogh House, where Vincent van Gogh stayed for some time and made a number of paintings in South-East Drenthe. Through this detour we go through nature for a while and then drive on to Dalen again. The start and end of this route.

Where does the ride start?

We start in Dalen with a cup of coffee or tea with something delicious. At the end of the day, the route also takes us back to this location where it is possible to join the three-course dinner for only € 27.50 p.p.

What does dinner look like?

Appetizer
• Soup of the day
• Carpaccio
• Smoked salmon
• Baked mushrooms

Main dishes
• Pork tenderloin medallions- Mushroom cream sauce
• Beef stew – hunting sauce
• Mix of vegetarian dishes
• Fresh fish (e.g. baked salmon fillet or plaice fillet)

Desserts
• Dame Blanche
• Vanilla ice cream with warm cherries
• Cup of coffee

What is the cost of this September ride?

Participation costs are € 6,- p.p. for members of the GCCC and € 9,- p.p. for guests.
If you want to join the closing dinner, you pay € 27.50 p.p.

Are dogs allowed?

Our four-legged friends are welcome in the restaurant. Dogs are also allowed in the museum, provided they are trained and on a leash.

So don’t wait any longer and register via the registration button. You can register until Sunday 5 September at the latest.