In the distance, we spotted Irene Schouten riding off with the fastest group, dressed in Holex Flower cycling gear. Behind us, a colorful ribbon of cyclists wound its way through the meadows, with plenty of Dutch Flower Group jerseys in the mix. Just after 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, the Ride for the Roses was underway. But not before singer Berget Lewis had given a moving performance of The Rose. More than 1,500 participants took part in the Aalsmeer event, both cyclists and walkers.
© Thijmen Tiersma | FloralDaily.com
Our Dutch publications BPnieuws and GroentenNieuws were also represented on the bikes, at the invitation of Dutch Flower Group. It turned into a beautiful day, sometimes emotional, and certainly worthwhile thanks to the impressive fundraising total. At the start of the ride, the tally for KWF Dutch Cancer Society already stood at more than 288,000 euros.
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comJan van Dam addresses the DFG participants
Cyclists joining via Dutch Flower Group's company team were warmly welcomed in the morning on the parking lot, inside the warehouse, and in the canteen of the floral giant. The mayor of Aalsmeer, Guido Oude Kotte, and DFG director and host Jan van Dam both spoke to the participants, giving the event an inspiring send-off.
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.com
Gallery of loved ones at Dümmen Orange
Halfway through the 100-kilometer route, riders stopped at Marjoland. There, steaming soup was waiting, made with tomatoes generously donated by Kwekerij Lijntje, much appreciated by the hungry cyclists. Towards the end of the ride, another stop was scheduled, this time at Dümmen Orange. Here, participants could light a candle in memory of loved ones or to offer encouragement and support.
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.comStopover at Marjoland, next to the double-decker greenhouse
Back in Aalsmeer, every participant received a beautiful rose from Marjoland, a fitting floral finish to the day. For those who wanted, there was beer and other treats waiting as well. And just like during the morning coffee, the stories were flowing. "I normally only cycle to football, just 500 meters," laughed one rider. Another added, "Last week I did the Dam to Dam run, and now this. It's pretty tough!"
© Mirthe Walpot | FloralDaily.com
A Marjoland rose for the finishers, including Mirthe Walpot on behalf of team BPnieuws and Thijmen Tiersma of Groentennieuws.
