The MTB route between Gieten and Borger takes you along Drentse Hondsrug. Drentse Hondsrug is an centuries-old natural elevation that was formed during the ice age.
Originally covered in heathland, the area is almost entirely forested these days. Many people will know the forest and sand pits from the Hondsrug Classic and international cyclocross matches. This route is suitable for advanced MTBers.
This quite challenging route l…
The MTB route between Gieten and Borger takes you along Drentse Hondsrug. Drentse Hondsrug is an centuries-old natural elevation that was formed during the ice age.
Originally covered in heathland, the area is almost entirely forested these days. Many people will know the forest and sand pits from the Hondsrug Classic and international cyclocross matches. This route is suitable for advanced MTBers.
This quite challenging route largely runs through the forests of the Staatsbosbeheer (the Forestry Commission). The route alternates between broader dirt tracks, beautifully winding single tracks and short climbs. The use of paved roads has been kept at an absolute minimum. Despite Drenthe’s relative flatness, the route still features some small hills and slopes. The banks of two former sand pits have been fully made use of, for example. The paths that have been created here feature several challenging climbs, rewarding cyclists who conquer them with beautiful views over the blue water.
The proportion of single tracks is high. An example is the section towards/alongside the N34 near Gasselte, where a wonderful flow trail has been created. Bermed turns have been added throughout the route, enabling cyclists to maintain speed. In short, the route has something to offer everybody!
Gert Jakobs, former professional cyclist
“This mountain biking route along ‘t Nije Hemelriek is incredibly diverse. It’s technical, has a lot of height differences, beautiful bermed turns and single tracks and features different types of soil. You get dark soil with tree trunks, followed by the loose sand by the sand pits. Cycling this route demands a host of different techniques, making it very challenging.”
You can start the route at:
- The car park along Nijslootsweg (Gieten)
- The car park at 't Nije Hemelriek, Houtvester Jansenweg 1, 9462 TB in Gasselte
- The car park at Outdoor Centre Boomkroonpad, Steenhopenweg 4, 9533 PN in Drouwen
These two dolmens are neatly situated in a quiet park in Drouwen surrounded by grass. If you stand with your back to the road, dolmen D19 is the dolmen on the right side. Both dolmens are fairly complete, of the same size and are close to each other.
