In reply to Enty:
Ive just returned to the N.E. from a 3 day trip to North Holland. Massive cycling cultural differences to us Geordies.
I didnt spot any cyclists on roads out side of the pedestrian city. No cycle helmets. No hills so no mountain bikes. Neither did I see any roadies. There was however thousands even swarms of commuter cyclists not put off by ice and rain. Lack of helmets probably due to slow speed and dedicated paths.
Deffo going back for a holiday with the missus as she dont' like hills.