Saturday’s 62 km cycle ride was a nice loop to the east of Heerlen through rural Germany to Blausteinsee.

Blausteinsee is a 100 hectare artificial lake which has become a centre for leisure activities.

The lake was created from the re-generation of a large open-cast coal mine which formerly occupied the site.

As well as various water sports there is also a sandy beach and coffee shop/restaurant.

After spending some time here the route turned west for the return to Heerlen.

It was very sunny and warm in the afternoon and a nice large ice cream was found in Kohlscheid.

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