2025 International Tandem Rally

Saturday 23rd August to Saturday 30th August 2025

de Heksenlaak
Zwiepseweg 32
7244 NA Barchem
Netherlands

Ruurlo Castle by Michielverbeek

Vorden Castle by Roger Veringmeier

Deventer by Rob Oo

Paleis het Loo, Apeldoorn by Michele Ahin

Paleispark, Apeldoorn by Burkhard Mücke

Rose Bikes in Bocholt

Location of de Heksenlaak and Gelderland

IMPORTANT
The booking system is not yet available. Bookings are only accepted through the booking system.
The Attendees Information will be populated as the rally date approaches.

Attendees Event information

Location

This year's International Rally will take place at campsite “De Heksenlaak” in Barchem, located about 30 miles northeast of Arnhem and roughly 130 miles east of the ferry terminals in Hoek van Holland and Europort.

About Barchem and the Achterhoek Region

Barchem is in the picturesque Dutch region known as the Achterhoek, bordered by the IJssel River to the west and the German border to the east and south. The northern boundary is less defined due to historical claims by noble families. The area boasts charming towns, scenic countryside, and historical landmarks.

Highlights Nearby

  • Deventer: Famous for hosting the largest open-air book market in Europe every first weekend of August, and the popular Dickens Festival in mid-December. Even outside these events, Deventer offers a unique and authentic atmosphere.
  • Zutphen: A historic town with the highest concentration of monumental buildings in the region, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • Arnhem: Known for its significance during WWII, Arnhem offers a blend of history and modern attractions.
  • Apeldoorn: Home to the grand Paleis Het Loo and the Apenheul, a zoo dedicated to apes.
  • Enschede: A vibrant city hosting one of the Netherlands’ three technical universities.

The Landscape

While the area is typical of the Dutch flatlands, Barchem has its own modest “mountain”—the Lochemse Berg, which stands at 49 meters above sea level. The surrounding countryside is lush, with green fields, farms, and quiet, tree-lined roads perfect for cycling.

Rally Site

Campsite “De Heksenlaak” offers a spacious field for camping, caravans, motorhomes. but ordinary cars are not permitted on the camping field. A large parking area is available near the campsite entrance.

On-site facilities include:

  • A small swimming pool.
  • A bar and restaurant
  • Amenities for campers

For those staying off-site, the area has hotels and B&Bs easily found via Google Maps.

Barchem itself has limited shopping options, but nearby towns Lochem and Ruurlo (3 miles away) offer a variety of shops and supermarkets.

Rides

We will organize rides in three formats:

  • Short: Approximately 30 miles.
  • Medium: Approximately 45 miles.
  • Long: Approximately 60 miles.

These rides are generally self-led, with participants leaving between 8:30 and 10:00 AM. A noticeboard will be set up in the marquee for riders to connect with groups or find companions, particularly useful for newcomers to rallies.

Throughout the rides, you’ll encounter numerous restaurants serving coffee, apple pie, pancakes, and other Dutch treats to refuel hungry cyclists.

Entertainment

We’ve planned a variety of activities to make the rally memorable, including:

  • A welcome party.
  • A technical evening featuring Dutch tandem suppliers.
  • A “bring and buy” event.
  • A barn dance-style activity.
  • A BBQ on the final evening.

Additionally, we have organised a group bus tour to Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn on Wednesday.  Details are below. Tickets for this event can be purchased on the booking form.

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event in Barchem! Whether you’re here for the rides, the camaraderie, or the beautiful surroundings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Package Tour to Paleis Het Loo

Join us on Wednesday for an exclusive package tour to Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn.

This 17th-century palace, once the royal residence of the House of Orange-Nassau, offers a glimpse into Dutch royal history with its beautifully restored interiors and meticulously maintained baroque gardens. Paleis Het Loo goes back to 1684 when a Dutch / English couple purchased the old palace including all hunting grounds in the area. The couple, Princess Mary II Stuart and King-Stadtholder Willem III immediately started building a new lodge nearby which grew over the centuries to the current Palace Het Loo.

Tour Highlights:

  • Round-Trip Transportation: Comfortable bus transfers from the campsite to Paleis Het Loo and back.
  • Admission: Access to the palace, exhibitions, stables, and gardens.
  • Welcome Refreshments: Enjoy two cups of coffee or tea with pastries (choice of three types) in the historic stables.
  • Shuttle service between the stables square, the palace and the palace garden.
  • Audio device for audio tour (or reading tour) in the palace.

Schedule:

  • Departure: Buses leave the campsite at approximately 10:00 am.
  • Return: Buses depart from the palace at 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm, arriving back at the campsite around 5:00 pm.

Experience at Your Own Pace:

After the initial refreshments, explore the palace, stables, and gardens at your leisure. Audio guides are available, or you can download the guide for free using the palace’s Wi-Fi on your smartphone; please remember to bring your own headset.

Dining Options:

On-site cafés and restaurants offer a variety of lunch options. Alternatively, feel free to bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic in the serene palace gardens.

Pricing:

  • Standard Ticket: €25 per person.
  • Museumkaart Holders: €10 per person, please bring your valid Museumkaart or (ICOM-kaart; Rembrandtkaart; Vriendenpas/ ambassadeurspas / entreepas; Ledenpas GVON: Geschiedkundige Vereniging Oranje Nassau; De Vriendenloterij VIP-KAART) on the day of the visit.
  • Under 18 years of age: €10 per person.

Note if you choose the discounted tickets, it is your responsibility to ensure you are eligible.

Booking Information:

Due to limited capacity of 120 participants, advance booking via the booking form is essential.

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of Paleis Het Loo.

Book now to ensure your place on this memorable excursion.

Booking

You need to be members of the Tandem Club or certain overseas organisations to book. See the Terms and Conditions below.

Please use the button below to book for this event. Preferred payment for UK residents is by on-line credit/debit card payment but the form will present you with other options. If you have a website login account, then please login before using this form as most fields will be filled in for you automatically.

Need further information?

 

Map

Below is a screenshot of the campsite's location.

Alternatively, if you would like a zoomable map, you can follow this link to the campsite on Google Maps.

Event Information

Attendees Event information

Terms and Conditions.
Booking confirmation:
Your booking is not confirmed until payment has been received in full and cleared which should be before the closing date for bookings. Dishonoured cheques will result in the cancellation of your booking.
Members Only:
This event is open to UK or overseas Tandem Club Members or, in the case of overseas people, members of the following organisations: "Tandem Club of America", "Tandem Club de France", "Tandem Club NL (Netherlands)", "Tandem ClubVlaanderen (Belgium)" and "Tandem-fahren.de (Germany)". You can join the Tandem Club using the forms on the TC website. Joining the TC (About 15 GBP per year).

Disclaimer:
If you participate in any ride or event organised by the Tandem Club you do so entirely at your own risk. The Club, its officers and ride organisers accept no responsibility for loss, damage to property, accident, injury or death, that may occur, however caused, whether by negligence, deliberate act or otherwise.

Cancellations and refunds.
The rally fee will not be refunded after the closing date. Refund of other components will depend on what the Club can recover from the campsite and/or other suppliers. Members may wish to consider taking out Holiday Insurance to cover losses the Club cannot refund.

Photographs taken at the event may be published on the Tandem Club Website, The Tandem Club Facebook pages and The Tandem Club Journal