Finally, I’m getting over my fear of bicycles. On this ride, I even used a hand signal!

Guided by our neighbors, Karin and Karsten, we went on a wonderful bike ride on Sunday!

We began in Sorgenfri, headed north towards the swanky town of Holte and on the way stopped at an adorable little lake, Kollelev Mose.

This little lake, like just about every little lake in Denmark, had two resident swans. These two really liked people.

From the little lake, we made our way towards Malmmose, a swampy area by the large lake Furesø. This entire area, so pastoral and idyllic, is so beautiful it hardly seems real. (Unfortunately, I didn’t take very many pictures because I was on my bicycle.)

Taking a bit of an off the road detour, I tried a little mountain biking on my city bike.

Næseslottet, the little palace in this part of the woods, was a lovely surprise.

This neoclassical 18th-century palace sits pretty right on the Furesø lake. It once housed the wealthy merchant, Frédéric de Coninck, but it now is something called an ‘office-hotel’. Not sure what an office-hotel is, but the property is private and the place is not open to the public.

Weather-wise it was a perfect day. Not only for a bike ride. The water looked amazing and there were quite a few people out on the lake.

We made a stop for coffee and homemade scones (scones baked by Karin!) by the lake and later continued through Holte.

Without Karsten, we would’ve been lost.

Holte harbor, where we stopped for ice cream and bathrooms, sits right on a little lake of Vejlesø.

This day couldn’t have been more perfect! Perfect weather and perfect cycling companions. I’m feeling chubby and lazy and need to bike more often. I’m also realizing just how much I’ve missed being on my bicycle. So inspired by this wonderful day, I’m now keeping my bike right in front of the house. Because I need to do this more often.

• This Ride: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Elevation Gain: 119 m (390 ft)
• YTD Biking Km: 26.9 km (16.7 miles)