Self-Guided Amsterdam to Brussels Bike Tour

Amsterdam to Brussels Bike Tour is a relaxed, cross-border cycling journey that takes you from the canals of Amsterdam to the historic heart of Brussels. The route follows a network of well-maintained cycle paths, canal towpaths, and quiet countryside roads through the Netherlands and Belgium, offering mostly flat terrain and easy navigation.

Along the way, you pass through charming towns, riverside landscapes, forests, and classic Dutch and Flemish scenery, with cultural highlights in cities such as Gouda, Dordrecht, Antwerp, Leuven, and Mechelen. This self-guided tour combines gentle cycling with rich history, local cuisine, and comfortable accommodations, making it ideal for leisure cyclists who want to experience the region at an unhurried pace while enjoying excellent cycling infrastructure and daily luggage transfers.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

59 km / 37 mi

Cycling Days

6

Lodging

Casual+ Accommodation

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Highlights

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Iconic Capitals and Historic Cities

This scenic ride links Amsterdam and Brussels via historic towns like Gouda, Antwerp, and Leuven. From canal-lined streets to grand medieval squares, it offers a rich cultural journey best experienced by bike.

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UNESCO Landscapes and Peaceful Countryside

A defining highlight of the tour is the contrast between iconic heritage and peaceful countryside. Cycle through Holland’s Green Heart of meadows and canals before reaching the famous windmills of Kinderdijk, a symbol of Dutch ingenuity.

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Flemish Culture, Nature, and a Grand Finale

Crossing into Belgium brings a shift in scenery, from the heathlands of Kalmthoutse Heide to the green river valleys of Flanders. The route leads to vibrant Antwerp and onward to the lively university town of Leuven.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlaceCasual+ InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1AmsterdamWestcord Art Hotel (4-Star)B
DAY 2GoudaRelais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda (4-Star)B68 km / 42 micycling, cycling
DAY 3PapendrechtLeonardo Hotel Papendrecht (4-Star)B51 km / 32 micycling, cycling
DAY 4Bergen op ZoomHotel de Draak (4-Star)B69 km / 43 micycling, cycling
DAY 5Antwerp Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen (4-Star)B57 km / 35 micycling, cycling
DAY 6Leuven Radisson Park InnB68 km / 42 micycling, cycling
DAY 7BrusselsHotel NH Brussels EU Berlaymont (4-Star)B40 km / 25 micycling, cycling
DAY 8BrusselsB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Amsterdam

Arrive independently in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most vibrant and cycle-friendly cities and the starting point of your journey to Brussels. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt offers a perfect introduction, with elegant 17th-century merchant houses, tree-lined waterways, and countless bridges.

Meals: Breakfast
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Day 2: Gouda

Leaving Amsterdam, you quickly enter the peaceful countryside of the Green Heart of Holland, a low-lying region shaped by centuries of water management. The route follows an excellent network of bike paths and quiet roads, passing canals, rivers, grazing cattle, and traditional Dutch villages. The terrain is flat and ideal for relaxed cycling, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without effort. Along the way, you pass historic towns and waterways that once formed important trade routes.

Your destination is Gouda or nearby Oudewater, both charming medieval towns. Gouda is world-famous for its cheese and historic market square, while Oudewater is known for its picturesque streets and former witch-weighing house. Spend the evening exploring the old town and enjoying Dutch hospitality.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 68 km / 42 mi
Elevation Gain: 232 m
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Day 3: Papendrecht

Today’s ride features one of the Netherlands’ most iconic sights. Shortly after leaving Gouda, you reach Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 19 historic windmills stand in perfect harmony with the surrounding waterways. This area provides a fascinating insight into how the Dutch have controlled water for centuries.

Continuing south, you cycle through river landscapes and cross waterways by ferry where available, adding variety to the day. You pass near Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, with a rich maritime history. The day ends in Papendrecht, located on the banks of the river, offering a peaceful setting after a rewarding ride through classic Dutch scenery.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 51 km / 32 mi
Elevation Gain: 113 m
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Day 4: Bergen op Zoom

Today you ride through changing landscapes as you head toward the southern Netherlands. The route takes you through the Biesbosch National Park, one of Europe’s last freshwater tidal areas, known for its winding waterways, wetlands, and rich birdlife. This is one of the most scenic and tranquil sections of the tour.

Leaving the river region behind, you continue through rural Brabant, passing small villages and farmland. Your destination is Bergen op Zoom, a historic town with a charming old center, grand squares, and a relaxed atmosphere. The town’s history as a trading center is reflected in its architecture and layout, making it a pleasant place to explore in the evening.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 69 km / 43 mi
Elevation Gain: 253 m
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Day 5: Antwerp

The route today leads you through the wooded landscapes of the Kalmthoutse Heide, a beautiful cross-border nature reserve of heathland, forests, and sandy paths. Crossing into Belgium, you’ll notice a change in architecture and atmosphere as Flemish culture begins to dominate. The ride remains gentle and scenic as you approach Antwerp, Belgium’s largest city and one of Europe’s most important port cities.

Antwerp combines a rich trading history with modern energy, offering impressive sights such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, historic guild houses, and lively squares. The city’s vibrant food, beer, and cultural scene make it an exciting stop on your journey.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 57 km / 35 mi
Elevation Gain: 204 m
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Day 6: Leuven

Leaving Antwerp, you follow rivers and green corridors south through Mechelen, a historic town with a beautiful cathedral and compact old center. The route continues along the Dijle River, offering peaceful cycling through meadows, forests, and small villages. Today’s ride introduces slightly more rolling terrain, adding variety without becoming demanding.

Your destination is Leuven, a lively university town known for its historic buildings, vibrant student atmosphere, and excellent cafés. Highlights include the ornate town hall and the UNESCO-listed Grand Béguinage. Leuven’s welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and reflect on the journey so far.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 68 km / 42 mi
Elevation Gain: 314 m
Accommodation: Radisson Park Inn
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Day 7: Brussels

Your final cycling day takes you through gently rolling Brabant countryside and sections of the Sonian Forest, a vast green area on the outskirts of Brussels. The approach to the city is scenic and surprisingly calm, offering a pleasant transition from countryside to capital.

Arriving in Brussels, the political heart of Europe, marks the completion of your cycling journey. Celebrate your achievement by exploring the Grand Place, tasting Belgian waffles and chocolate, or enjoying a final evening in one of the city’s lively districts. Cycling into Brussels provides a rewarding sense of arrival after days of riding through two countries.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
Elevation Gain: 313 m
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Day 8: Brussels

After breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end. Brussels offers excellent onward travel connections by train or air, making departure easy and flexible. If time allows, consider extending your stay to explore more of the city’s museums, neighborhoods, and culinary highlights. Depart with lasting memories of a relaxed and culturally rich cycling journey from Amsterdam to Brussels.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Westcord Art Hotel

WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam is a stylish, art-themed hotel located near Westerpark, offering a calm setting just outside Amsterdam’s busy center. The hotel blends contemporary design with original artworks throughout its rooms and public spaces.

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Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda

Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda is a beautifully restored 17th-century orphanage that blends historic character with refined contemporary comfort. Set in the heart of Gouda’s old town, it offers elegant rooms, tranquil courtyards, and thoughtful design that reflects centuries of heritage.

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Leonardo Hotel Papendrecht

Leonardo Hotel Papendrecht is a stylish 4-star hotel located in Papendrecht, Netherlands, set in the scenic Dutch polder countryside and about a 30-minute drive from Rotterdam. It offers around 97 modern rooms, suites and apartments with amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities and comfortable furnishings.

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Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen

Van der Valk Hotel Antwerpen is a 4-star hotel located in Antwerp, Belgium, just off the city’s ring road and about a 10-minute drive from both Antwerp city centre and Deurne Airport. It offers 237 modern rooms and suites ranging from comfort and deluxe to executive options, all with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.

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Park Inn by Radisson Leuven

Park Inn by Radisson Leuven (often referred to as Radisson Park Inn Leuven) is a modern, mid-range hotel located in Leuven, Belgium, right next to Leuven Central Train Station and within walking distance of the historic city centre, shops and major attractions. The hotel has 133 stylish rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee facilities, and most feature spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers.

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Hotel NH Brussels EU Berlaymont

NH Brussels EU Berlaymont is a well-located 4-star hotel in Brussels’ European Quarter, ideal for business travelers and visitors to the EU institutions. It’s right next to the Berlaymont Building (home to the European Commission) and just a short walk from Schuman metro and train station, making it easy to reach the city center and airport.

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Jujin hybrid bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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KTM MACINA GRAN P510 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Start

Amsterdam

Finish

Brussels

Fly-In

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Fly-Out

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Arrival

Start Point: Amsterdam, Netherlands Nearest Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the closest international gateway. From the airport, frequent trains connect to Amsterdam (including Sloterdijk or Central Station) in about 10–15 minutes, making transfers into the city quick and convenient.

We recommend arriving by afternoon to allow time to settle in, adjust after travel, and enjoy Amsterdam’s canals and historic centre before your cycling journey starts.

Departure

End Point: Brussels, Belgium Nearest Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)

Your tour concludes in Brussels on Day 8 after breakfast. You may depart at your convenience on this day or extend your stay to explore the Belgian capital further.

Brussels is well connected by rail and air, with easy access to Brussels Airport from the city centre by train or taxi. If required, you can also return to Amsterdam by train (approx. 3 hours) or pre-booked transfer services.

For a relaxed departure, we recommend booking onward travel from Brussels after late morning.

The weather along the Amsterdam to Brussels route is generally mild and well suited for cycling for much of the year. Spring (March to May) brings cool to pleasant conditions, with temperatures ranging from 10–18°C (50–65°F) and blooming countryside, though occasional rain showers are common.

Summer (June to August) offers the warmest and most popular cycling conditions, with long daylight hours and average temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F), while occasional hotter days may reach around 30°C (86°F).

Autumn (September to October) is slightly cooler and quieter, featuring comfortable cycling weather and temperatures of 12–18°C (54–65°F), along with colorful landscapes.

Winter (November to February) is the coldest and least suitable season for cycling, with short days, frequent rain, and temperatures typically between 2–8°C (36–46°F).

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Best

May

Best

June

Best

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Best

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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