Hell's Highway 135 km
The original Thunder Road - 135 km
This is the route of the downloadable GPX file.
This 135 km route is probably closest to the original roads taken in September 1944. However, it lacks some of the key points of interest that can be found by making small deviations. If you are looking for the easiest way to tick the box, this is your ride. If, however, you are looking for a deeper dive into history, any of the other routes are recommended.
Please be mindful that as the landscape, infrastructure, and roads network have changed considerably since 1944, some parts of the HH 135 route go parallel to larger and busier roads.
The ride starts in in the city centre of Leopoldsburg all the way to the Airborneplein in Arnhem. On the route it will it will cross the border at Lommel, and on to Valkenswaard, Eindhoven, Son, Sint-Oedenrode, Veghel, Zeeland, Grave, Nijmegen, and over the John Frost Bridge into Arnhem.
Route details
Route length: 135 kilometres / 83 miles
Elevation gain: 139 metres
Grading: A moderate cyclist should be able to enjoy this route. Expect a minimum of 6 hours on the saddle, excluding breaks. Including lunch and stops, this can take up to 8-9 hours.
Downloads
If you stay the night in Arnhem, there is always the option of a local Bridge too Far ride. An option is the Arnhem Airborne Cycle Route.