Roadmap

Historic TT Cycling Route

Recreatief

E-bike route

E-bike

64 km ( 3 hour)

View route map

Route information


Cycle the Old TT Circuit!

This 64 km Tour de TT cycling route takes you on a journey through the golden era of the TT, when the race was still held on public roads, and the TT villages of Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo, Grolloo, and Hooghalen played a crucial role in the event's rich legacy. In the early years, many visitors arrived by bike or motorcycle for the annual event. Cycling trips from Groningen or Overijssel were not uncommon. Spectators often stayed in haylofts or tents. On two wheels, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Drenthe. Along the route, you’ll encounter seven Toyist-style artworks, each telling a unique piece of TT history. These pieces bring the event's rich legacy to life in a truly captivating way.

Parking
The route beg…

Cycle the Old TT Circuit!

This 64 km Tour de TT cycling route takes you on a journey through the golden era of the TT, when the race was still held on public roads, and the TT villages of Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo, Grolloo, and Hooghalen played a crucial role in the event's rich legacy. In the early years, many visitors arrived by bike or motorcycle for the annual event. Cycling trips from Groningen or Overijssel were not uncommon. Spectators often stayed in haylofts or tents. On two wheels, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Drenthe. Along the route, you’ll encounter seven Toyist-style artworks, each telling a unique piece of TT history. These pieces bring the event's rich legacy to life in a truly captivating way.

Parking
The route begins at De Bonte Wever in Assen (Stadsbroek 17, 9405 BK Assen), where ample parking is available for those wishing to leave their car behind and embark on the journey by bike.

Signage
The route is clearly marked with yellow and black 'Tour de TT' signs. The circular signs are designated for the cycling route, making it easy to start from any of the other TT villages.

Food & Drink
If you're feeling peckish or thirsty during your ride, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the route, including in Assen, Rolde, Borger, Grolloo, Schoonloo, and Hooghalen.

Sights on this route

Starting point:

De Bonte Wever
Stadsbroek 17
9405 BK Assen
Navigate to starting point

This piece, created by Toyist Bliissem, highlights the childhood dream of rider Giacomo Agostini. 

Artwork | TT Circuit

The paddock, known as the riders' quarter, was where racers prepared, and mechanics meticulously worked on their bikes. In the 1950s, brave private riders would live here, traveling from circuit t1

Riders’ Quarter & Start/Finish | 1926-present

In Laaghalerveen, riders fine-tuned their machines, while locals eagerly awaited the annual TT, which brought a sense of excitement and vitality to their village.

Laaghalerveen | 1926-1954

This artwork, crafted by Toyist Jaf’r, showcases the legendary Wil Hartog, who claimed victory in the premier class.

Artwork| Hooghalen

The technical S-bend in Hooghalen tested riders' skills to the utmost, adding suspense and drama for spectators. This challenging section quickly became a hotspot for fans wishing to witness the TT race.

S-Bend Hooghalen | 1926-1954

Built in 1856 as part of the toll road system, the toll house at a treacherous bend presented extra difficulty for riders. With difficult road conditions, racers had to navigate carefully to avoid accidents. For spectators, it was an exciting vantage point for watching the race unfold.

Old Toll | 1926-1954

This creation by Toyists Xippez and Dejo portrays the iconic Dutch sidecar duo Streuer & Schnieders, alongside racer Kevin Schwantz. The heads in the artwork symbolize the growing number of spectators.

Artwork | Grolloo

Created by Toyist Roq, this artwork serves as a monument, illustrating a motorcycle pushing others to greater speeds. The piece reflects the legacy of the TT races.

Artwork | Schoonloo

Crafted by Toyists Srylyn and Dejo, this piece depicts the fierce competition for horsepower during the historic TT races.

Artwork | Borger

In 1925, the course passed through the dangerous, unpaved Koesteeg in Borger, with perilous corners and deep ruts. The risk of accidents was high, and due to financial constraints, the municipalit1

Koesteeg Borger | 1925

Toyist Gihili's piece captures Marc Márquez’s dream of racing in the past with his number 93.

Artwork | Rolde

The first-ever TT race, held in 1925 at Brink in Rolde, marked the birth of motorsport history in the Netherlands. The 28 km street circuit through Borger and Schoonloo added excitement, but it was deemed too dangerous, leading to the course's relocation in 1926.

Brink Rolde | 1925

Toyist Dejo’s creation takes viewers on a journey through TT Assen’s evolution, highlighting legendary moments from TT heroes.

Artwork | Assen

Bartelds Corner, infamous for its danger, was one of the most challenging sections of the old TT circuit. Many riders lost control here. TT legends like Piet van Wijngaarden and Geert Timmer made their names in this treacherous corner.

Bartelds Corner | 1926-1954

Before commercial interests dominated TT Assen, motorcycle inspections were a public spectacle. Fans would watch mechanics closely inspect bikes, while fans queued for autographs from their favori1

Motorbike Inspection Assen | 1947-1966

The TT office was the heartbeat of the legendary TT, from registrations to organizing the event. From 1926 to 1947, riders from around the world gathered here. Icons like Jan Weggemans and Klaas de Jong made this office a legendary part of TT history.

TT Office | Assen

End point:

De Bonte Wever
Stadsbroek 17
9405 BK Assen
Navigate to endpoint

Directions

Starting point:

De Bonte Wever
Stadsbroek 17
9405 BK Assen
Navigate to starting point

Street Circuit Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo | The first Tourist Trophy (TT) was held in 1907 on the Isle of Man, a street race spanning over 60 km. The popularity of the event inspired the creation of the Motorclub ‘Assen en Omstreken’. Following the introduction of the Motor and Bicycle Law in 1924, which allowed exemptions for road races, the club organized its own road race—the very first Dutch TT. The course was 28.4 km long, winding through cobbled and sandy roads in Rolde, Borger, and Schoonloo. Only five brave riders managed to finish the difficult course, marking the beginning of the TT legacy in the Netherlands.

Street Circuit Hooghalen-Assen | In 1926, the second edition of the TT took place on a new 16.5 km circuit. Starting at De Haar in Assen, the course included the infamous Bartelds Corner and Old Toll, passing through picturesque villages like Hooghalen and Laaghalerveen. Due to the unique location and challenging nature of the circuit, the TT quickly gained prestige. In 1927, foreign riders participated for the first time. By 1949, the TT was included in the FIM World Championship.

TT Circuit Assen | The success of the TT led to the construction of the permanent 7.7 km TT Circuit Assen in 1955. This wider circuit met the safety requirements for faster bikes, and its design also allowed sidecar races to be held, adding to the excitement!

The Tour de TT motor and bike routes offer a truly unique experience for those interested in this iconic motorsport event and its history. Ride through long, tree-lined straight roads and picturesque villages, capturing the atmosphere of the past.

End point:

De Bonte Wever
Stadsbroek 17
9405 BK Assen
Navigate to endpoint