I used to race bikes
to impress
For me, cycling always was something equal to performance. About goals, about results, about proving myself… Mainly to others. But let me be honest now. I actually was very insecure, and winning was the ultimate way to disguise...
now I ride bikes
to express
Instagram was a true game-changer for me. It was on Instagram that I discovered a world of cycling that wasn’t necessarily about results, but more about pleasure & adventure. About having fun and sharing it instantly with like-minded people from all over the world. I got inspired right away…
about me
EARLY LIFE
I was born in 1983 in The Hague, Holland. My mother has been, and still is, the most lovely and caring mother I can imagine. As the perfect housewife, she was always around for my brother and I. My father took great care of our family, working to pay the bills and making made sure we didn't fall short of anything. Both were there whenever my brother and I needed them…
CYCLING CAREER
A local youth criterium was where it all started. The first race I participated in was in 1997 at the age of 14. This first experience was actually pretty bad. I didn’t come in last but, finished 25th out of the 30. I had no clue how those kids were able to corner that fast! The 2nd race went way better. Apparently, I was quite strong because I could easily keep up with the others this time…
ACHIEVEMENTS
I always competed at high levels, and I know what it takes to win. I was racing bikes from 1997 to 2007 - pretty much my whole childhood, but I quit after the 2007 season, gained weight, lost rhythm, and got bored. I eventually planned a comeback in 2013, and although I was completely done with it in the end, my achievements are there to stay, which still makes me proud...
other stuff worth checking
On Instagram I discovered that cycling isn’t necessarily about results or numbers. I got interested right away, started contributing myself, and connected with folks from all over the world.
Funny as it sounds, Instagram made it easier for me to ease up. I took my time to look around more, and start capturing to share some on ‘the gram’ afterwards…
Monthly inspiration
My exclusive monthly email contains five cool things I've found or explored lately. A five-bullet wrap-up about: Cool gear or other stuff, tips & tricks, recipes, quotes, must-reads, stuff to watch or listen to… it could be anything!
Consider it to be just a short email. Plain text. Five bullets. Nothing fancy, but something valuable…
blog
My blog is the main reason why I started my own website. I felt like finding a more dynamic way to share what I’ve got. Here you find anything else I couldn’t fit on my Instagram or in my newsletter.
It’s all about other stuff that draws my attention. Just check out my blog for updates regularly, and I’m sure there are topics that suit your needs…
