Explore the Netherlands Like Never Before
Conquer long distances on Your Bike!
Apr. 20, 2023 - Willem L. Middelkoop
In preparation for this year’s Fietselfstedentocht (236KM), I took my bike and set out for an adventurous ride through half of the Netherlands. It was my first long distance ride after being infected with COVID. If you're considering a long-distance ride yourself, be sure to read along to discover invaluable tips and tricks from my experience.
Continue reading![The morning after: Make sure to be kind to yourself - after such an intensive effort your body needs time to recover. My WHOOP noticed this clearly, even after getting a good night's rest.](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_20_The-morning-after-Make-sure-to-be-kind-to-yourself-after-such-an-intensive-effort-your-body-needs-ti_500px.jpg)
![Follow road signs or use a GPS navigation system - whatever you do, make sure you have some idea where you're going](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_03_Follow-road-signs-or-use-a-GPS-navigation-system-whatever-you-do-make-sure-you-have-some-idea-where-_500px.jpg)
![You're amazed by the things you'll encounter - like the beauty of the Dutch National Park Hoge Veluwe...](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_10_You-re-amazed-by-the-things-you-ll-encounter-like-the-beauty-of-the-Dutch-National-Park-Hoge-Veluwe_500px.jpg)
![... or by an unexpected road block, deferring you into](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_11_or-by-an-unexpected-road-block-deferring-you-into-the-unknown-route_500px.jpg)
![At about 80% of the route I really felt my legs and back complain... this bench was a welcome change for my bum on the saddle](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_16_At-about-80-of-the-route-I-really-felt-my-legs-and-back-complain-this-bench-was-a-welcome-change-for_500px.jpg)
![I prepared my bike for a new season of cycling with fresh rubber and headset bearings](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_04_I-prepared-my-bike-for-a-new-season-of-cycling-with-fresh-rubber-and-headset-bearings_500px.jpg)