From COVID Recovery to Cycling Triumph
How I Overcame COVID and Crushed a 204 km Cycling Challenge!
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![Beautiful scenery - long straights on dykes near Flevoland](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_14_Beautiful-scenery-long-straights-on-dykes-near-Flevoland_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)
![My heart rate during the 10 hour ride from Amsterdam to Hegelsom: note how I kept my heart rate relatively low during the first few hours!](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_07_My-heart-rate-during-the-10-hour-ride-from-Amsterdam-to-Hegelsom-note-how-I-kept-my-heart-rate-relat_500px.jpg)
![Link your bike computer to your phone to be able to receive messages of support from family and friends](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_06_Link-your-bike-computer-to-your-phone-to-be-able-to-receive-messages-of-support-from-family-and-frie_500px.jpg)
![While many cyclists eat while riding, I prefer to stop and enjoy the moment while eating something](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_09_While-many-cyclists-eat-while-riding-I-prefer-to-stop-and-enjoy-the-moment-while-eating-something_500px.jpg)
![Leaving my new hometown of Hegelsom, Limburg](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_08_Leaving-my-new-hometown-of-Hegelsom-Limburg_500px.jpg)