Pedal Power
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![Crossing the last bridge into Amsterdam felt like victory.](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_17_Crossing-the-last-bridge-into-Amsterdam-felt-like-victory_500px.jpg)
![Maasduinen National Park in Limburg](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_02_Maasduinen-National-Park-in-Limburg_500px.jpg)
![My completed Fietselfstedentocht 2022 stamp card - note how the edges have been through bad weather...](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_01_My-completed-Fietselfstedentocht-2022-stamp-card-note-how-the-edges-have-been-through-bad-weather_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)
![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)
![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)