Push Your Limits
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![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)
![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)
![Last year's Fietselfstedentocht was an epic ride with my brother - a gruesome edition with plenty of storm and rain!](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_00_Last-year-s-Fietselfstedentocht-was-an-epic-ride-with-my-brother-a-gruesome-edition-with-plenty-of-s_500px.jpg)
![This felt as a fitting place for a little drink stop... Willemsplein in Arnhem!](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_13_This-felt-as-a-fitting-place-for-a-little-drink-stop-Willemsplein-in-Arnhem_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)
![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)