Push Your Limits
Tips and Tricks to Conquer the Fietselfstedentocht!
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)
![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)
![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)
![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)
![... 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)
![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)