The Ultimate Cycling Comeback
My Inspiring Journey Through The Netherlands
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![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)
![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)
![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)
![Hello Amsterdam! Made it all the way!](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_18_Hello-Amsterdam-Made-it-all-the-way_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)
![The day before my departure, I checked my bike thoroughly and even did a little test ride around town](/blog/2023-04-20_tips-for-long-distance-cycling/images/i_05_The-day-before-my-departure-I-checked-my-bike-thoroughly-and-even-did-a-little-test-ride-around-town_500px.jpg)