MEET A FRIEND OF MAATS
RIK DE VOOGD
Rik de Voogd is from Hook of Holland, Netherlands. A coastal town belonging to Rotterdam which is situated 30 km to the east. Rik is a regular and a friend of Maats. We have created this page to make sure you don't miss a thing of his adventures!
"Ever since I quit racing bikes and stumbled upon Instagram, I have this dream. This dream about riding around in areas which are not the most familiar ones for us as cyclists. My favourite tagline: "the best roads, are the ones you haven't ridden", pretty much says it all."
"It was on Instagram where I discovered a world in which cycling wasn’t necessarily about results or numbers. I got interested right away, started my very own profile & blog, and digitally connected with cyclists from all over the world. These people showed me that adventures, great gear, and having a keen eye for photography, can be a perfect combination whilst riding bikes."
NOWADAYS
"For me, Instagram is still the place to get inspired, but most importantly, it's this place to connect with like-minded people: Other cyclists from all over the world."
RIK'S FAVORITE KIT COMBINATIONS
Rik has made a selection of his favorite combinations of Mechanism, Escapism and Essential from Pas Normal Studios. "What I personally like the most is the ability to create all kinds of cool combinations based on color. Not only bibs and jerseys. Those also determine the colors of the gilet, socks, shoes, and helmet I select."
Swipe to see the combinations.
MECHANISM
First, I think the Mechanism Jersey showcases a seamless integration of technical performance with very fashionable aesthetics. I like its aerodynamic fit and how it uses lightweight fabric. These jerseys perfectly suit competitive racers and fast-paced riders, but I just also love these for my everyday summer rides. The Mechanism bib shorts are great because of their aesthetics, compressive textiles with high elasticity, and excellent chamois.
Now, the Mechanism collection comes in so many colours that it’s sometimes a hard pick. But these are a few of my favourite combinations.
ESCAPISM
I love the Mechanism jerseys for their tight, aerodynamic fit. But, for longer, more casual rides, I prefer the all-day comfort of the Escapism Knit Jerseys. The slightly warmer fabric also makes it an excellent choice for springtime cycling. I was immediately smitten with its contemporary and timeless look. Whether you're into casual road riding like me, or into multi-day gravel adventures, these jerseys are great and very fashionable.
I like to combine these jerseys with my Mechanism bib shorts and then these are my favourite combinations.
PNS Escapism Combination 2
PNS Escapism Knit Jersey Blue
PNS Mechanism Bib Shorts Dark Navy
MECHANISM LONG SLEEVE JERSEY
I use my Mechansim Long Sleeve Jerseys for layering or as a standalone jersey on colder days. Actually all through the seasons. These jerseys combine visual aesthetics with quality and technical apparel. The soft fleece-backed fabric makes the Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey perfect for both high-intensity rides and casual riding. Depending on temperatures I combine it with a gilet or even stow away jacket.
Also, these jerseys I combine with Mechanism bib shorts and these three combos including a gilet or jacket are by far my favourite.
ESSENTIAL
I think the Essential jersey is an ideal addition to your rotation of kit for leisure rides. It has a more relaxed but not loose fit compared to the Mechanism line and is developed for more all-day comfortable long rides.
Because I like the tight fit of the Mechanism bib shorts over the bit more loose fit of the Essential bib shorts, I also combine these Essential jerseys with a Mechanism bibs and gilet.
Most beautiful place you have ever rode your bike?
Greece! The southern most part of the mainland. A peninsula actually. The region is called the Peloponesse and without my knowledge it is fantastic for cycling. A great combination of beautiful coastal roads along beaches, coves and cliffs. And more inland mountains with an overdose of hairpin bends. And all without meeting a single mortal. There's really no one there! And yet the roads are fantastic and in every village you can drink the best coffee and buy fresh fruit. I fell in love!
Bucket list cycling destination?
My dream is actually to ride areas that are far from obvious for us cyclists. Now I'm not into gravel yet, but that won't take long. I think the gravel culture will unlock many countries for cycling as road conditions aren't that important. After Greece, my curiosity turned to other Balkan countries as well. In that region, I believe the road bike isn't ideal for many countries there. A gravel bike, however, can handle much more. When it comes to road, I'm especially curious about the other side of the Atlantic. North America for example. But South America in particular.
What prompted you to start a blog and Instagram account about your cycling adventures?
The long story is detailed on my website. The short story is that I raced for years and at one point was very done with it. I was looking for a new meaning when the performance lapsed. When someone pointed me to Instagram I laughed at first, but once I took a look I was inspired by all kinds of people who were busy with cycling and photography. That combination immediately felt really good! My website and blog is an addition to what I can't put on Instagram. The attention span of the average Instagram user is quite low, but I also gathered a whole crowd of very loyal followers who wanted to know a lot more. The website and blog were born.
What is your favorite route in The Netherlands?
I think that a tour from my own home offers a lot of diversity. Within a route of 50 kilometers already. Within a few steps from my home in Hoek van Holland I ride north through the dunes towards The Hague. If I turn to the east earlier, I ride between the greenhouses. If you turn a little more southeast, then you ride between the meadows. And once again to the right, you ride west again to Hoek van Holland along the Nieuwe Waterweg. However, my favorite route is a little longer. Then I ride on the boulevard of Scheveningen, straight through the dunes and nature reserve Meijendel in the direction of Leiden. Nowadays I like to drink a good espresso there, and then back via Delft or Rotterdam for an ice cream.
