Can we expect long journeys soon?

Yes, as in longer then I make them today. As I prepare for the real long tours, I will be extending my rides in increments. Taking things to the next level in steps. Longer day rides, Trips of a couple of days… And then, it’s touring time.

How do you decide on your routes?

For now, the rides I make are rather short and local. So I know the roads, and I can make a pretty well informed guess on the challenges ahead.
When I start making longer trips, and especially for the tours, I use all the information I can get. I start by setting a goal. That can be riding a specific region, or getting to a destination. Then, it’s mostly a combination of Google and some planning apps I use. Routeyou.com, to name one.

Are all your routes planned before you leave?

I try to plan as much as possible, especially for the longer trips. But that doesn’t mean I follow the road book to the letter. A town on the horizon, a windmill popping up from behind some trees, or even a tree that stands out amongst the forest. Anything could make me take a turn away from the pre-determined path.

Are you riding to beat diabetes?

I’m riding to beat the effects of diabetes. For me, the illness had a pretty negative influence on my health and fitness for years, without me even knowing it. I heard many people talk about reversing diabetes type 2. I’m not sure if this is possible or not. I’m not a doctor. It most definitely isn’t possible for type 1, since this has a genetical background.
My most important goals are to improve on the negative effects diabetes has for me. To loose weight, improve my overall fitness and to regulate my blood sugar levels.

Could we ride along?

Yes, of course. Get in contact with me, and we can set something up. At the moment, I can mostly be found in the north of Belgium, and the south of the Netherlands. But keep checking my website and you’ll see me exploring more of those countries and beyond.
Take in account that riding a recumbent usually means riding slow. An average speed around 20 kph is something to aim for. Riding along on a racebike might mean you have to ride at a slower pace then you are used to.