Everybody on the same bike, but no two bikes exactly the same. It’s so interesting to see how a rider’s character and individuality gets reflected in their bikes. Tire choice, group set preference, components selection and how they choose to carry spares and ride essentials. With its classic, timeless, looks and its myriad of options to install bottle holders, panniers, mudguards, and accessories, the Rowtag really is one of those chameleon bikes that can become whatever you want its owner wants it to become. And it seems that their owners take every opportunity to do just that!

There’s no bad weather for riding, only bad clothing. We all know the saying, but I do feel like some seasons tend to be nicer for certain disciplines of cycling than others. For gravel exploring, spring might just be my favourite. Warm enough on most days for bibs and short sleeve jerseys and, more important for gravel, the sand isn’t too loose yet (as it can be in summer) nor are the forests to muddy (as they can be in fall and winter). 

Although we weren’t blessed with a warm day this edition, it did stay dry, and the trails were (mostly ;-) ) perfect! 

The route for this edition, starting and finishing at experience center “De Fietser” in Ede was a repeat from the last time. A combination of wide-open landscapes and green forests. The majority of it off-road, switching between gravel roads and flowing forest single track. 

After just two editions on this route, it might just be too soon to call it a classic yet, but definitely a recommendation for everybody looking to explore the Veluwe from the Ede region.

Like every edition, it’s the new people we get to meet that excites me the most. And we all know that making new friends on the bike usually results in plans for new adventures in the calendar :-).

We got to meet the team behind The Bikepack Trail, a concept for those who want to discover bikepacking without having to invest in the gear. Cool fact: the bikes you get to use are Van Nicholas Rowtag's! As you might have guessed, we’re going to take up the challenge ourselves this summer and do the trip. Stay tuned for the ride story and photos!

Rik from Fast Forward Wheels also joined the ride and explained the impact of wheels on your tires and the ride in general. It never stops to amaze how small details such as rim width can make such a difference. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a true ‘Come Ride With Us’ event if it didn’t finish with a refreshing drink and a bite to eat whilst reminiscing about the day’s adventures. De Fietser went above and beyond once again with their exquisite BBQ. With enough food to feed an entire pro-peloton after a grand tour they might have over-estimated our ride that day, but we sure did our best to hide that fact ;-).

A new edition is already planned. This time we’re going to explore the gravel roads in the region of the Amstel Gold Race, starting and finishing at the Shimano Experience Center in Valkenburg.

Register here if you want to join us!