My most memorable routes of 2023 that you can ride in 2024

In 2023, I experienced many wonderful adventures, both close to home and further afield. My year was filled with unforgettable experiences on road, gravel and mountain bikes, creating a diverse and exciting calendar. With this Collection, I hope to inspire you to embark on your own adventures and discover destinations near and far.

It was tough choosing my five favourite adventures but I did my best ;)

1. The year kicked off in Spain. I joined a couple of professional cyclists in Calpe for their race preparations while working on training and creating content for Fietsvrouwen (Cycling Women), a community of cyclists in the Netherlands. This area of Southern Spain is a renowned training ground for pros, and during our time on the Col de Rates route, we crossed paths with many of them. This climb is incredibly scenic and deserves a spot on your must-do list.


2. Throughout the year, Fietsvrouwen hosted multiple clinics aimed at boosting bike confidence. These sessions were designed to enhance people’s enjoyment of this wonderful sport. Following one of these clinics, I joined others from Fietsvrouwen for a bike ride – an activity I truly relish. Apart from the camaraderie, the cycling environment itself is exceptionally beautiful, adding to the overall experience.

3. I love gravel Tours as they feel wonderfully organic. Recently, I ventured on a stunning gravel route across the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park with some girlfriends. This area boasts picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal spot for cycling adventures.

4. September brought me back to Girona, in Spain, a place I had visited in May. This time, I explored alongside the Yomads organisation. One of the highlights was riding the breathtaking coastal route, offering a prolonged stretch of cycling along the coastline and creating a perfect holiday atmosphere. The route's beauty and smooth asphalt provided an optimal cycling experience. Along the way, I stumbled upon some stunning gravel paths, too.

5. Mountain biking in South Africa was an exhilarating experience in December. I joined a group of retailers for this adventure, commencing our journey from Yebo Guesthouse, near Cape Town. Riding through the stunning South African landscapes on beautiful trails was an absolute delight. On the second day, we tackled the Oak Valley trails, where we encountered wild springboks for the first time – a truly amazing experience. The exhilarating downhill ride added both fun and challenge, making it an essential highlight that couldn’t be missed from my list.