Cycling from Groesbeek (NL) to London
On the last week of June I cycled 548km, from the Netherlands to London. This trip had a special mission and the usual rules for my cycling trips: minimal planning.
Cycling from Groesbeek (NL) to London
On the last week of June I cycled 548km, from the Netherlands to London. This trip had a special mission and the usual rules for my cycling trips: minimal planning.
Every cycling trip I go on is magical, no matter how long or short it is. My mind enters a state of meditation and I'm easily reminded that life is amazing.
This trip was a short one for me, just 4 nights and 548km but with a special mission.
I left on a Wednesday at 7 am from Groesbeek and arrived in London on Saturday at 5 pm.
Pedaling bliss. Through lush green forests in the Netherlands and Belgium. Along the windy coast of Oostende and through the beautiful rolling hills between Dover and London via Canterbury.
Every cycling trip is an invitation to go out of my comfort zone and open myself up to destiny. For that reason, I opt for minimal planning, if any, and I take just the essentials: a tent, a sleeping bag, some clothing, a toothbrush, and my beloved titanium spoon.
The special mission
This trip had a simple mission: to cycle to see my Dutch sister Anke Smits and ask her in person if she wants to be the godmother of the daughter we are expecting with Naëmie.
Anke said yes. I accomplished the mission, and we know that our daughter will have the most amazing madrina she could ever dream of.
The route
I cycled 548km from my house in Groesbeek to the Big Ben.
My average distance per day was 137km, and my maximum was 180km, which was on the first day.
Initially, I had planned to take the ferry from Calais, but I accidentally ran into the port for the ferry in Dunkirk and decided to cross there instead.
My favorite stretch was Dover to London via Canterbury. The rolling gravel roads are exquisite. Highly recommended to any cycling enthusiast reading this.
Traveling Non-Plan plan style
Following the trend from last year's cycling adventure from Groesbeek to Portugal, I went to London in Non-plan plan style.
The rules for a non-plan plan cycling trip go as follows:
- Where I end up sleeping is always left to destiny. I don't book anything in advance, and hotels are not allowed in my mind.
- There is no pre-defined route. I decide each day how many kilometers I'll cycle and where exactly.
- There is always a day limit. In this case, I had to get to London in 4 days.
I travel this way because it keeps me present and sharp. With no set route or place to sleep, I hone my intuition and trust in destiny.
How I find my wild camping spots
I often get asked how I find the places when I wild camp. Here is what works for me:
- I cycle until 8-9 pm, and then I start evaluating where I'll camp. To find a good spot, I'll use Google Maps' satellite view.
- My hard rule is to never wild camp in nature reserves; a good place has to be just a random national forest.
- I take extra precautions to avoid being seen. I pitch the tent when it's almost dark and leave early. If there are no mosquitoes and it won't rain, I'll sleep without a tent.
- I take any trash I find. It gives me extra good karma for my next cycling trip.
What's next
As for my usual UX/UI design work, I'll be winding down this month and resuming in mid-October after taking parental leave.
I have a waiting list once I return to work in October. If you need any UX/UI help, DM me, and I'm happy to add you to the waiting list.
Thank you for reading, and have a great day! 🙌
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