Herre and Jesper on Van Raam tandem to the Sahara
TikTok users Herre and Jesper are going to cycle from Morocco to the Sahara on a Van Raam tandem. They previously completed a trip from Groningen (NL) to Morocco.
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Peter and Joop conquer Alpe d'Huez with the Fun2Go duo bike
Bikes \ Cycling together
Tess
Peter's passion for cycling came to an abrupt halt in 2022 when he suffered a brain hemorrhage. Fully committed to his recovery and determined to continue pursuing his passion, he traded his racing bike for a duo bike. Now, alongside his friend and cycling buddy Joop, he faces a remarkable challenge on June 5, 2024: climbing Alpe d'Huez with a Fun2Go duo bike.
From setback to challenge
Peter had always been passionate about cycling. Despite his busy job, he would ride hundreds of kilometers on his racing bike every week and regularly participated in cycling competitions. Together with his friend Joop Cobussen, he embarked on various cycling tours abroad, planning to go cycling in Mallorca in April 2022. Two days before the trip, Peter, then 69 years old, suffered a severe aneurysm followed by a brain infarction. As a result, Peter became paralyzed on one side, lost his speech, and became wheelchair-bound. He had to exchange his own home for a room in the Sonnenberg assisted living complex because he could no longer live independently.
Despite this event, Peter refused to be defeated, as giving up is not an option for him. He worked on his recovery and found a new way to continue his passion for cycling. Peter sold his racing bike and bought a Fun2Go duo bike with electric assistance, with which he regularly cycles with family and friends.
Climbing Alpe d'Huez for a good cause
In 2023, Peter watched the Alpe d’Huzes on TV and was inspired. He decided, "In 2024, I'm going up that mountain!" and asked Joop to join him. Their goal isn't just to climb the mountain, but primarily to raise money for cancer research. A disease both Peter and Joop have experienced in their immediate surroundings. Peter's wife, José, suffers from COPD and thyroid cancer. They've been married for 50 years, but due to his limitations, they're forced to live apart. "I'm climbing Alpe d'Huez for her, and for all the people affected by cancer."
Alpe d'Huez is a well-known mountain in the French Alps. The route is 14 kilometers long, with 21 bends and an average gradient of 8%. "We've received permission from the organization to participate in the Alpe d’HuZus on June 5, which takes place the day before the actual Alpe d’HuZes. The Alpe d’HuZus is specifically for cyclists/participants like us."
This year, for the very first time, a duo bike will climb Alpe d'Huez!
Quitting is not an option
With Peter's own duo bike, climbing Alpe d’Huez isn't feasible; it's not designed to ascend the entire mountain. However, the motto of the Alpe d’HuZes event is: quitting is not an option, and not participating is certainly not an option for Peter and Joop. They reached out to Van Raam and presented their idea and challenge. Van Raam was eager to take on this challenge and specially adapted a duo bike for Peter for this ascent. To make the ride possible, the bike is equipped with, among other things, 2 motors, hydraulic brakes, multiple batteries, and anti-tipping wheels. This is also a remarkable occasion for Van Raam; this year, for the very first time, a duo bike will climb Alpe d’Huez!
On May 8, Peter and Joop visited Van Raam to test the duo bike with various gradients alongside several Van Raam employees. During the test ride, a big smile appeared on the faces of Peter and Joop. "The bike is fantastic. We have every confidence in reaching the top!" On May 24, Peter and Joop returned to Van Raam to pick up the new duo bike for the event.
Surrounded by an incredible team
Joop: "During the event, we have a team of fellow cyclists and guides supporting Peter every step of the way. They handle transportation, meals, and some even ride alongside us to the top." Additionally, a mechanic from Van Raam will be with us to ensure the duo bike performs at its best during the challenging climb.
On June 5, 2024, the big day arrives as Peter and Joop pedal towards the summit of Alpe d'Huez. Would you like to support this dynamic duo in their mission while contributing to cancer research? You can donate using the button below.
Update: On the way to France and on the radio
Joop: "On Monday, June 3rd, we got into the car heading for France. On the way, I received a phone call from Omroep Gelderland asking if I would like to talk about the duo bike and the climb of Alpe d’Huez live on the radio. Super fun, of course!
The final preparations
"Once we arrived in Le Bourg-d’Oisans, the town at the base of the Alpe d’Huez mountain, it became clear that something big was going to happen this week. The bends were already adorned with banners, and the road was scribbled with slogans and encouragements. The next day, June 4th, everyone was up early. Roel, the service mechanic from Van Raam, did a final check on the entire bike, and the Fun2Go was running perfectly."
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The day of the climb
"It's June 5th, the day of the climb! We get up early and the mood is great. Then we gather at the starting point. Everyone is talking with each other and our duo bike attracted a lot of attention. We started the climb at 10:30 AM. Right away, we saw many waving and singing people. Our names were being chanted, and it didn’t stop.
I saw the battery capacity of the bike dropping and the motor was getting hot. It was very steep, and we needed maximum support. Would we make it? Fortunately, Roel was there to give us tips on preserving the motor. Occasionally letting it cool down and pedaling harder ourselves to relieve the motor helped. The atmosphere along the way and at the finish was amazing. Everyone was kind and enthusiastic. And so, we crossed the finish line! We made it to the top! And we gained a great experience. At the top of the mountain, it was bustling and lively. Time for a beer and a nice meal.
June 6th will be even busier here. Two other team members, Michel and Jeroen, will climb the mountain, along with 5000 other cyclists and runners. Respect for these men. We will be there to support, take care of, and encourage them when they feel like giving up."
Van Raam Fun2Go duo bike
Peter and Joop are riding a Van Raam Fun2Go duo bike with pedal assistance for their cycling adventure. This bike has side-by-side seating, with one person steering while both can pedal. With the seats positioned next to each other, they can easily communicate. Find out more about the Fun2Go duo bike on the product page.
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