Date of birth: March 26, 1967 in Sint Annaparochie (Het Bildt, Friesland)
Residence: Since 2023 in IJlst, on the 11 cities route below Sneek
Bike(s)
14CARBON – Deep Gravel with SRAM Force 2x11s
14CARBON – AERO 20 with Campagnolo Chorus 2x12s
14CARBON – Aero Light with Campagnolo Athena 2x11s and still rim brakes.
I met Thijs last year when I was busy orienting myself with options for a new roadbike. There are a lot of bike brands to choose from these days. However, the story of Thijs and his 14CARBON bikes really appealed to me and I’m a proud owner of a 14CARBON Aero 20. Besides the fact that the bikes are locally built here in the Netherlands, Thijs is incredibly passionate about his own bikes. A pure enthusiast with a deep understanding of his trade and a strong opinion of his own. I have visited him twice in Friesland and he listens carefully to your wishes and takes his time. For Why We Ride, we recently cycled together in the Leusden area on a Saturday. The beautiful weather that day made it a treat to cycle around the area.
Who are you?
I am an inventor, divorced father of 3 children, entrepreneur and chemist. The inventor of unbreakable carbon bikes of the brand 14CARBON. A quirky and creative Frisian.
I run a number of internationally oriented companies with fine colleagues in Koudum, Friesland. I am a polyglot and love history, particularly in relation to the Frisian and English language. For some time now I have a girlfriend/partner from Leusden, hence our ride in this region!
Why do you cycle?
I like to exercise outside to clear my busy head and get inspiration for new ideas and creations, so you won’t see me in the gym or on the Taxc. Even in the winter you will find me cycling outside, but I also enjoy skating, running, walking, skeelering (rollerblading), and swimming.
Recently I started trying badminton and table tennis for variety!
I like to cycle ‘la bonne voie’- for fun, without plan. I won’t necessarily make the same round every week, fast is always an option, but it certainly does not have to be, and preferably together with someone. I have a few friends I regularly exercise with.
Pass on the baton. With whom should I bike the next ride with and why?
Marcel Dezentjé. He is a passionate cyclist and communications expert who makes beautiful reels on Instagram and is an ambassador for 14CARBON on an AERO 20 and Deep Gravel! Marcel is a very likable guy and an inspiration to cycling with. Ask him for a ride over the Utrecht Hill Ridge!
