Ride #5: Maikel Govaarts

Pedaling through the landscapes of Drunense Duinen on our trusty gravel bikes, Maikel and I embarked on an little cycling adventure. All thanks to Kirsten Boerrigter from fietsvrouwen.cc, who connected us. Let me tell you, Maikel is a seasoned cyclist with years of experience tucked under his chamois. It’s evident in everything he does. The man exudes passion for the sport and generously shared some invaluable tips to up my cycling game. As luck would have it, Mother Nature blessed us with glorious weather, adding an extra dash of delight to the already beautiful route Maikel had meticulously planned. And boy, did he pick some heavenly stretches of gravel for us to conquer.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the world of Maikel Govaarts. By day, he’s an esteemed physical education teacher at Dr. Moller College, shaping young minds with his expertise. Off the clock, he’s a devoted family man to his two little champions, Isa and Sofie, and his beloved Linda. In 2022, Maikel decided to spread his wings and dive headfirst into entrepreneurship, establishing his own venture called GOO FORIT. Wondering about the peculiar name? Well, it’s a playful twist on his nickname, GOOF, ultimately giving birth to GOO FOR IT—a haven for all things mountain biking, road cycling, gravel training, clinics, athlete coaching, and even (E) bike skills for the spirited 55+ crowd.

Maikel’s cycling journey began when he was just a sprightly teenager juggling football and gymnastics. At 18, he acquired his first road bike and swiftly became a member of a cycling club. As the winds of passion carried him further, Maikel’s wheels transitioned from the smooth asphalt of the road to the rugged trails of mountain biking. The technical demands and explosive nature of this discipline resonated with him on a whole new level. The result? Six Dutch Champion titles in mountain biking (amateurs/masters) and a glorious Dutch Championship in the cyclocross discipline. Oh, and let’s not forget his triumphant victory in the master category of the grueling Cape Epic’s longest stage back in 2016. Impressive, right? In 2022, Maikel added two more Dutch titles, or rather, two red-white-blue jerseys, to his collection—one in mountain biking and the other in cyclocross. It was high time he turned his attention towards his brainchild, GOOFORIT.

So, what fuels Maikel’s passion for cycling? The answer is simple: the sheer joy of immersing himself in nature while pushing his limits alongside fierce competitors. Plus, there’s an added perk of bonding with like-minded friends who share his love for the sport. Cycling not only keeps him physically fit but also acts as a catalyst for cultivating meaningful social connections. Talk about a win-win situation!

Now, as tradition goes, it’s time to pass the baton Maikel. “My nomination? Maarten Nijland, the driving force behind BikeChallenge. This formidable cycling aficionado breathes new life into companies with his sporty ventures. But that’s not all—Maarten’s expertise in conducting clinics and training sessions for mountain biking, gravel biking, and road cycling is unmatched. BikeChallenge has become a household name in the eastern realms of our cycling kingdom. So, without further ado, I hand the baton over to Maarten Nijland. Get ready for the ride, my friend!”