The Hills have Bikes is a fully self-supported bike packing race. It starts and finishes at de Proloog cafe in Amerongen. THHB is organized by Adventure Bike Racing.
Anyone who knows me knows that I, Joost Doelman, like to make time to go on an adventure in nature for a week. The Aboriginals call this a “Walkabout”. This is a trip in which you, individually or in a group, cover hundreds of kilometres in nature. Such a trip is a rite of passage for all ages and all genders. For the Aboriginals it is a moment to discover yourself.
In the last week of June, I participated in the Hills Have Bikes together with my brother-in-law Wilfred Greup. This is a self-supported bike packing race over more than 60% unpaved terrain. A total of 1,200 kilometres with 13,000 metres of elevation which must be completed in at least 9 days. The route goes over the Veluwe, Teutenberger Wald, Sauerland, Eifel and via Limburg back to Amerongen.
We completed the race in 8 days. It was tough. Due to the unpaved paths, distance and many hills I reached my physical and mental limits. By pacing ourselves well and taking breaks on time, we eventually reached the finish. Of course, it was also enjoyable. The delicious “tortes” and the beautiful nature through which the route ran.
Such an adventure in nature helps me enormously. It trains my endurance to overcome physical and mental challenges based on a positive mindset. It is also meditative and provides a reset. In this time of information overload, that is wonderful and perhaps even necessary.
I can heartily recommend such a Walkabout to everyone, in their own way.
You can find the Dotwatcher report of our adventure here.
You can find al the pictures here.