As the Netherlands is weighed down by a rain shower and the water boards work hard to drain the water, but also hold it for an approaching, dry summer, I look back on the past year. The year 2022 was intense. Intense in many forms. Beautiful, warm, intense. In that respect, 2023 can hardly top that, or can it? We take you through 2022 in a nutshell, with some highlights and great articles we were able to create.
January
Although we like and cycle often, January was also one of start-up for us. Not surprisingly, we were soon able to get a nice Micro-adventure do on the Posbank. We could not have imagined beforehand that it would be so wet and epic. Luckily, we still have the footage. Our partner's clothes Etxeondo at least kept us well dry.
Also check our Cycling clothing guide for winter
February
In February, there was an overarching theme: Spain. We had explorers in three different places at the same time. Ruth sat for us in beautiful Gran Canaria, at the same time was Ruben in Moraira and environment to work and cycle there. Explorer Lotte, meanwhile, trained herself silly in Lanzarote and was almost blown off the bike. It could be less.
In the Netherlands, Nynke began her first local adventure, beautifully gravelen in the Achterhoek. That was the start of a very nice series of adventures, in Brabant, in Friesland and further in our beautiful Netherlands.
March
The cycling season starts in March, they sometimes say. Given the above, we would argue otherwise. Nevertheless, we seized March for a nice series of articles and trips. We went for a nice round graveling over the crown domain To test out Shimano's GRX group.
March only got better as during our Pro for a Weekend trip to Flanders we were spoiled with beautiful weather, great routes and a good atmosphere. When you are in the heart of the course, on holy ground, heaven suddenly feels close. Especially with staying in the Flandrien Hotel. For good reason, this weekend was Cycling Destination Approved!
April
The saying 'April does what it wants' could not apply more to our beautiful days in the Wadden area. It started cold and bleak, with sub-zero feeling temperatures and a gusting wind. What got us through? The warm welcome, the beautiful conversations and the vast landscape. We found beauty where others saw desolation. We were shaken up (literally) and one thing is certain. It Wadden Region calls us every day. If only because of the food.
We also seized King's Day to give a nice nod to destinations you should visit sometime. Because if you look carefully, there is a nice number of links with 'the king to be found. Not to mention the royal ski resort of Lech am Arlberg.
May
Whereas we were still a bit searching in April, May gave us a mad rush. After all, when are you four different explorers in places all over Europe? We started with the guys from the Pedaleurs, who did their adolescent joke saw become reality. Digging to Denmark, through Germany. Meanwhile, Sander went into the trail of the Tour in search of the most beautiful spots in Denmark. Ruben indulged in the delights of Tenerife, not coincidentally one of our partners. Later in the month, at the invitation of partner Etxeondo towards the Basque Country. For many, a dream come true. Meanwhile, explorer Nynke was not sitting still either and regaled us with several great gravel stories in her own country: the Utrecht Hill Ridge knows no more secrets.
June
The month of June also brought plenty of adventure. We kicked off the month with a Beautiful gravel round in the Achterhoek, including a small crash. It wasn't down to the CUBE gravel bike in any case. We couldn't stop because a week later we were riding towards Switzerland in the electric bus. With a load 'n ride stop in Baden-Baden (tip!) and some wonderful days in Valais. The mountains in Crans-Montana and Region Dents-du-Midi no longer know any secrets. The Mountain High Chasers were also allowed to join us and in the adjacent Anzère they enjoyed, among other things, the Sanetsch pass. Switzerland's best-kept secret. After the Swiss hills, the Greek routes around Kastoria followed. The north of this holiday country is absolutely stunning. Highly recommended and we hear there will be a nice cycling event there.
Meanwhile, Nynke went out in Brabant to find more great routes. Did someone say a hint of Italy? Explorer Merlin also got to rub its hands with a wonderful trip to Vaud, also in Switzerland. The Tour de France did this region and no expense was spared to show everything. Nynke added an extra touch of heroism during the Elfstedentocht. Rain, rain and more rain.
July
2022 in a nutshell does not yet mean that things are going fast either. After all, we are only halfway through this review and we have already managed to describe so many adventures. On the cusp of June and July, we drove to the Ardennes for a micro adventure with our explorers in collaboration with Shimano. Meanwhile, Wouter dove into Italian, following in the footsteps of the Extra Giro, the round for U23 riders. Fun? Definitely! Beautiful - absolutely! Recommended? Think so. Also, the Mountain High Chasers came again with a nice classic, the Col Grand Saint Bernard!
August
Even during the summer holidays, the adventures kept pouring in. Neal went for us during his holiday in the Lot-et-Garonne exploring pretty villages and vast, rolling fields. Ticino and neighbouring Lombardy were put to the test some more. Alpi di Neggia, what a monstrously beautiful climb. We also had beautiful content in the Netherlands. The Col du Vam was on the menu. An instant classic. We also had explorer Ruth living in Les Menuires was and went Dennis to Denmark for the first time.
As a nice addition, we also charted the search for Filippo (or was it Luigi, or was it the city?) Ganna. A story with a deeper meaning.
September
Briefly to the beautiful Savoie-Mont Blanc. Some stunning climbs including the Classic Ride: Col de Joux-Plane from Samoëns. You could now also find the first stage on the N2, by guest blogger Pedro Couto Lopes. Nothing wrong with that, say? We also had more tips articles, so you can start your cycling adventure better prepared.
October
For many, October is the month when the road bike is slowly put away. Only to reappear in March. We went for it one more time. Luxembourg called us In all its splendour. What a great destination. Even with a small crash. We could also recall Nynke's story in Trentino publish and meanwhile the Mountain High Chasers came up with another gravel gem from Limburg coming up. Did we also have our new Cycling Destination Approved category introduced? Yes definitely anyway! With Bicycle washerette Chasse Patate as the first receiver.
November
In November, we were once again able to highlight some great adventures. The Eifel once again passed by, this again to the credit of the Mountain High Chasers. Nynke also spoiled us again with the beautiful route through the Kalmthoutse Heide. But was this really a cycling route? We also brought some nice ancillary items, such as our bikepacking guide and the winter clothing guide. We would love to help you get started on your next cycling adventure.
December
We published nicely about routes in Italy. Le Vie del Bike are and always will be enjoyable. Explorer Femke was responsible for this fine piece of writing. We also helped with tips for a first time cycling. Because that's a thing after all. Also our winter destinations tips may be there.
On to more great adventures
We have done our best to give you plenty of inspiration in 2022. 2022 in Vogevlucht is full of great stories, with tips and with new categories that can help you plan your next bike ride or bigger adventure. Do you have questions or would you like to see more things? Let us know! Here's to 2023, more great adventures and great stories for on and off the bike ;).
