Happiestcycling
@happiestcycling
Nickname
Happiestcycling
Date of birth
10 / 09 / 1993
Hometown
Sittard, the Netherlands
Leandra. Bike enthusiast. Prefers gravel over asphalt. Always chasing the sun. Loves creating bike routes for a #gravelgasm on a #GeileStrecke. Will ride extra miles for a summer tan. Chooses long rides over speed. Bikes for the snacks. That's me, happiestcycling, in a nutshell.
Started biking out of boredom during my studies, but never been bored since. I bike for the adventure: exploring new paths, discovering new places, and meeting new people. My favorite days? Cycling from sunrise to sunset on the most beautiful gravel trails with friends.
What are your biggest achievements on the bike?
As I kept biking more and more, I started pushing my limits further. Until I went way past them, basically wrecking myself and my body. Over the past year, I've learned that giving up sometimes takes more courage than pushing through. I know my limits, but I'm not afraid to challenge myself.
What is your favorite place or route to ride?
My favourite route is Geile Strecke, the Limburg Divide. It's a 200 km route on the best gravel paths between Nijmegen and Maastricht that I built (and rode) last year. Riding from sunrise to sunset, turn it into a bikepacking trip, and invite some friends to join you. In my humble opinion, this is the perfect recipe for a great day on the bike. Gravel roads, in general, are my favourite. But secretly, I have to say that South Limburg also holds a special place in my heart. There's no place like home!
What is your biggest goal this year?
After years of having grand adventures on the bike, I realized last year that I had lost the joy in it. 2023 was a turbulent year with a lot of work stress, and my mental state had seen better days. As a result, I wasn’t enjoying riding as much anymore. My biggest fear at that time was that I would lose the pleasure of cycling forever.
Fortunately, things gradually improved. I’ve found a new job, my mental well-being is back on track, and I’ve rediscovered that sense of happiness on the bike. I see this as a precious gift. My nickname, happiestcycling, still fits me well. But this year, I haven’t set any major goals for myself. No epic rides or boundary-pushing challenges.
My only goal is to do what I feel like and enjoy myself on the bike. That will include a lot of gravel riding, mainly in Limburg, plenty of rides with friends, a bikepacking trip or two abroad if possible, and events when the opportunity arises. But most of all: enjoying.
What is your favorite BBB Cycling product, and why?
As a cyclist who often rides in the evenings after work, I’m a big fan of the StrikeDuo 1200 en 2000 and the Signal Brake lights! With this lighting, I’m confident that I won’t be overlooked by traffic and that I can see everything I need if I happen to find myself alone on a dark gravel path.
Additionally, I love BBB Cycling’s bags. You’ll never see me riding without the Compacked saddlebag on local rides. I also can’t do without the Barrelpack (for all the snacks during rides) and the Middle Mate and Seat Sidekick when I’m heading out for a bikepacking trip. Over the years, these bags have been to many places and have never let me down.
