Aaf on wheels
@aafonwheels
Nickname
Aaf on Wheels
Date of birth
15 / 11 / 1983
Hometown
Heerhugowaard, the Netherlands
Imagine this: you're cycling through the forest on beautiful trails, weaving between trees, over tree roots, and occasionally tackling a steep climb. In the distance, you spot a group of mountain bikers. Then you hear a shout: "Whoohoo!! Awesome jump! Tjakka!" Well, that’s me! Afra—feel free to call me Aaf.
I’m crazy about everything on wheels! After my first experience on a mountain bike, it was no surprise that my passion expanded. "Yes, I’m the one cheering at a tough mom bike, the pink valve caps on my daughter’s bike, and definitely at the new road bike I recently unpacked." I’m now a certified mountain bike instructor/guide level 3 and recently completed my training as a bike mechanic!
Aaf on Wheels is a personal ride where I aim to inspire people to get the best out of themselves. Be yourself, be unique, and dare to be different! By showcasing my enjoyment and rides, I want to motivate others to get on their bikes and stay active. Go on an adventure! I do this by sharing on social media how I find joy and make my own unique choices.
My biggest achievement on the bike?
My greatest achievement on the bike? It’s actually the step I took at the end of 2022 to change careers. After 22 years with the police, I left to pursue my passion and immerse myself full-time in everything related to cycling. It wasn’t an easy choice, but hey, "Turn Fear into Fuel"!
Recently, I completed my training as a bike mechanic at Horizon College in Heerhugowaard, and on Fridays and Saturdays, I work at Fietsenwinkel Schoorl. I’m diving into the world of bike maintenance! It’s truly a craft—being a bike technician is a legitimate profession. I’m fascinated by how the technology works. It always seems to fit together, and if something isn’t working smoothly, there’s always a reason for it. Finding the root of the problem to reach a solution is what drives me.
As a persistent person, this is no problem at all. It’s fun and challenging. The cycling industry evolves rapidly, and besides learning, I enjoy keeping my knowledge up-to-date. You’re never done learning! And as the cherry on top, this year, I get to chase my passion even further by joining BEAT Cycling Club as a mechanic during some races! As you can tell, I have absolutely no regrets about my career switch.
What is your favorite place or route to ride, and why?
The Schoorlse Duinen. It’s a diverse environment where you can enjoy a unique piece of nature on all wheels! Whether you’re on a mountain bike tackling the MTB trails, on a road bike cruising through the forests and dunes, on a gravel bike exploring the PWN with its 140 km of unpaved paths, or on a beach bike riding along the shore, there’s something for every type of cycling adventure.
Who are your favorite cycling buddies?
My favorite cycling buddies are the men and women I take along during my mountain bike clinics and guided rides. These people come for the fun, learning, and experience.
I really enjoy seeing them experience this and watching their MTB skills improve. I hope that one day they can ride various trails independently, safely, and with confidence, and continue cycling.
What is your favorite BBB Cycling product, and why?
Voor mij is dit de . Dit is toch zeker een van mijn meest gebruikte tools! Ik gebruik de set thuis maar ook in de werkplaats. Een inbussleutels met T-handvat en torx sleutelset inclusief houder. Je gebruikt de set om zelfstandig bijvoorbeeld; je zadel lager te zetten, je stuur vastzetten of je wielen eruit te halen voor bijvoorbeeld het compact vervoeren van je fiets.
In de werkplaats ben ik voorzien van alle BBB-gereedschappen maar ook thuis wil ik wel eens een kleine reparatie doen. Een aanrader in deze is de . In een extra stevige koffer zitten de 16 meest gebruike gereedschappen voor het onderhoud van je fiets. Een must have voor de thuis ‘Doe-het-zelver’.
For me, it’s the Hex-T set. This is definitely one of my most used tools! I use the set both at home and in the workshop. It includes a hex key set with a T-handle and a Torx key set with a holder. You use it to independently adjust things like lowering your saddle, tightening your handlebars, or removing your wheels for compact transport of your bike.
In the workshop, I’m equipped with all the BBB tools, but I also like to do a little maintenance at home. For this, the AllroundKit is highly recommended. It comes in a sturdy case and contains the 16 most commonly used tools for bike maintenance. A must-have for the home DIYer.
