Everyone Has A Story
We are back with our series celebrating the people who move with us.
Today, we meet Rachel, based in Amsterdam. Though she grew up like any Dutch - virtually born on a bicycle, stepping onto a road bike opened entirely new horizons. For her, the saddle became a space for internal discovery, where structured training unlocks personal transformation. It quickly evolved into what she calls a wonderfully out-of-control passion, a way of life centered on escaping the busy city to find quiet comfort in the countryside, within herself, and across her community.
The road belongs to whoever chooses to ride it. It doesn’t matter where you started, how fast you navigate a climb, or what obstacles you’ve left behind. True performance isn't dictating an elite athletic image; it is finding the simple balance between discipline and pure enjoyment on your own terms. It’s about dropping the heavy weight of competitive pressure and showing up exactly as you are.
What first drew you into the world of cycling?
I moved to Amsterdam for my studies. The cycling community in Amsterdam is large and very active. I had considered buying a road bike before, but I had never actually taken the step. Then I started working at a gym where a group of members were passionate cyclists, and that inspired me to get a bike as well. Riding together, escaping the busy city, and enjoying the countryside outside Amsterdam made me fall in love with cycling, and I have never stopped since.
How has the bike rewritten your daily routine and mindset?
I think many people can no longer imagine me without a bike, or as I always like to say, it has become a wonderfully out-of-control passion. I plan most of my weekly commitments around work and cycling, which provides both a good routine and a positive mindset. At this point, I can't imagine my life without cycling.
Was there a specific moment on the road that shifted your perspective?
One of the friends from my very first cycling group passed away from cancer. This experience reminded me how fragile and short life can be, and how important it is to live in the present and truly enjoy it. It also showed me the importance of being there for one another, and how cycling can play a significant role in bringing people together and providing support during difficult times.
What keeps you moving forward - the community, the freedom, or the pure effort?
For me, it's a combination of all these things. Surrounding yourself with people who also ride helps keep you motivated, but solo rides, where you can completely clear your mind, are just as important. A good structured training session with intervals gives a great sense of satisfaction, while a relaxed coffee ride with good conversation is something I wouldn't want to miss either.
Cycling has become a way of life that creates countless great memories. I always say that the best way to truly see a country is from the saddle of a bike.
It's also incredibly rewarding to see other people, especially women, start cycling because they see how much I enjoy it. Being able to inspire and motivate others is something I value a lot. We need more women in cycling so that comments like, “Wow, you ride fast for a woman,” or “That’s an impressive achievement for a woman,” eventually disappear and simply become compliments given to cyclists, regardless of gender.
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What are you building toward right now?
Cycling has already given me so much, both physically and mentally. I want to continue growing stronger and improving my fitness, while at the same time maintaining the enjoyment that cycling brings me.
There have been periods when that enjoyment was harder to find, especially when I was racing competitively. At these times, I pushed myself too hard, which led to disappointment and took away some of the fun. Right now, I’m truly enjoying cycling. I set personal goals for myself, such as completing the La Marmotte and the Tour des Stations, while aiming to strike the right balance between challenging myself, having fun, and appreciating the experience.
How has the community shaped your personal journey?
The cycling community is constantly bringing new and exciting experiences into my life. A great example is my first meeting with Eva and Julian from Label Collective. They immediately invited me over to try on some clothing, and from the moment I arrived, it felt like I had made new friends.
What does the perfect day in the saddle look like for you?
My perfect ride is, of course, one with beautiful weather, how could it be otherwise? Ideally, it would be in another country, exploring a new environment, climbing a mountain, and taking in the stunning views along the way. The combination of adventure, challenge, and breathtaking scenery is what makes a ride truly memorable for me.
Rachel’s story reminds us that the bike is ultimately a tool for clarity, remembrance, and presence. Her journey is one of the freedom found in stepping back from the relentless performance goals to simply look up at the horizon and enjoy the landscape. By showing up authentically and riding for the pure love of it, she naturally cuts through outdated assumptions about gender on the road. Her experience challenges us all to reframe why we ride: to cultivate deep connections, build an inclusive community, and celebrate milestones simply as cyclists.
Everyone has a story. If you feel like sharing yours, get in touch.
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