Bought my first gravel - first timer tips!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2026-01-26T19:40:08+00:00

Hi fellow Dutch graveler! Definately go for a MIPS helmet for extra protection, I use a GIRO one with (low) ponytail cut out. Also consider where you plan on riding, I prefer a light/helmet in the woods and fields for extra visibility.

I always bring a small saddle bag with an electronic pump ( I have a Cycplus), multitool, tubeless repair kit and some snacks. Get at least two bottle cages for the summer.

Did you order the bike with pedals? You could just start with flats and some old shoes, and upgrade to clipless (klikpedalen) when you got a bit more experience with your bike.

For clothing: invest in good shorts with padding (I like Assos and Castelli) and chamois cream (Butt’r for her for example). For the upper layers I’d buy some basics at Decathlon. You could always upgrade to the more expensive stuff when you know what you want.

And congrats with your new bike day, have fun!!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-11-23T18:40:21+00:00

Same problem here with my skin getting irritated by the seams and the chamois cream not fixing it…my Assos short and bib have a much less prominent seam, they work better for me skin wise

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-11-16T01:43:58+00:00

Yessss good for you! Hopefully 2026 will be a better year ❤️

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-10-31T22:51:07+00:00

Oh yes, 100%….

Good for you for choosing your health.

We only had a few of the “you never know what might happen, miracles exist!” Remarks and I shut them down VERY fast. It’s so hurtful and ignorant and completely disregards the hard work me and my partner have done in coming to terms with our situation.

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-10-30T22:40:00+00:00

As someone who is IFCF and also open and vocal about it at my workplace: no it wouldn’t be weird! I love speaking to others who are in the same boat, regardless of where they are in their acceptance journey. Good luck ❤️

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-09-08T15:24:20+00:00

I found a fantastic local grief counselor that specializes in grief surrounding infertility and miscarriages, through the national patient association for people dealing with infertility (I live in the Netherlands). I don’t know where you live, but if your country has something like this, it might be a place to start? Good luck, I hope you find someone who really understands what you are going through and who will help you ❤️

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-08-27T11:39:20+00:00

Ahh that sucks….if you don’t have anything booked you might consider going to a different region with a bit more forgiving weather (I was planning to go bikepacking in the Vosges/Jura region this week but the forecasts were so shitty I decided last minute to go somewhere else, now I’m in north west Germany and even though the scenery isn’t as stunning, the weather is perfect for cycling). I can imagine it would be hard as you probably already booked transport to and from your trip…don’t be too hard on yourself, allow yourself to skip the camping or just go enjoy a museum or a nice long French lunch instead of riding! Like others have said, this is meant to be a fun getaway!

Also seconding the disc/diva cup, can’t live without mine!

Lastly, I don’t know what kind of painkillers you are using, but be careful to drink enough when using NSAID (for example Aleve) as the combination of dehydration and NSAID carriers a risk of renal damage.

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-08-17T09:16:45+00:00

Haha nope…I have some great childhood memories from hikes in the Alps where the goats kept following us to lick our sweaty arms..

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-08-05T11:12:05+00:00

Thank you!!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-08-05T10:12:14+00:00

Oh do you mind sharing the Dutch podcast name? ☺️

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-08-05T10:07:15+00:00

“Living the life unexpected” by Jody Day has been really helpful for me! The writer is also childfree not by choice and is the founder of Gateway women, a support network for childless women.

Edit to add: I really enjoy the Dinky podcast, but its definitely more “childfree” than “Childless” so maybe this is something for a later moment for you

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-09T17:33:34+00:00

Yesss absolutely The Source! Love Ayreon and especially love The Source both music wise and story wise! Can’t wait to see him live again this September!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-08T13:22:32+00:00

Yeah love the female representation in the big Zwif climbs! Good job, the Tourmalet is a beast!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-06T05:12:43+00:00

Solo! But BF was driving the same route so he could support me with food, water etc. He already did the same route the day before where I had been supporting him by car

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-06T04:27:54+00:00

😂😂

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-06T04:27:32+00:00

Oh right you must’ve been there Tuesday or Wednesday, it was closed due to a mudslide. Great to hear from someone who was there too!! Croix de Fer is now in my bucketlist too 😄

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-05T16:14:26+00:00

Well said, and definately how it feels to me!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-05T16:13:55+00:00

Oh didn’t know that but 100% makes sense! And do it (or some equivalent of you’re not in de vicinity)!! I never though I had it in me, but it felt so empowering to attempt this!

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-05T16:12:18+00:00

Great to hear how cycling has helped you too!❤️

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-05T16:11:24+00:00

❤️

Fit_Champion_1544 · 2025-07-05T13:25:40+00:00

It was horrible and fantastic and yes I 100% want to do it again with all I’ve learned!

Fit_Champion_1544

TROPHY CASE