The Value of Experience.
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”
Design Your Own Route.
What do you do when you’ve just solo-cycled the entire Pan-American Highway, just over 31.000 km (19,000 miles), and come home after 2 years?
You would think there was enough time to re-think your life, or at least have some sort of plan, right?
Not for Dirk Spits, founder of Sidetrack Cycling. After landing in his hometown Amsterdam, The Netherlands, he stays for just two weeks before heading off again. He’s packing his already thinned out luggage and moving to Luzern, Switzerland, where he lands a job.
That’s where the idea for Sidetrack is born.
”During my local rides with friends or colleagues, we’d explore the regions in and around Luzern. I was amazed by all the unknown roads and climbs. They were just there, waiting to be discovered!”
That’s when he realises he wants to share these Swiss cycling secrets with others. But how?
A few years pass, yet the thought never really leaves his mind. In 2020, after making some difficult decisions, he decides to throw his life around and go for it.
“By combining experiences from my personal and professional life, I am able to create one-of-a-kind journeys for curious cyclists and travellers.”
Every cyclist sees the world in their own way, staying flexible and personalisation are important factors to consider when creating itineraries for cycling trips.
From the moment you make a booking, all the way to the last pedal-stroke, Dirk is your personal contact. Who else offers that?
In addition to the extraordinary cycling routes, Sidetrack Cycling stands out by the group size - with a maximum of seven riders, well below the industry standard of twelve - you are able to have a greater personal experience, at no extra costs.
Each Sidetrack itinerary passes through areas that are close to our hearts, and now it’s time for you to see what all the fuss is about.
So what do you say? Ready to explore the real Switzerland with us?
Dirk cycled 31.000 km / 19,000 miles from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina.
The expedition lasted 20 months.
Who is Dirk?
Dirk comes from the far south of The Netherlands, born in 1981 in a small city called Maastricht. Having been fortunate to move around and experience different cultures and languages at a young age, he is eager to keep exploring.
His passion and natural interest in people encouraged him to start an NGO-endeavour. In 2013 he set out to ride from the most northern point of Alaska, Prudhoe Bay, down to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city.
His goal?
To raise funds and create awareness for his charity foundation 99%RIDE.
Cycling for Dirk means getting lost in the ride. It’s a remedy for when you’re stuck with some questions or need a short break from life.
With Sidetrack Cycling, he’s able to combine all his personal understandings and skills into something he desires; providing guests unparalleled experiences. Along with his 20+ years experience in hospitality, tourism and event management, every trip is guaranteed to be memorable in unexpected ways.
Now, with the Sidetrack E P I C, he challenges himself and others to push themselves not only physically, but also mentally. All this in a very safe, beautiful and adventurous setting.
When cycling with Dirk, you can’t help but notice how he incorporates cycling into his life and inspires others to do so, too. We hope you’ll come along for a ride!
Don’t be shy, say “hi!”.
