Graze the Flatlands: An ode to the Netherlands by Glenn Van den Herrewegen
From Flanders, with love.
Glenn’s roots trace back to Geraardsbergen, Belgium. But while it’s a city steeped in cycling heritage, that’s not where his love for the sport began.
Six years ago, Glenn moved to the Netherlands to work as an Art Director at Monks. While Belgium certainly has a massive footprint in the world of road cycling, the Netherlands is no stranger to it either. After a roommate introduced him to the sport, Glenn bought his first bike in 2022 and proudly dubbed himself a "Sunny Sunday Rider."
Over the next few years, and about 15 different hobbies later, his interest in cycling evolved when he began joining social rides at MAAP in Amsterdam. What started as a casual weekend pursuit quickly shifted gears, and today, he serves as an ambassador, ride lead, and mentor for the local community.
Photo: Herrewegen
Against all the odds
Growing up with severe asthma, sports were never a big part of Glenn's life. It wasn’t until he discovered The Traka 360 in 2025, and finished it in 15 hours despite suffering three flat tires, that he realized something crucial: even when the odds are entirely stacked against you, hard work makes things possible.
That realization was the true starting line. From that moment onward, he made a promise to himself: he would ride and finish the massive Traka 560, qualify for the age-group Road World Championships, and celebrate every part of the journey it takes to get there.
Ever since then, it’s been game on.
An ode to The Netherlands
Preparing for those massive endurance goals requires countless hours of solitary training. Chasing racing goals as an amateur often means riding solo, but on Dutch roads, you are never truly alone. With a quarter of these iconic flatlands dedicated to the dairy industry, the countryside is alive long before the rest of the country wakes up.
When you're out before dawn, the cows are the ones sharing the sunrise and keeping you company. At its core, this collaboration is a celebration of the Netherlands and its rich agricultural roots. It’s a tribute to the countryside that makes riding here so special, and a beautiful reminder of farmers and cyclists uniting to share those roads.
MIEKE 123
Making a true ode means keeping things local. While OPEN is a Swiss-based brand, it holds deep roots in the Netherlands, as one of its founders is half-Dutch. Tailwind Wheels was also an essential partner in this collaboration; by hand-building the wheels right in Alkmaar, they added significant local value to the concept.
But the crown jewel is the bike's design. The frame is a completely unique 1/1 custom, patterned directly after Mieke 123, a real Dutch dairy cow living at Boerderij Polderzicht. Her farm sits right on the "Ronde Hoep," one of the most famous cycling loops and a staple training ground for riders all over Amsterdam.
