Rider Profile: Claar Schwouwenaar Sectional rider – Khartoum to Addis

Nationality: Dutch

Age:32
 

Favourite flavour of PVM bar:

Apple

What do you do with yourself at home?

I’m a project manager for the musical industry.  I’m self employed… I work as a financial fundraiser director, and in education working with difficult Moroccan youngsters.

What made you want to sign up for TDA?

Several reasons:

1. Wanted to go somewhere warm in February when it is cold in Holland.
2. My good friend Bastiaan van Meeteren talked me into it.
3. I worked hard last year and felt like I had earned a break!

How did you hear about TDA?

Through Bastiaan – I followed his blog on the internet and we met up a few times so that he could prepare me with what to expect… There are a lot of things he forgot to tell me!  He didn’t’ tell me that I needed to take a torch… or a hammer.  Or that a mountain bike would have been useful on the unpaved stretches and he didn’t tell me which gearing I should bring.

What do you miss most about home?

The night before I left my nephew Seni was born and I only got to see him for one hour.  Also fresh home-made cappuccinos… and Dutch cheese!

What do you find the most challenging on tour?

Staying healthy.   The cycling is as I expected.  I knew I Was going to get sick and I have been but now it is time to start focussing on staying healthy again.

What do you like the most?

I like the group, I like the country and riding and the daily routine.  At first it was like: get up at 6am?  Why for heaven’s sake? Now I am getting used to it.  I like trying to get to know everyone.  I feel happy and cheerful. I love the group and love the staff- especially the Zimbabwe guys – they make me laugh a lot.

Is there anything that’s just taking up space in your locker?

Well I have a lot of dresses!  And leggings.  Clothing, I only need a tenth of what I brought with me!