What was the main reason to participate in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain? Tom: ‘I like a good challenge, starting something new, mastering it and eventually – and hopefully - excelling in it. Such a visible progression is hugely satisfactory, both athletically and professionally. When Jasper sent me the link to the Deloitte Ride Across Britain I was immediately hooked on the idea. It’s a super challenging cycling event with colleagues and relations that offers you the opportunity to support a good cause of your choice. That is right up my alley!’ Reinier: ‘At the end of 2019 I bought my first racing bike as I wondered what it would be to cycle to the client (current client: 30km single route). I had no experience with endurance sports yet, but liked it so much that I started cycling in my spare time as well. Nevertheless, my descends and riding with a group remained less skilled, so DRAB was the perfect training for me. What also appealed to me, was to get to know my colleagues better through this epic challenge. How cool is it to have a drink on the grass with your co-workers after riding more than 170 kilometres through the lovely hills of the United Kingdom?!’ ‘Another key element in my life is to help others with knowledge and skills that are “easy” or “normal” for me. For instance, facilitating trainings or helping NGOs with the implementation of Salesforce, through the Deloitte Impact Foundation. Hence, cycling for a good cause fits perfectly. It’s exciting and challenging, while also offering me the opportunity to make the people around me aware of a good cause, and to raise money for people in need – in this case, Stichting Leergeld (Tuition Fee Foundation) and Dream4Kids.’

Jasper: ‘DRAB is a once-in-a-lifetime-experience and may be a really bad idea (talking about challenges), but how often do you get the opportunity to cycle for 9 days in a row during – probably - bad weather?! The Deloitte partnership enabled us to participate together. It’s an event that builds long-term relationships.’

What are your key learnings? Jasper: ‘A challenge or a dot on the horizon energizes you and boosts your commitment to a cause. As usual, it's the road to the goal that energizes you most, so define goals to push yourself a little more. Also, try to engage with colleagues and clients outside working hours as well. It improves relationships, offers you interesting challenges, and energizes you during your working day.’ Reinier: 'Everything is relative. After our training weekend near Liège, we were already tired after (only) three days. During DRAB we were able to ride for 9 days in a row, probably because of the mental preparations and the team spirit. Around 900 people getting on their bikes every day. Just like in real life, you follow a (co)sinus, with its highs and lows. Your belief that things will get better gives you the power to go on.’ ‘Finally, I think this is a good example of how everyone has their own story. All participants were there for their own reasons, with their own goals and backgrounds. Even your colleagues and clients have their own reasons and emotions that have moved them to that point. In our daily life, that’s no difference. So it’s important to always be conscious that someone might have a different perspective of a particular event, or a different motivation or energy for the following day.’

Tom: ‘You have to remain positive. If you start off with the idea that it’s going to be a tough day, then it usually will be, and that will put you down. It’s funny how you can use your professional skills and knowledge. For instance, PDCA Cycle is a well-known framework for process improvement, but it also came in handy in a multi-day event such as this one. In fact, you should do a short evaluation after each stage and define areas for improvement for the next day. After the first day, I adapted my diet and tried to use my energy in a different way.’

What is going to be the next challenge? Tom: ‘I have already registered for the Giro di KiKa in Italy. Again a tour in beautiful surroundings – the Dolomites in Italy – and an even more touching cause: fighting child cancer.’ Reinier: ‘Even though I haven’t yet selected a specific tour, I’d like to continue my tradition to participate in a charity challenge each cycling season. Also, several cycling buddies have already suggested that I should take on the Mont Ventoux, so who knows, I just might!’ Jasper: ‘If we can organise such an event in the UK, we can also do it in the Netherlands!’ Do you want more information about Ride Across Britain? Read more here. [https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/]

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