QUITTING MY JOB FOR THE FREEDOM TO TRAVEL AND RIDE

PART ONE OF TWO of my recent cycling trip to the Netherlands/France.
I recently quit my full-time job so that I could have more time to do the things I've always wanted to do. In this episode, I explore the Dutch cycle network which took me from Amsterdam to Rotterdam and then to The Hague. Along the way, I visit some cafes that I've always enjoyed. There was no concern for speed or training, just enjoying being on the bike, enjoying the summer weather and taking in the smell of cow dung along the way. Smells like freedom!
Check out the route I did: / strava
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Oldham Breakfast Club: / oldhambreakfastcc
Me: / thewinsty
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A lot of you have asked about the various equipment I use, so here goes:
Filming stuff
My action camera for filming (main): amzn.to/3QbMkPC (GoPro Hero 9)
My primary drone: amzn.to/3IEVVOr (DJI Mini 3 Pro)
Fly More Kit: amzn.to/3YLGERv (for DJI Mini 3 Pro)
My secondary drone: amzn.to/3BcSWc6 (DJI Mini 2)
How I film without hands: amzn.to/3emdc23
Tripod for GoPro: amzn.to/3cLKqHE
GoPro battery (you’ll need it): amzn.to/3KQ1yIM
Memory card: amzn.to/3cQrVBZ
External SSD: amzn.to/3CXl2cC
Cycling kit
My helmet: (Giro Aether Spherical MIPS)
My sunglasses: amzn.to/3ASPH8m (100% Hypercraft)
My cycling shoes: amzn.to/3RkT3rL (Sidi Ergo 5)
On the bike
Cycling computer: amzn.to/3QgWFKe
Power meter: amzn.to/3BfqUwP
Heart rate monitor: amzn.to/3RjyOLb
Front lights (mount sold separately): amzn.to/3KRmMq2
Direct-drive trainer for Zwift: amzn.to/3cO97TO
Soft-case bike bag for travel: amzn.to/3HWZ4aR
Wheels: www.ascent-bikes.com/product-...

[@zsng2707]

No price to freedom at this stage of your life. Please continue to inspire us all with your videos.

[@thewinsty]

Cheers man. Thank you

[@tomr164]

You rode all the roads I've been riding on for my entire life, and you even cycled past by my childhood home on your way. I've also lived and cycled in Singapore quite a lot over the past seven years, and been following your channel. If I had known you were in Amsterdam, I would have loved to get a ride in with you. Perhaps another day, or in Singapore!

[@thewinsty]

Happy the video brought back so many memories. Maybe in Singapore!

[@gayermarton7004]

Hi @Tomr164, I am moving to Amsterdam in a month time, being a keen cyclist I am trying to explore 1, 2, 3 hours loops from Ams. Do you, as a local, have any route recommendations? (I will be staying in Slotervaart, Ams.) Many thanks, Marton

[@rorykoehler9018]

@@gayermarton7004 komoot should have some good routes

[@tomr164]

Hi @@gayermarton7004 , like @rorykoehler9018 is saying there's some good rides in komoot, or just searching online for bicycle routes around Amsterdam. There's so many nice routes and possibilities around Amsterdam. When are you arriving?

[@ronwhite8503]

Ah, the winds! These are the Dutch mountains.

[@rvds5003]

The second part of your route looked very familiar. But you really should have taken the train to The Hague and then ridden that route through the dunes you planned out. Beautiful and peaceful. Coffee in Noordwijk or something.

[@thewinsty]

Thanks for the tips!

[@marcus9605]

Malaysian based in Denmark coming in to the comments section. Been following your channel for quite a while man and always feels great seeing your uploads. Thanks for getting me back on my bike! Keep it up brotha :)

[@lemonshire1]

Seriously underrated channel. Watched a few of your videos now, production quality is really good and so is your personality. Absolutely love the LAB71, the matte black of the frame and wheels and gloss of the groupset and other details is so clean.

[@huntriel984]

Cool trip! I joined a friend years back who was also riding through Europe. My ride together with him was from spain through France and ended near Venice. 4 Week ride for me, my friend went on further I went back home. I hope you have a nice trip like I had. Really recomend it. Although some parts can be a bit iffy on a bike. It felt like a true adventure, specially the "shitty" days (hard wind, mountains or rain). Have fun, and a safe trip. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@LosGuardian]

Thanks for taking us on this lovely ride through the Netherlands, fully agree with your opinion that you really can't put a price on freedom from work!

[@jaytun]

You are awesome! Cant wait for part 2 of your trip!

[@klein-concept]

Inspiring video. Thanks for taking us on the trip 🤜🤛

[@logojones96]

No matter how many times is see it, the Netherlands always looks like a dream! Congrats, hope this means more consistent videos again!!

[@thewinsty]

It’s one of my favourite countries to hang around. Thanks a lot and I hope that holds true as well!

[@redwhite_040]

our infrastructure and for bikes is great. City centres are cosy but we lack one important thing. Space. We almost have no nature left. Everywhere you go you see other people.

[@berthamoen4488]

In summer it looks a lot better then in autumn and winter. Unless, of course, you like grey skies...

[@samtan6966]

Lost counts on how much i watched your others videos.. relaxing music.. awesome scenery.. ride safe & enjoy the freedom.. 🚴🙏👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😁

[@mattpradipta7775]

now i got 1 more on the bucketlist, to do this kind of travelling and biking hope i can do it someday, thx for inspiring

[@craigbrownstein]

Great trip report. In June I did a short bike trip around the Netherlands, a big loop around the towns ringing Amsterdam (via DutchBikeTours). I can't wait to do it again.

[@Asdos.]

Great to see the roads I always cycle from a different perspective

[@IowaNinersFan]

Ride like the winds, my friend. Enjoy doing what you love. Be safe and ride on.

[@mrcrumbs21]

Great video and insight into what makes you tick Winston. Always refreshing to see someone who isn't bound by the social constructs of success, wealth, happiness etc. Keep the awesome videos coming bro! 👍

[@thewinsty]

Thanks for the kind words MVDP!

[@user-eg5je2rv7s]

Thanks for showing me my former 'cycling grounds' (Dutch cyclist living abroad). Enjoy the rest of your trip.

[@bobzuidema3560]

Great video and always nice to see footage on YT of my own cycling backyard!

[@AzaiKyou]

You are living the life my friend! I also cannot wait till I can do this, cycling is amazing but doing it only for training and power isn't all there is to it. Cheers!

[@thewinsty]

Agree man, cycling is the best way to explore a new place

[@wesleylouieyt]

Loved this video - very inspiring and it looks like you’re really enjoying your time off and living life!

[@thewinsty]

It was a really nice time away from everything. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dedesetiawan2428]

Enjoy Winston, take care in your journey ..

[@gerritwillemvankeulen3907]

great video, you travelled through hazerswoude, on your way to Rotterdam, brings back lots of memories. living in Oregon since 1984. Save travels

[@smalllicks]

Gorgeous country and awesome footage, Thnx

[@rodulfomartinus311]

`Welcome to Netherlands,enjoy the very well designed cycle lanes.😄

[@thewinsty]

I love it!

[@stephanknijnenburg1468]

Welcome to The Netherlands! I'm from the region of The Hague. Nice video, I liked it a lot! Very informative. I recognized the Ringvaart near Amsterdam, the Rottemeren near Rotterdam and the ride along the Vliet near Delft (near to my home).

[@limkc9859]

Hi nice clip👍btw saw you on Saturday morning at Pasir Ris on the opposite lane and we exchange greeting.

[@rientsdijkstra4266]

The season for biking on the road / race bike is roughly from march or april (warmer days) untill oktober (on the warmer days)

[@ohjajohh]

Cool video, I recognized all those roads from Rotterdam to Delft as I also ride them quite often :)

[@thedefaultuser]

Yow! Like minded FR. Did the same last January. After 4 years, I left my job and spent 2 month touring around the Philippines with my bike before applying for a new job. Definitely eyeing on overseas bike tours next time around.

[@lx425]

You have a marvelous ability to capture your spirit of adventure. I also recently quit my job in order to travel and cycle. Excited to follow along your adventures. Greetings from Vancouver!

[@thewinsty]

Great call. All the best!

[@TonyRamos68]

Great Ride to Rotterdam..and you stayed at Zaandam.. i live near by.. have a nice stay in Holland.

[@bubbachua]

Keep up the awesome videos

[@edychandra5965]

love to see you can cycling at Dutch...what a great me time there......

[@Juicesters22]

Positively envious that you could quit your job and do what you love ! :) (Almost dying to ask.... i hope you continue to fill up your coffers to allow you to ride on brader! )

[@JayJr.]

Nice ride!

[@JoseRios-mw2lo]

Well done bro freedom has no price all the best !!!!!!

[@thewinsty]

Absolutely. Thanks man

[@ollie7381]

Great video. I'ts a pitty you couldn't ride back from The Hague to Zaandam via the coastal route. That is a awesome route through the dunes. Please keep posting your nice life experience.

[@thewinsty]

Thanks for the tips! Next time maybe

[@KajiRider1997]

The yoghurt thing is called kwark. It's closer to cheese as it is made the same way

[@schbchia]

Hi, watched your videos quite a lot but not all of them, hehehe... First of all, THANKS for all the nice videos you shared ya~! going to subscribe onto your channel as a little support after this comment BECAUSE of the huge plate of pasta that you had, YES, definitely because of the PASTA, hahaha... SAFE RIDE in your euro trip ya [envy till the max], KUDOS~!

[@blaizejay]

FUKU is my local and is such a vibe - so is the riding in the NL. Soak it in.

[@ErvinKortsLaur]

Great!

[@lexlex1602]

Superb video

[@POS36]

Awesome vid bro, can’t wait to see you on the Alps attacking Jonas and Pogacar 😜

[@danazo7336]

Thanks for the nice vlog! I am always curious how you do the drone shots and how you mount you controller. Is it okay to let me know?

[@thewinsty]

DJI Mini 3 Pro comes with active tracking. As for the controller, I just hold it in one hand together with the handlebar

[@SingaporeUntold]

Do it while your young ❤

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

living the dream...👍

[@tayboonyan5667]

What handlebar bag do you use?

[@coenn]

Enjoyed your video! Super nice stuff! You got some unique drone shots, because you were flying in a no-fly zone (around Schiphol Airport), which is also restricted for drones, oops 😅. Happy you didn't endup with a fine or anything, the shots are looking really cool!

[@thewinsty]

Actually I was quite far away from the airport and flying was allowed but with an altitude limit, that’s all

[@coenn]

@@thewinsty I thougth it was prohibited at all :o (because it shows up as red area on the fly map) - Cool, makes me consider bying a drone after all haha. Thanks, keep up the good work! 👏🏼

[@dahemper]

Welcome to the Netherlands! Just for info; There's a €150,- fine for holding your phone while biking in the Netherlands! Better get a holder!?

[@lancelink88]

Nice going bro! Your are a legend :) keep up your protein and energy levels. I recommend creatine and L-Carnitine.

[@stevenle118]

How do you secure your bike at cafe stops?

[@yijuntey]

this city looks like a cyclist's dream. wish we had bike lanes and flat roads like that here in Singapore. The closest thing we have is probably ECP and Sentosa hahah. Great video though! Keep it up man

[@thewinsty]

And maybe green corridor :)

[@SingaporeUntold]

@@thewinstyno way with 10km/h “speed limit” . There’s a pic going around with someone being ticketed 300sgd for 16km/h speed 😅

[@Oakpathetics]

Any plans to do a gran fondo while you’re there? I’d be heading to the Dolomites/Alps for some organised events 👌🏻

[@thewinsty]

I did the Marmotte at the end of June, that’ll be in the next vlog :)

[@fatsoontheloose]

Fellow doctor here trapped in the healthcare system! Envy your courage in quitting and going for this trip!!

[@thewinsty]

Hang in there man I feel your misery too. You'll make it out eventually and that day will be so sweet

[@raymondjoseph9282]

Where do you suggest I install a camera to record my rides? Chest or on the bike?

[@streetsofparamaribosuriname]

who or how do you handle the drone at the same time

[@asraffarsa]

The LTA and URA needs to watch this if they haven't travel to Netherlands yet.

[@thewinsty]

I thought about this to myself the whole time as well, why can’t Singapore be like this? Not impossible but probably extremely difficult to achieve. Land scarcity, public perception (cycling is a “for fun” activity and not a real way of commuting), weather issues. Hard to justify to the public why they’re giving away half a lane of precious road to these “road pests”. Our situation is quite different from other countries.

[@asraffarsa]

@@thewinsty All in all, felt we could have gotten a better cyclist-friendly infrastructure, if Singapore started on the planning much earlier. @tehsiewdai has great insights on the active mobility landscape and hoping with more videos like this, it will 'open' up some people eyes~ Great videos and hope you continue inspire people! (Ps also had to admit, bicycle have been collecting dust 'because I am waiting to move to the east to feel 'safer' riding in the more mature cyclist network in Singapore)

[@ILOVEDEFENDINGTHE1PERCENT]

​@@thewinstyCOE also adds a sense of entitlement amongst car owners, which doesn't help with making the place more cycling centric.

[@SingaporeUntold]

@@ILOVEDEFENDINGTHE1PERCENTexactly this. They are bitter of the high cost and I don’t blame them. But because of that, any inconvenience or sharing of the road is not wanted. I also feel people are not happy in Singapore and that adds to the resentment.

[@SingaporeUntold]

I feel there is a chicken egg thing here. Because there isn’t enough demand they wont make a cycling lane. But because there isn’t a cycling lane, there isn’t enough demand.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Loved your video. Finally a cyclist that isn’t emaciated; EXCELLENT!💪🏽

[@Aviopic]

You missed the best part, back true the dunes following the coastline 😉 It would have been too much though as it is not flat there for longer than 10 meters 😄

[@thewinsty]

I’ll save that for another time

[@ohjajohh]

True, the biketracks through the dunes are the best indeed! Unfortunately there are no mountains here, but the dunepaths go up and down, left and right like a rollercoaster :)

[@xFD2x]

11:45 No, you are wrong. Bike and car infrastucture both are important to the Dutch. And both are equally good!

[@thewinsty]

Happy to be wrong. Cheers!

[@Fantasmajf1984]

How did you manage to fit the cables inside the Stem with the Pro Vibe Aero handlebar? I know from this model is not so possible. Thank you.

[@thewinsty]

I'm using the handlebar with a C1 conceal stem. It works

[@peerapachliewatanakorn3055]

so jealous of you i want to quit my job right now

[@bertgroeneveld57]

Nice video. Only thing that always surprises me is that people seem to think the triangle Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague is the only way to go and see the Netherlands. I urge you to one day visit the north-eastern parts of the Netherlands where you'll find the most bicycle paths of the country (the provinces of Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen) and plenty of great places to visit.

[@thewinsty]

In planning my trip I did consider going up north as well. But from a tourist's perspective, the tendency is to visit more well-known and bigger cities first because a lot of information can be found easily online. Path of least resistance. After this video, even more cycle tourists would do this triangle to explore Netherlands. I'm sure the places you mentioned are nice and worth visiting but I would only know about them through a local like yourself. Hope to go back one day to check out the less visited parts of the country.

[@bertgroeneveld57]

@@thewinsty You'll be more then welcome.

[@yellfire]

Kom op Bertje, this is fake news. Provence of Noord-Brabant ranks first in the amount of cycle paths (due to its size) However per Km² there are more cycle paths in provences Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland and Utrecht. The usage of bicycles in these provences is also higher on average (35-60%) which result into the busiest bike paths in the country.

[@bertgroeneveld57]

@@yellfire If you would read carefully you would have noticed I mentioned Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe (north eastern part of the Netherlands) These three combined have the most km bicycle paths. But OK, if you wish to call that fake news this is up to you. As always people try to downplay the importance of the three northern provinces. Fact is that the Netherlands is an excellent country tor riding bicycles. And that's no fake news.

[@yellfire]

@@bertgroeneveld57 Not downplaying the north. I love going there. But you need to stick to facts; Friesland 2000 km cycling paths Groningen 1600 km Drenthe 2100 km Compared to the area where he toured, de Randstad; Noord-Holland 4200 km Zuid-Holland 4800 km Utrecht 1800 km If your selling point is 'the most bicycle paths in the country', then your claim is so far fedged from the truth, Im allowed to call it 'fake'. Maybe an expression you dont like, but perhaps you should have done some proper research before expressing your unfounded opinion.

[@jossadaan]

Do you have Strava?

[@JFomo]

Rapha? 🤨 Anyways, congrats on being able to do a Euro bike holiday. I hope this is something I can do one of these days.

[@ronwhite8503]

Yes, the irony of pointing out a hipster cafe while wearing Rapha.

[@drokkr]

Dutch winds aka The Dutch Mountains 🤣

[@petersteinmeijer519]

Racing around the Netherlands.

[@zachs6191]

can you talk about what it is like to be a 'lycra cyclist' with so many recreational/everyday bikers riding around? Any funny looks or conflicts with speed? thanks. looks like a great time.

[@thewinsty]

In the city, a lot of commuters but nobody bats an eyelid about a "lycra cyclist" in their presence. The commuters are not slow as well - to answer your question about conflicts with speed. Outside of the city, nothing special to report

[@Snailchesster]

Thoroughly enjoyed “today’s video”. Any reason you haven’t tried and featured restaurants in the are?

[@thewinsty]

I had Vapiano on my first night, it’s a bit like a Marche but selling Italian food. Otherwise I just buy groceries and cook my own food which is what I enjoy about being on that side of the world, helps that the cost is so low as well! Eating out is too expensive with the amount I eat and I rarely get to eat what I like/need (pasta).

[@Snailchesster]

@@thewinsty Suitably prudent!

[@andyoey]

could I ask how difficult it was cycling solo overseas like this? eg going to the cafes you would have to leave your bicycle outside when going in to order, is it safe?

[@thewinsty]

Generally safe because it’s daytime and the neighborhoods I went to were not dodgy so not many people making careers as bike thieves (or so I presume). And also it’s hard for a random person to decide to take your bike within 3 mins of seeing it unattended. Put yourself in the shoes of the bike thief. Stealing takes courage and some degree of planning too 😄 but as always, bad luck is bad luck and if I really left it unattended for 10 mins without keeping an eye on it then I kinda deserve it too

[@andyoey]

@@thewinsty ahh yeah that makes sense too 😅thank you!

[@Blackadder75]

@@thewinsty you are right, we have bike thieves but chances are almost 0% they would steal your bike in these situations. Bike thieves are generally either organized crime that targets expensive (e-)bikes, but those are not after random targets, they plan ahead. And you have the typical homeless/drug addict thief, who is after any bike for a fast score. These usually operate in the twilight hours and in other parts of the city

[@tigerbelly2152]

Good life

[@marcustan5868]

Is the price of groceries, food, cafes around same price as singapore or cheaper?

[@thewinsty]

In general, much cheaper groceries. Standard flat white 3.5-4€ which is $5-5.80, also cheaper than Singapore. Dining out is similar to Singapore pricing. Singapore is very expensive to live in

[@marcustan5868]

@thewinsty 👍🙏interesting...didn't know about that 😃

[@Blackadder75]

@@thewinsty not long ago coffee was €1,70-€2,50 .we think 3-4 is outrageous! even for fancy coffee

[@peerapachliewatanakorn3055]

how supersix compare to sl7

[@DesMonDLee24]

i see... grass is greener on the other side.

[@Blackadder75]

in our case yes, but soon we will paint it yellow because we can't have more people here we are overcrowded already.. nothing to see here.. it's all boring

[@cja9609]

what work do you do bro to be able to achieve this?

[@POS36]

He was a doctor. That explains hahaha

[@kubrabenelli9117]

Welcome (belated)

[@thewinsty]

Cheers

[@Linda-hs1lk]

Are you holding your mobile while cycling? That's illegal here so be careful with that.

[@DarylSeanChan]

I guess it was pointless of me to worry about your protein intake 😂😂😂

[@thewinsty]

I had your reminder constantly at the back of my head. So that was the point that worked 😂

[@paulleong2460]

Nice vid as always. But please go and enjoy some local food bruh 😅

[@syazwanabdull4835]

I hope you have more sustenance enjoy

[@thewinsty]

Thanks man!

[@Caspirius]

Be careful, holding electronic devices while cycling may result into a fine in the netherlands.

[@eagerbob]

149 euro's. Don't ask me how I know..

[@joshwai]

Hi guys, I am new to cycling again, I didn't quit my job but I was retrenched back in 2020 during the covid. I didn't find another job, but taking care of my old folks. I bought a bicycle, but its gravel because I love touring not on roads. Any tips to prevent leg cramps while cycling continuously?

[@Blackadder75]

just keep doing it, but don't overdo it. your body will get better and better at it Just don't demand too much as a beginner, these people who cycle 150km a day have years of experience.

[@DanTuber]

3:31 No one locks their bike?

[@thewinsty]

There's some sort of locking mechanism installed in the rear wheel

[@Blackadder75]

All Dutch people lock their bike, some use 2 locks. If you don;t you have to walk eventually. but this situation is different, he didn't really leave the bike except for ordering a coffee. (note he drinks it outdoors where he can watch the bike) the netherlands is safe enough for that.

[@dexterlow9302]

How much did you spent roughly in this video? Man your videos are telling me to shove it in my boss's face!!!!! Awesome video as always!

[@thewinsty]

12 days away, including travel to France subsequently and car rental + all air tickets, accoms, expenses = 6000 SGD If you go with another person, it will be slightly cheaper because accoms and car rental and fuel can divide by 2

[@Millicente]

Damn if I could have the financial freedom to quit a full time job..

[@jeffkerr1729]

Awesome man, wish we had same privilege *jealousy level 3000 HAAHA

[@thewinsty]

Hahaha hope you’ll be inspired!

[@amanwithabudget]

First 🎉😂😂

[@nolanvanscyoc3321]

✋ P R O M O S M

[@alexmorgan3435]

Quit work until the money runs out.

[@Blackadder75]

I don't think he quit working, he quit his job and replaced it with working a bit less for more freedom

[@MaartenMR2]

Hi Winston, just moved to Singapore about 4 weeks ago. Your movie made me homesick a bit 🥲 Would be great to join a ride when you get back to SG, cheers!

[@thewinsty]

Your country is beautiful, I would move there

[@eltonloh8721]

"Its gotta be now" 🦾