OVER ONS

How it started

At the age of 18, I decided to leave the MTS without a diploma. What started as a holiday job - renting out bicycles on a small scale at my parents' - grew into my own business: Harry's Tweewielers was born.

The first steps

In 1986 I made a trip to Venhuizen, where I ran a small bike shop of my own. A year later, in 1987, I returned to Callantsoog and started in the building of the former motocross shop HZ Motors at Dorpsplein 10. Here we ran a bike shop with rental for four years, and we also ran the local Shell gas station.

A place of one's own

When the building at Dorpsplein 6 came up for sale, we saw our chance. The owner rented out a large part of the house to tourists, but the destination was shop/residential - ideal for our plans. It felt like coming home: back to where it all started, but without staff and with room to grow further.

Family expansion

During this period I met my girlfriend Desirée Smits. We fell in love, and soon there were three of us: our daughter Lynke was born.

We built the barn, as it stands now, ourselves in the winter of 1996 with a lot of help from my father and friends.

Not long after, our family grew further: in 1997, son Jelte was born and in 2001 Beike followed.

At home, on the bike and at the KNRM

I consider the fact that I work from home every day a great privilege. It has allowed me to experience the growing up of our children up close - something I cherish immensely.

In addition, I remain active as a driver at KNRM station Callantsoog, where I drive the Caterpillar Challenger. If I suddenly sprint away on a bike while renting out bikes, then you know: the beeper has gone off!

Leisure and sports

In my free time I like to go out with the Callantsoger Cycling Club – on the mountain bike or racing bike, together with a nice group of cycling buddies. Desirée is also active in sports: she gives aquarobic and bootcamp lessons with great pleasure.

The next generation

Our daughter Lynke started her own company in 2018, focused on organizing group outings and beach activities. She is now also co-owner of Harry's Tweewielers and has expressed the ambition to take over the company in the future - something we as parents are very proud of.

Jelte works as a carpenter in construction and recently took over the house with summer house at Stuyvezandeweg 37 from my aunt – a great step for him.

Beike graduated from the CIOS in Heerenveen and has now started a new adventure as a driver at the GP post.

Family happiness

We recently got a bicycle tattoo as a family – a lasting symbol of our shared passion and bond.

And since June 2022, Desirée and I are officially grandparents! We already secretly knew it a bit through Vajen, but daughter Lynke and son-in-law Pascal have delighted us with their beautiful daughter Luna.

In the meantime, Boet has also been born – the youngest member of our family.

What a wealth!

Callantsoog: between sea, nature and history

On the edge of the North Sea lies the charming village of Callantsoog. Since the 1960s it has been a popular seaside resort, and in recent years it has also grown into a popular destination for cyclists and hikers. Small in size, but big in experience!

A rich history

Callantsoog has an impressive history. After the devastating All Saints' Flood of 1570, the village was moved to its current location. In 1799, a large British and Russian invasion force landed just above Callantsoog - a historic moment of which the traces are still visible, including at the forts near Den Helder (of course, easy to visit by bike!).

Nature and environment

Today, Callantsoog is best known for its beautiful nature. The village is located in the middle of the Northern flower bulb area and a short distance from unique nature reserves such as the Zwanenwater – a European protected dune area. Together with the miles of beaches and quiet polders, this makes the region a true paradise for hikers and cyclists.