Frederiek Harings
Hi, I'm Frederiek, and I live in Malden, an ideal base for one of my passions: (gravel) cycling. My other passion is Krav Maga (self-defense), which I'm also an instructor in.
Besides sports, I'm interested in photography. I work as a Human Resources Manager. Some more keywords: optimist, persistent, fairly introverted, and a bit crazy now and then.
Positive energy
I really enjoy the little things. Nature; spring blossoms, birds, autumn colors, sunshine, and animals bring a smile to my face. I love good food, tea is to me what coffee is to many, chai latte and chocolate... need I say more?
I also get energy from fascinating stories of people, inspiring quotes, cuddling with my cat, snuggling up on the couch with a book or documentary and of course the lovely people around me.
my sports
I've been training Krav Maga (self-defense) since 2012, an average of 5 hours a week. I also teach children, teenagers, adults, and private students. It's more than a hobby. It's given me so much as a person. The training is very comprehensive: techniques, skills, awareness, self-confidence, cardio, strength, stress drills, coaching, challenge—it's all there.
Cycling, I started around 2020. First on a "regular" sports bike, but soon after I bought my first road bike. Being active outdoors in nature, challenging myself, clearing my head. Wow, I was hooked! In 2024, I bought my gravel bike, which was perfect: surrounded by tranquil nature, yet still offering the option of racing on asphalt, fast gravel sections, challenging climbs, technical sections, and exploring new areas ("hey, where does that sandy path lead?"). I always call it "playing outdoors for grown-ups." I honestly wouldn't want to be without it.
Goals
I challenge myself to keep growing. I've been at the Expert level in Krav Maga since 2023, and my goal is to work towards the next Expert level(s). That requires a lot of training and preparation. The higher you go, the more physically and mentally intense it becomes.
A five-day training camp with a 4- to 6-hour exam where you have to give it your all—it's incredibly hard work. At these kinds of events, I discovered the importance of good (sports) nutrition and hydration, and I've delved deeper into it. Proper nutrition and proper planning are essential.
With gravel bikes, I don't have any specific goals other than to enjoy and explore. Sometimes it's a wonderful cruise, other times it's more challenging in terms of speed, distance, climbing, or more technical sections. In forested areas near home, and on vacation, in the "real" mountains, the scenery, the physical challenge—fantastic!
Bikepacking and gravel events are starting to appeal to me more and more, so who knows what I'll experience in the coming years!