SNOBICI Essentials - Stan Koolen
2020 photos: Stan Koolen
Name: Stan Koolen
What is your favorite cycling destination and why?
Though to say, there are plenty of essentials I always have with me. Like my Wahoo Roam for example, it’s super easy in use and keeps track of all my data and routes perfectly. The other essential would be an Iphone or camera, my ride isn’t finished until I have taken at least one photo.
2020 photos: Stan Koolen
Name: Stan Koolen
Age: 33
Location: Oosterhout, The Netherlands
Profession: Photographer and founder of Snobici
Website: www.stankoolen.nl
Why cycling:
I began cycling in 2015, after I stopped playing baseball. People who know a little about baseball, know how time consuming the game of baseball is, not only to watch it but also to play and pratice it. After many years of competing on a high level in the Netherlands it was time to call it quits. It was time for some freedom when it comes to sports. But when you’ve put so many hours in baseball for most of your life what’s the next best sport when it comes to freedom. For me, at this age, cycling it is.
The unique feeling you have on a bike is the freedom you feel wherever you are or wherever you’re going. You can go where you want, when you want and how quickly.
Another reason is that for a photographer the source of any photo is not the camera or even the scene viewed through the viewfinder. It is the mind of the photographer, this is where an image is created before it is even taken. Cycling makes you think and see things, it’s an adventure, it’s about exploring new roads, not knowing what’s to come. Hoping for a great picture after the next bend or on the top of that hill.
What is your favorite cycling destination and why?
I have to admit I haven’t been to many places with my bike outside of the Netherlands and surrounding countries. But last summer in Italy near San Marino was pretty nice. I’m not a big climber but I love to ride those short steep 15% to 20% climbs and they got plenty of those. Also the Italian landscape, the small villages, food (pizza and ice cream) makes it a great cycling destination in my opinion.
What is your favorite essential and why?
Though to say, there are plenty of essentials I always have with me. Like my Wahoo Roam for example, it’s super easy in use and keeps track of all my data and routes perfectly. The other essential would be an Iphone or camera, my ride isn’t finished until I have taken at least one photo.
What is your favorite race and why?
Probably all the spring classics, but Paris- Roubaix and Strade Bianche the most. I hate riding cobbles myself, but to see the pro’s hammering those sections is just crazy. Can’t wait to see fellow dutchman, Mathieu van der Poel, to ride one of those races. During winter many of the cyclocross race are held close to home here. It’s always nice to go there to see the races and shoot some photos.
What is your favorite mid ride (coffee) stop or hotspot?
My favorite coffee stop is too close to home actually, so this is more like a hotspot than a mide ride coffee stop. Kamu in Breda, The Netherlands is a great place to chill, talk business, drink coffee, eat lunch, shop for cycling gear or to join one of their wednesday evening rides. This place breaths cycling. Other than that any local cafe with applepie or cheesecake will do just fine.
Probably all the spring classics, but Paris- Roubaix and Strade Bianche the most. I hate riding cobbles myself, but to see the pro’s hammering those sections is just crazy. Can’t wait to see fellow dutchman, Mathieu van der Poel, to ride one of those races. During winter many of the cyclocross race are held close to home here. It’s always nice to go there to see the races and shoot some photos.
What is your favorite mid ride (coffee) stop or hotspot?
My favorite coffee stop is too close to home actually, so this is more like a hotspot than a mide ride coffee stop. Kamu in Breda, The Netherlands is a great place to chill, talk business, drink coffee, eat lunch, shop for cycling gear or to join one of their wednesday evening rides. This place breaths cycling. Other than that any local cafe with applepie or cheesecake will do just fine.
