OVER ONS

How it started

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

The first steps

In 1986, I made a brief move to Venhuizen, where I ran a small bicycle shop of my own. A year later, in 1987, I returned to Callantsoog and started in the premises of the former motocross shop HZ Motors at Dorpsplein 10. Here, we operated a bicycle shop with rentals for four years, and we also ran the local Shell petrol station.

A place of my own

When the property at Dorpsplein 6 came up for sale, we saw our opportunity. The owner rented out a large part of the house to tourists, but the zoning was retail/residential – ideal for our plans. It felt like coming home: back to where it all began, but without staff and with room to continue growing.

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 today, ourselves in the winter of 1996 with a lot of help from my father and friends.

Not long after, our family continued to grow: son Jelte was born in 1997, and Beike followed in 2001.

At home, on the bike, and with the KNRM

I consider the fact that I work from home every day a great privilege. This has allowed me to witness our children growing up up close – something I cherish immensely.

In addition, I remain active as a driver at KNRM station Callantsoog, where I operate the Caterpillar Challenger. Should I suddenly sprint off on a bike while renting them out, you know: the pager has gone off!

Leisure and sports

In my free time, I enjoy heading out with the Callantsoger Cycling Club – on a mountain bike or road bike, together with a great group of cycling buddies. Desirée is also actively involved in sports: she thoroughly enjoys teaching aquarobics and bootcamp classes.

The next generation

Our daughter Lynke started her own business in 2018, focused on organizing group outings and beach activities. She is now also a co-owner of Harry's Tweewielers and has expressed the ambition to take over the company in the future – something we, as parents, are incredibly 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 has graduated from the CIOS in Heerenveen and has since started a new adventure as a driver at the GP out-of-hours service.

Family happiness

Recently, as a family, we got bicycle tattoos – a lasting symbol of our shared passion and connection.

And since June 2022, Desirée and I are officially grandparents! We secretly already were a little bit thanks to Vajen, but daughter Lynke and son-in-law Pascal have blessed us with their beautiful daughter Luna.

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

What wealth!

Callantsoog: between sea, nature and history

The charming village of Callantsoog lies on the edge of the North Sea. It has been a beloved seaside resort since the 1960s, and in recent years has also grown into a popular destination for cyclists and walkers. Small in size, but big on 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 whose traces are still visible, including at the forts near Den Helder (which are, of course, perfectly visitable by bicycle!).

Nature and environment

Today, Callantsoog is primarily known for its beautiful nature. The village is situated in the heart of the Northern Flower Bulb Region and a short distance from unique nature reserves such as the Zwanenwater – a European protected dune area. Together with the miles of beaches and tranquil polders, this makes the region a true paradise for walkers and cyclists.