{"id":9591,"date":"2025-05-08T03:45:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T05:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/?p=9591"},"modified":"2025-05-08T03:45:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T05:45:42","slug":"beyond-the-classroom-one-educators-cycling-journey-through-the-baltics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/beyond-the-classroom-one-educators-cycling-journey-through-the-baltics\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the classroom: one educator\u2019s cycling journey through the Baltics"},"content":{"rendered":"
It\u2019s not every day that a university lecturer arrives at their destination after cycling across half of Europe. But that\u2019s exactly what happened this spring \u2013 Simon van der Meer, a Software Engineering teacher from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, the Netherlands, arrived at Kauno kolegija on his bicycle.<\/p>\n
For years, this educator has chosen an unconventional way to travel during his holidays: long-distance cycling. Having explored nearly every European country on two wheels, his journeys have become something far more than mere travel \u2013 they have become a deeply personal, cultural, and transformative experience. ‘In 2015, I saw traditional dances in Latvia, and that sparked something in me,’ he recalls. ‘I began learning the Latvian language and became involved in social traditional dance clubs \u2013 places where anyone can join in, play music, dance, and learn. This led me to explore similar traditions in Estonia and Lithuania.’<\/p>\n
Simon\u2019s connection with the Baltic countries has only deepened over the years. ‘Almost every holiday now is spent cycling through the Baltics,’ he shares. ‘The dances, the people, the culture \u2013 they all keep drawing me back.’ This year, he was fortunate enough to combine his two passions \u2013 education and cultural exploration \u2013 through an academic exchange at Kauno kolegija, where he delivered lectures at the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and Technologies, and connected with students and staff in Lithuania.<\/p>\n
However, cycling all the way to Lithuania was no simple feat.<\/p>\n
Preparation for the long journey<\/strong><\/p>\n ‘Flying with a bicycle is complicated and inconvenient,’ he explains. ‘Instead, I use a combination of trains and ships to get closer to my destination before I begin my cycling journey. It takes a lot of planning \u2013 train reservations, schedules, making sure there\u2019s space for the bike. And once I\u2019m on the road, my biggest concern is avoiding mechanical problems.’<\/p>\n Although he\u2019s not a mechanic himself, he always travels with essential tools and spare parts. ‘I don\u2019t cut corners on components. A reliable bike is key to a successful journey. And I always make sure I have good navigation, so I know exactly where I\u2019m going. In the past, I would plan every detail of my trip, but now I prefer to decide where I\u2019ll stay just a few days ahead.’<\/p>\n His longest journey so far? Cycling from the Netherlands to Lithuania in 2020 \u2013 a trip completed in just 19 days. But perhaps even more impressive is his one-day record: 230 kilometers in a single ride, inspired by the famous Elfstedentocht, an ice-skating event through eleven cities in Friesland. ‘When the ice skating doesn\u2019t happen because of mild winters, locals do it by bike. It\u2019s become a tradition, and I\u2019ve participated 11 times. This year will be my 12th<\/sup>.’<\/p>\n Lessons on the road <\/strong><\/p>\n Cycling through Europe has given Simon much more than just physical challenges: it has profoundly shaped his understanding of culture. ‘In the Netherlands, traditional culture is almost gone, so I didn\u2019t truly know what it was until I discovered it in the Baltic countries,’ he reflects. ‘Traditional culture is something that can\u2019t be bought \u2013 it\u2019s an invaluable enrichment. From my travels, I\u2019ve come to deeply appreciate its importance.’<\/p>\n This cultural revelation also resonates with his work as an academic counselor. ‘A significant issue I see today is the lack of meaning,’ he explains. ‘Many of the students I speak with are struggling with motivation and purpose. I believe a major reason for this is the disconnection from their cultural heritage and traditions. When we lose that connection, we also lose a sense of meaning in our lives.’<\/p>\n<\/a>