When you think of a 'fietsenmaker,' your mind probably conjures up images of expertly tuned bicycles, the whir of gears, and the smell of fresh rubber. And that's absolutely right! But sometimes, the term 'fietsenmaker' can take on a broader, more metaphorical meaning, especially when it comes to handling life's more complex mechanics – like your finances.
Take Jan-Willem van Schip, an Olympic track cyclist. He’s a pro when it comes to the velodrome, but when it comes to his tax affairs, he prefers to hand them over to specialists. He puts it quite simply: "You bring a bike to the bike mechanic. That's how I see this too: I gather everything, they fix it. Then I don't have to worry about it anymore." It’s a sentiment many of us can relate to, isn't it? We all have our areas of expertise, and for Jan-Willem, cycling is it. For everything else, especially something as intricate as taxes, he trusts the experts.
He's been using the fiscal drop-in days offered by RSM for over a decade, not because it's mandatory, but because it brings him peace of mind. "I don't want to spend energy on it," he explains. "I'm chaotic, this just costs me a lot of time. But once I've got it sorted properly, I know it's correct. Then it's out of my head, and that works very relaxingly for me. It's nice that RSM takes this off my hands." This partnership between RSM and NOC*NSF is all about supporting top athletes beyond their sporting careers, offering them clarity and confidence.
Now, if you're actually looking for a physical 'fietsenmaker' – the kind that gets your wheels spinning smoothly – the landscape is dotted with dedicated shops. For instance, there's Fietspro at Coldenhovenseweg 6 in Eerbeek, Gelderland, though it seems they've recently closed their doors. Then there's Fietsen Mertens in Grobbendonk, Belgium, located at Quinten Matsyslaan 76. They're open from Tuesday to Saturday, with slightly different hours on weekends. In Helmond, North Brabant, you'll find a shop at Rakthof 1A, open most weekdays from noon until 7 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. FRS Fietsen BV in Zwijndrecht, South Holland, at Ter Steeghe Ring 1, operates from Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Saturdays until 5 PM. And in Bergen, North Holland, at Kerkstraat 1, you can visit a shop that opens its doors from Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and Saturdays until 5 PM.
Whether you're seeking a financial 'fietsenmaker' to sort out your taxes or a literal one to get your bike in top shape, the principle remains the same: trust the professionals. It frees up your energy to focus on what you do best, whether that's crossing the finish line or simply enjoying a smooth ride.
