Record virtual bike rides along the Caribbean coast
You may have already seen it on our social channels: we have been filming the ABC Islands. For many of our customers, this has long been a wish, and soon the first routes on Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao can finally be virtually explored. But what makes such a film trip so special? Timothy, our Film Coordinator, shares his experiences.
On the ABC Islands, it can get pretty hot. Did you make any special preparations?
Plenty of sunscreen, protective clothing and anti-insect spray were essential for this trip. The persistent heat could be a nuisance at times while cycling, but at the same time the constant sunshine produced beautiful images.
Why did we choose to film the ABC Islands?
Besides the demand from our Dutch clients, since this year we also have clients in Curaçao. Since last year we have been working with the Nierstichting Curaçao and they were closely involved in this whole trip. This allowed us to capture the most beautiful places and explore the most interesting routes. On each island we filmed at least the capital and a nearby village. In addition, on each island we captured a nature reserve and several routes on, along and above the water.
That sounds great! Will there be any special routes this time?
Besides the usual bicycle routes, I also captured some routes using other means of transportation. We had several boats, a jeep and even a plane at our disposal to capture breathtaking images. For me, this trip was a great opportunity to try new things. Filming from a boat, for example, is very different from filming from a bicycle. A boat is much less stable, splashes get on the lens quickly and the reflection of the sun on the water is bright. This makes filming a challenge, but at the same time a lot of fun. And it makes for exceptional routes again!
We can't wait to see the final result. Did you encounter any other challenges while filming?
The traffic there is obviously different than in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, cyclists are very common and abundant. But on the islands people cycle much less, so I had to be extra alert in traffic.
The local media interviewed you and you appeared on TV. How was that?
There is a lot of interest in Bike Labyrinth and why we choose to film the islands. In the interview, the Curaçao Kidney Foundation explains well the benefits of cycling during dialysis and I explain how Bike Labyrinth works and how we film routes. It's a great story that covers all aspects. And, of course, quite an experience to witness how things work behind the scenes.
Which route are you most looking forward to?
I can't wait for the route through Willemstad, Curaçao on Bike Labyrinth. I love the colorful houses and the lively atmosphere there. There is a whole neighborhood with streets full of street art, which makes the route very colorful and cheerful. Also, I hope the flight route turned out well so we can release it. That would be the first flight route from a plane on Bike Labyrinth.
For the new routes, you will have to be patient for a while. We hope to release the first six routes next summer, but the remaining routes will take a little longer and probably won't be available until next year. Want to stay up to date with the latest news and be the first to know when these routes are online? Then sign up for our newsletter here.
