From technical interest to a project of the heart: Connecting generations through virtual rides
March 31, 2025

Our volunteer Frank Willms turned his love for cycling into Bike Labyrinth, connecting people through virtual rides. It all started with his own search for routes and blossomed into something that benefits people of all abilities. Especially in spring and summer, the fan of the “Tour de France” loves to get out on his racing bike and explore different countries. “Whether it's cycling above the clouds in Tenerife, joining a bike race around Lake Vättern in Sweden, or exploring eleven different Dutch cities on the "Fietselfstedentocht”, Frank tells us filled with excitement for this year's cycling race. Together with his son, no route is too long and no mountain too high.

Frank Willms, Volunteer for Bike Labyrinth

Frank's journey to Bike Labyrinth

Despite his love for cycling, Frank could not master one challenge: cycling in bad weather. “Especially here at the north sea, the weather surprises you every day - it starts pouring out of nowhere. That´s exactly why I started looking for virtual routes to ride regardless of the season and unpredictable weather”. After a long search, Frank first came across Bike Labyrinth about 10 years ago. He was so fascinated by this idea that he still hadn't let go of it in the spring of last year. Therefore, Frank promptly contacted our team. Soon he volunteered to support Bike Labyrinth in his home region of East Frisia in northern Germany.

Bike Labyrinth opens doors for people that they can no longer open themselves.

Frank Willms, Volunteer for Bike Labyrinth

Excitement from computer science and heart

Frank was fascinated by the technical implementation of Bike Labyrinth right away. As a computer scientist, he was equally impressed by the easy use of the virtual routes. However, he quickly realized that the potential of Bike Labyrinth went far beyond the technology. “It is a door to a new world that Bike Labyrinth opened,” he says. “I quickly noticed how people blossom and experience joy as they explore the different virtual routes. Everyone who tries Bike Labyrinth ends up with a smile on their face. This ability to arouse joy and wonder is the true value of the virtual cycling routes,” Frank continues.

Discovery accessible for everyone

Bike Labyrinth makes travel and discovery accessible to everyone, regardless of physical and health limitations. “I think the innovative possibility of discovering the world virtually is invaluable. Seeing people discover a new quality of life through Bike Labyrinth is pure magic," Frank says.

Frank und Femke Willms

Bridge between generations

For Frank, the thankfulness and the many new conversations that arise through Bike Labyrinth are unforgettable experiences. The interaction due to the individual direction changes of the virtual routes ensures a lively exchange among users. "You have to turn right there, we went left yesterday," the volunteer hears the seniors discuss as they reminisce together. “One of the best things about Bike Labyrinth is that it connects people of all ages and builds bridges between generations. While my father-in-law cycles, my daughter virtually shows him her favorite café in Münster and tells him about her studies, which she started last year. Bike Labyrinth makes it possible to experience moments that were way out of reach before.” Frank is especially proud that his daughter Femke started an internship at Bike Labyrinth in March 2025. He is thrilled that she can participate in a meaningful project and grow in such an appreciative environment. As Femke's studies continue in April she left us, saying “Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly and for supporting me all the way through. I will always remember the time spent and the things I´ve learned.”

The Willms family is therefore the perfect example of how Bike Labyrinth builds bridges and unites generations through virtual cycling.

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Binckhorstlaan 36
2516 BE The Hague, NL

info@bikelabyrinth.com
+3170 737 1152
Always up to date

Sign up to get our latest news and updates.

Binckhorstlaan 36
2516 BE The Hague, NL

info@bikelabyrinth.com
+3170 737 1152
International (EN)