Hello, nice to meet you! We are the team behind Once Upon a Bike. Always looking for new surprising spots in Valencia, so that we can offer you the best tours and most up-to-date content on our website. We would like to introduce our Dutch team that is always ready to answer your questions. Besides them we work together with freelancers every once in a while. Don’t be shy and send us an email if you have any questions about Valencia, we are here to help!
1. Who are you?
My name is Roos Oudemans. I used to live in The Hague, where I studied Hospitality Management.
2. How did you end up in Spain?
In 2008 Bas and I decided to move to Spain. First, we planned to open a restaurant in the beautiful city of Almería. Because of the economic crisis, we had to cancel this plan. Well that’s part of entrepreneurship, isn’t it: things don’t always work out the way you expect. But luckily this was the case because now we are the proud owners of Once Upon a Bike!
3. What is your job working for Once Upon a Bike?
As founding member of Once Upon a Bike I love brainstorming about new ideas and concepts for our organization. I love to discover new travel guides and surprising routes through the beautiful Spanish cities, especially our beautiful Valencia. While living in Valencia, I meet a lot of people, like other entrepreneurs and travellers, who I love to show around.
4. What is your passion?
My own jewelry and accessories brand called ‘Ibizu’. Developing new start ups, discovering new spots in Spain and especially Valencia and showing distinctive and undiscovered places to other people.
5. Which places in Spain would you recommend to other people?
Spain always surprises me! I think Ibiza is one of the most surprising spots. It’s such a relaxing and beautiful place which I always enjoy visiting this island. I like its sunsets, hippie markets, Ibiza style shops and beach clubs.
6. Which places in Valencia would you definitely recommend to other people?
Take a look inside the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, the opera building, and discover its spectacular details. Enjoy a delicious lunch or diner at La Principal. Try the salty seabass and choose one of the tasteful wines.
1. Who are you?
I am Bas de Vries, born in The Hague. I studied Economics and Sociology.
2. How did you end up in Spain?
My girlfriend (Roos) and I just drove to Spain in our old Volvo 440, seeking for a new adventure!
3. What is your job working for Once Upon a Bike?
Roos and I are both owner of Once Upon a Bike, but we have many more websites. Our first website was the Dutch version of Once Upon a Bike, which is called Verrassed Valencia (this means ‘surprising Valencia’, because this city is always full of surprises!). My main job is SEO and writing for the website. You can also find me in our bike rental shop at Carrer de Cuba 34.
4. What is your passion?
I love developing start ups. I also like to show the undiscovered parts of Spain to other people. Besides that I am a DJ.
5. Which places in Spain would you recommend to other people?
I am a big fan of Ibiza and I recommend everyone to go to Cala Bassa Beach Club. This beautiful bay offers a terrace with delicious food and good DJ’s.
6. Which places in Valencia would you definitely recommend to other people?
Enjoy a real Valencian plate of paella!
1. Who are you?
My name is Benjamin Windhouwer and I’m from Arnhem. I studied Journalism and Spanish Language and Culture.
2. How did you end up in Spain?
During my bachelor I studied in Salamanca for six months. I had the time of my life! Besides that I also learned some Spanish. After my exchange I knew one thing for sure: I belong in Spain. A few years later I moved to Valencia.
3. What is your job working for Once Upon a Bike?
I have different jobs: I work in the bike rental shop, I guide bike tours and I write content for our website.
4. What is your passion?
Soccer is my biggest passion. For that matter, Spain is the perfect country for me! In my free time I organize soccer games. Besided that, I fancy gastronomy and I like to discover new bars and places to eat.
5. Which places in Spain would you recommend to other people?
If you decide not to go to Valencia, I highly recommend you to visit Salamanca.
6. Which places in Valencia would you definitely recommend to other people?
La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the City of Arts and Sciences, is a very impressive attraction. The buildings are phenomenal. If you are more into nature, you should visit the Albufera lake.
1. Who are you?
My name is Martine Goverde, born and raised in the south of The Netherlands. I studied Communication Science and I studied abroad for six months in Denmark. After that I worked for 6,5 years as a communication consultant in The Netherlands.
2. How did you end up in Spain?
At the end of 2017 I quit my job, left my house and sold my car and all my furniture. I decided to go to Portugal: seeking for a new adventure! I worked in surf camps in Portugal and the north of Spain. After that I travelled to Greece, Italy, France and Tenerife. Eventually I ended up in Valencia, which I don’t regret at all!
3. What is your job working for Once Upon a Bike?
I am responsible for the communication and marketing. I write texts for the website, social media and I get in touch with our clients. I also supervise our interns. Sometimes I work in the bike rental shop and guide bike tours.
4. What is your passion?
My biggest passion is to see the world, both inside and outside Europe. I also love food. Since I am not a great cook, you will regularly find me in different restaurants. I also enjoy meeting friends, playing games, having drinks and dancing in bars, as well as reading a book and enjoying the sun.
5. Which places in Spain would you recommend to other people?
Cantabria, located in the north of Spain, really surprised me. There are a lot of beautiful beaches which are good for surfing. Also, you shouldn’t miss the national park Picos de Europa, they have such beautiful mountains.
6. Which places in Valencia would you definitely recommend to other people?
I really love strolling around and Valencia is a perfect city for this! Walk around in El Carmen in the old city centre, visit the Mercado Central and take a break on one of the terraces for a tapa and a vermut.
