Published On: 23 mei 2013

Nof course we are all super critical when things don't go so well with Jeffrey, Clément, Glenn or Jeremy. We can call them by their first names because we saw them riding 'in their youth'. And they are certainly boys from our country! In the Low Countries we have also been spoiled since time immemorial with good to very good motocross riders or world champions. And as a supporter we all know better of course. The first surprising column of Olav Heijt is therefore very recognisable. We are already fans. Let us know what you think!

Due to the heavy rain and an environment of mostly clay, I slip into the boardroom to register for the club cross of M.C. the Sproeier in Wemeldinge. The turnout is not large, but it is a nice club with a lot of atmosphere. A boy stands in front of me with the hood of his hooded sweater up and jokingly asks if he can join the veterans. “No,” the woman says, laughing, “that's 40+, you know that.” The boy in front of me laughs a little and I'm actually a little shocked by his answer. “well, I feel like 40”. It seems like a joke, but I hear some seriousness in his voice. After registering, he turns around and I recognize Rinus.

Not so long ago a young and promising talent, and maybe still a little bit. I'm glad he's here because I've never seen him drive, not live at least, and that's going to happen today. His sister Nancy also drives, and she is also promising and even participates in Grand Prix competitions where you really don't just end up. Despite the rain, this will still be a beautiful day. Rinus van de Ven came and conquered much, very much. Due to his impetuous, driven and courageous character, he often pushed the limits of his abilities. I have competed in many indoor competitions where it mainly requires a lot of courage and a very big heart, and where you take risks things sometimes go wrong and Rinus' body has also had to bear the brunt of it. I watched his training with great respect and it all seemed to go smoothly. He still goes like a fire brigade and is one with his engine. He is the boss and he decides what the engine does, which is different for me. A layman would just buy a motorcycle in this regard because it seems as if cycling is actually nothing, Rinus rides around so easily. I enjoy it and when walking back to my bus I see him removing the greasy mess from his engine with a brush.

I decide to approach him and, to be very honest, expected a slightly more arrogant type, don't ask me why. “Want to drive again Rinus?” I ask him and he turns around. “Yes, it's nice to be back on the bike again.” When I ask him if he is officially going for it again, he tells me the opposite. He says that it is wonderful to drive without really having to. No pressure, nothing at all. “If I'm tired after two rounds or things aren't going well, I'll just get out of here,” he says with a very serious face and I can see that he means it. “It is a difference of course, I used to earn my money by racing and now I have to buy my stuff myself.”

He has borrowed a transponder and the motorcycle he rides may not even be his, but you can see him enjoying it. He works as a driver at a fishmonger for a day or two a week and the rest of the week he accompanies his boss's son in the cross country, at least that's what I understand from his words because Rinus talks quickly, but with passion. Then I ask him if it isn't frustrating to “just drive around” while you know that you have a certain and exceptional talent, a talent that many dream of. He immediately wipes it away, “those days are over,” he says, and with amorous eyes he immediately starts talking about his girlfriend. “We've been together for a few years and things are going great.”

They recently got their own house together and they really enjoy it, he says with due pride. Rinus is at peace with it. Peace with a life without pressure, a life in which he teaches his “pupil” the necessary things and supports his sister in the “big” competitions, where he himself was once “the man”. I'm watching his first moto and see the joy with which he throws his two-stroke around the track. He determines, controls and does not take major risks. That is no longer necessary because he actually has little resistance to fear and rides laps like a child with a new bicycle. Rinus has character and will get there and he now decides where that is. Some time ago I saw a photo of him, under which someone had written, “Koning Rinus”, and when I saw it I thought it was exaggerated and a bit too cool. Now I understand this statement and draw a bold line under it. Good luck King…

About Olav
In addition to being a motocross enthusiast and hobby rider, Olav Heijt is also handy with a pen. At least he writes nice! After a serious knee injury, Olav said goodbye to the competition (MON and BLB). But for about three years now he has been secretly driving again. In their own words, tape works wonders. As a hobby writer, he has already published a book entitled “Love of Life”. Both as a columnist and a writer, he wants to be heard even more in the near future. Want to read more from Olav? Then take a look here: www.olavheijt.wordpress.com