Hello everyone and thank you for stopping by our blog (again). As I told you in my last post, I’m finally going “on the road” again. Next stop: The Netherlands, to be more precise to Schelluinen at the company Leen Post Banden. Have you ever heard of it? The small village is very close to Rotterdam.

The journey to the land of tulips, windmills and endless cycle paths starts shortly before seven on Wednesday morning. Before I hit the road, I treat myself to a short training session: a bit of pumping in the gym to recharge my energy reserves for the coming days.

The journey to our neighboring country goes smoothly – at least until I get stuck on the A30 between Osnabrück and Ibbenbühren. The highway is jammed like a crowded shopping street on Christmas Eve. But hey, I have a plan! So I decide to take a small detour via main roads and country lanes. After all, I don’t want to deprive the people in the countryside of my truck.

First stop in the Netherlands: Schelluinen, Leen Post Banden. Photo: Ronny Nittmann.

Truck washing and sipping coffee

Having finally arrived in South Holland, the atmosphere is relaxed. No stressful traffic situations or annoying traffic jams, just the smell of fresh country air and the anticipation of what awaits me. My first task on arrival? Wash the trailer! There’s a car wash right next to the hotel, so it’s a piece of cake. Luckily, there’s hardly anything going on and I finish quickly. Afterwards, I have to treat myself to a coffee, even if the size of the cup is more like a thimble. But well, you can’t have everything, so I have to get used to it…

There are only small coffees in the Netherlands. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

I’ve actually been to the Netherlands a few times, so this is not unfamiliar territory for me. I also know some people from the Conti team from Belgium. And I can tell you one thing: the hotel where I’m staying is really great. It even has its own swimming pool, gym and casino. If I ever fancy a midnight snack, there’s a McDonald’s right opposite. What more could you want? But take a look for yourself.

The chic hotel in the center of Schelluinen. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

Quite apart from McDonald’s, I discovered a cake or two in the hotel. And as you know, a day without cake is like a day without sunshine. I just can’t walk past the cake display.

Business and pleasure: Drone shooting and customer presentations

But back to business. The first few days are all about training and customer visits. On Wednesday afternoon, some internal training sessions are held with Continental employees. On Thursday, things really get going with the customer presentations.

During the events there are fries and burgers from food trucks. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

After two eventful days in Schelluinen, we drive on to Veghel to a cute little hotel. It’s simply delightful and modern, just my style. A small breakfast and – once again a very small coffee – in the morning give me a great start to the day.

The highlight of the day, however, is a visit to the large logistics service provider Van den Bosch. Its special transporters for chemicals, food and beverages roll on Continental tires. Drone recordings are made on the extensive company premises – the perfect backdrop for spectacular shots.

The second stop in the Netherlands is at the large logistics service provider Van den Bosch. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

There’s hardly any time left for me, I’ll just fall into bed tired in the evening. But maybe I can do something at the weekend. The hotel is right in the center of Veghel, so I’ll certainly do some exploring.

So, folks, that was my first few days here in the Netherlands. It looks like it’s going to be an exciting week. Especially the upcoming event at Volvo next week will be another little highlight. But now I have to get another (small) coffee before I go back to work.

Until then – and stay on the road,

your Ronny