Cycling on Gotland
The romantic image of feeling the warm breeze as you cover mile after mile at a pace that suits you. Perhaps it is precisely this image that sticks in your mind when planning your next cycling holiday. Gotland offers no less than 800 miles of coastline with great variations in the landscape for the curious explorer.
We had a chat with the duo who, for as long as they can remember, have been guiding summer visitors around the roads of Gotland on two wheels. We meet in what could be described as a bunker in the inner harbor, which has become the heart and starting point of their business.
For Jacob and Björn, Gotland's bike rental business began as an exciting summer job and a start to their working lives. As the summers passed, the day came when it was time to stand on their own two feet and take over the business.
"The decision came about as our boss was getting older. I was a bit naive, and Björn did the math," says Jacob Harlevi, who, together with his partner Björn Wallenström, has been running Gotland's bike rental business for over 20 years.
The business has developed significantly in recent years, both in terms of the vehicles that are rented out and in the form of an app and map to facilitate visits to Gotland.
"It's the guest's experience of the places that matters. The bike is just the means of transport, and we know that if the guest has had a good day, they'll come back and we've succeeded," says Jacob, who admits that they have almost become a kind of unofficial tourist office.
– From the outset, we felt that there was more to be done in connection with the business, and we have gradually added services. Today, we have around 20,000 unique customers every year.
It has probably not escaped anyone's attention that much of the public debate is focused on how we can travel more sustainably. If you choose to experience Gotland by bike, your local carbon footprint will be minimal.
"We have always had a strong focus on sustainability and environmental issues. When we started, it wasn't as obvious as I would say it is today. People expect things to be sustainable, and then the bicycle is obviously a very good choice," Jacob reasons.
Cycling vacation on Gotland
If we leave aside the all-important issue of sustainability and focus more on the experience – why should I take a cycling holiday on Gotland?
"Everything is so compact here. There is so much to do and attractions in different directions for virtually every need within a radius of a few kilometers," says Jacob, leading us into the next question:
What is the best tip for cycling on Gotland?
– The best tip is probably not to set the bar too high the first time. Maybe just cycle a few kilometers and stop for a swim and some ice cream. Then you'll get a feel for what it's all about, what you like, and so on.
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
No, we cater to everyone, and of course, you can also rent an electric bike, for example, to make things a little easier. There are routes for both those who would call themselves "nerds" and for families with children who have never tried it before. But as I said, you usually can't do everything at once, and you have to expect that it will take about an hour to cycle 20 kilometers when you're on a cycling vacation.
With thousands of cyclists every year, it is reasonable to assume that there will be the occasional puncture or general trouble.
"Our equipment has to work, and if a problem arises, we come out and help. There have been a few emergency call-outs over the years. But it's very rare," Jacob reasons, leading into his conclusion.
How do you recharge your batteries year after year?
"We always try to sink our teeth into something new and develop. The fact that the business changes throughout the year is also a unique selling point," concludes Jacob before continuing with the work of refurbishing the bikes. Soon it will be time to open the doors for a new season.
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