About Us
Motorclub De Natte Zwaluw is a group of friends brought together by a shared passion for motorcycles. The club was officially founded in 2025. The core team consists of five members, who represent the face of the club, while the total group includes around fifteen members.
It all started as a joke mounting a few cameras on our bikes and simply seeing what adventures we would experience. The original goal was just to create great memories for later. However, when we shared our videos online, they quickly gained attention. This resulted in thousands of followers and millions of views.
Today, we create our own merchandise and actively support the charity ColSensation. In the coming year, many new rides and adventures are planned, which will also be shared online.
We would like to briefly introduce ourselves personally:
Mika
I am Mika Matthijs, 24 years old and currently studying Engineering. Alongside my studies, I work part-time in the technical field. Technology has always played a major role in my life, both professionally and in my free time from 3D printing and designing to working on and improving motorcycles.
My passion started with mopeds and quickly grew into a serious love for motorcycles. My first bike was a Yamaha MT-07, and today I ride a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 alongside an older Kawasaki KLR650C. I appreciate many different types of motorcycles, as each bike has its own character and charm.
The real passion began during our first motorcycle trip to the Eifel. Planning routes, packing the bikes, and setting off together the feeling of freedom, adventure, and discovering new places is priceless to me.
Within De Natte Zwaluw, I mainly focus on the technical preparation of our motorcycles for rides and events. I enjoy making sure everything is properly maintained and ready, so we can ride safely and confidently. I also like planning routes and looking ahead to new adventures.
For me, De Natte Zwaluw is about friendship, adventure, and creating memories together. In 2025, I helped raise funds for ColSensation and participated in charity rides such as Santa Maxima. This year, we are proud to support ColSensation as motorcycle escorts.
With De Natte Zwaluw, we aim to turn our passion into something bigger than ourselves.
Tristan
I am Tristan, also known as “the big boss,” 29 years old, and I obtained my motorcycle license in 2025. After a long period of doubt, deciding to start riding turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. Even before getting my license, I bought my first motorcycle a Kawasaki Vulcan S, a versatile and enjoyable beginner bike that I also used as daily transportation.
Because riding quickly became part of everyday life, I decided I wanted a dedicated leisure bike as well. Not long after, a second motorcycle joined the garage: a Kawasaki VN1500 from 1988 loud, full of character, and impossible to ignore. Unfortunately, that adventure was short-lived, as the bike broke down after just twelve days and has been waiting for restoration ever since.
At the beginning of 2026, it was time for more power, comfort, and better touring capability. After many trips across Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, England, and Switzerland, I upgraded to a Kawasaki Versys 1000 (2024), perfectly suited for long-distance adventures and future travels.
In my very first year of riding, I covered over 30,000 kilometers across multiple countries filled with mountain roads, incredible views, great food, and unforgettable rides. But most importantly: great company and shared adventures.
Yari
I am Yari Matthijs, 19 years old and an Engineering student. Alongside my studies, I work part-time at Albert Heijn. In my free time, I mainly enjoy riding motorcycles, designing technical projects, and gaming with friends.
Motorcycling has truly become a passion over the past few years. I started riding at 18 when I obtained my A1 license, inspired by my brother getting his license and my father returning to riding. Honestly, I quickly discovered that riding myself was much more fun than being a passenger. I started on a Honda CBF125, later bought an NSR125, and added a Yamaha XSR125 last year. A Suzuki Bandit 650 is already waiting for me I just need to obtain my A2 license first.
Within De Natte Zwaluw, I mainly focus on designing and organizing our clothing and merchandise, and I also enjoy helping create video content.
In 2025, I helped during the Boermotortocht to raise money for ColSensation, and later that year I participated in Santa Máxima, raising funds for the Máxima Hospital. This year, we are proud to assist as motorcycle escorts during ColSensation.
Anoek
I am Anoek, 24 years old and a member of motorcycle club De Natte Zwaluw since September 2025. From a young age, I have been a huge animal lover. I completed my education as a veterinary assistant and worked for five years as a veterinary nurse. Currently, I work at a pet specialty store, where I can continue sharing my knowledge and passion for animals.
Besides my love for animals, motorcycling has always been part of my life, as both of my parents rode motorcycles for many years. Over time, my curiosity about riding myself kept growing. At first, I found it quite intimidating handling a 200 kg motorcycle capable of reaching high speeds is no small step. Eventually, I decided to go for it, and I’m incredibly happy that I did.
When asked about my dream bike, I always knew the answer: a Kawasaki Ninja. After careful consideration, I initially chose a Kawasaki Z650 because it is lighter and more playful, which allowed me to gain experience and confidence. Within a year, I rode over 17,000 kilometers.
Still, the dream of owning a Ninja never disappeared. When I finally came across the right one, I immediately fell in love. In the coming years, I hope to ride many kilometers and experience countless new adventures together with De Natte Zwaluw.
Carlo
I am Carlo Kooijman, 23 years old and an Engineering student. Alongside my studies, I have been working as an engineer for several years. From a young age, I have been passionate about creating, improving, and optimizing technical solutions — from maintenance and designing custom parts to 3D printing and building steel constructions.
In 2024, even before obtaining my motorcycle license, I bought my first bike: a Yamaha Tracer 700 (2019). I extensively modified and upgraded the motorcycle for long-distance touring, adding and designing components such as crash bars, auxiliary lighting, luggage systems, protection parts, and comfort upgrades. Combining engineering with my passion for motorcycling is what motivates me most.
Alongside the Tracer, I also own a Yamaha Fazer 600 (2000), which brings a more classic and raw riding experience. Restoring and improving this bike is an ongoing personal project.
Within De Natte Zwaluw, I’m often the helping hand when technical work or support is needed, whether it’s maintenance, modifications, or assisting during events. One of the highlights of the past year was our trip to the Dolomites, where the combination of technology, nature, and freedom made the experience unforgettable.
I also value participating in touring rides and charity events, as helping others and bringing people together adds extra meaning to motorcycling.