The Massacan Family - Michael & Paula: A Bike Love Story

We met Michael at the very first edition of Le Pilgrimage, a little over a year ago. He was riding a super stylish steel Surly Midnight Special, a real favorite in the Massacan spirit. And with his old-school moustache, it was impossible to miss him ! Although he often had a slight advantage (and often a few meters ahead), we immediately hit it off. We would meet up in the evening for beers at the Chalet Alpelune, and sometimes on the road.

This year, we met again at the second edition, like old friends. Still with his Surly, but with an upgraded cassette this time (hello memories of the Parpaillon tunnel). And he hadn't forgotten Paula... After a year of eyeing up her beautiful curves, he cracked. We sent him the frame kit and a few spare parts, because Michael, as a good mechanic, wanted to assemble Paula himself.

Her first ride with Paula ? The Pathfinder Giro, organized with our friends from Off the Map in Maastricht. Now, Paula is riding in style in the Netherlands (photos prove it), ready for adventures that are as serious as they are fun !

Tell us a little more about yourself ! Who are you, and how long have you been riding and racing ?

I am 27 years old, I live in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and I work as a precision mechanic at the university there.I started cycling and racing around the age of 10, road in the summer, track in the winter. In 2019, after a few years of hiatus, I came across fixed gear racing, and there, it was exactly what I needed : alternative, FUN races, with a real community vibe, where skill and power make all the difference.

Are you part of a cycling club ? We've seen some awesome jerseys !

Yes ! In 2020, a friend founded a road cycling club in Utrecht, Team DFM. We started with a leopard print jersey, with the idea of ​​changing the design every year, but the leopard was so cool that we kept it. I even had a custom leopard rainbow jersey made, which I won in a fixed gear race, and I wore it for the Pathfinder in Eindhoven.

How did gravel come into your life, and what do you like about this new cycling practice ?

I only started gravel riding a few years ago, and I love the more relaxed and varied experience it offers, compared to the flat roads in the Netherlands.

Last year at Le Pilgrimage I met Matthieu and Lucie and saw Paula for the first time. The event was so great that I came back this year. After a year of admiring her, I decided it was time to fall for Paula.

Tell us a little about your Paula's setup !

I chose a SRAM Rival/GX 46/10x52 mullet setup, with the option to upgrade to a 36-tooth chainring. A bit over-equipped for most of my rides, but for events like Le Pilgrimage or bikepacking on tough terrain, it's essential.

The wheels are Zipp 303s, perfect with the SRAM setup, and the finishing kit comes from Deda. As for the color ? Pink, of course! It makes you smile, it catches your attention, and it starts conversations about the bike.

Riding with Paula is a dream: lively, fast, and so much fun. I'm not afraid to take her to the limit, even if it means breaking my neck (which happened on the first two rides). With the aluminum frame, I don't have the stress I would have with carbon.

Projects with Paula ? Races or adventures ?

The plan is simple : have fun! I love bikepacking trips and crazy adventures. In December, I'm going to do my first gravel race. We'll see how it goes, and maybe I'll do more. I also have an ultra-distance race in mind. I'm going to let things happen and we'll see where Paula takes me !

Back to childhood : tell us about your first bikepacking trip with your father. Did it inspire you ?

In 2011, before I even knew what bikepacking was, I did a trip with my dad, from Maastricht to Tirano, in 10 days at about 100 km per day. My dad, who used to do bikepacking trips in his youth, always had cool stories to tell.

We left with a minimum of gear, but with a tent and something to cook with. I don't remember everything, but the experience left its mark on me. A few years later, my first official bikepacking trip with friends rekindled my taste for adventure. That same year, I spontaneously decided to climb the Stelvio for my birthday.

Finally, the million dollar question: what is the secret to your mustache routine ?

In the morning, I put a little mustache wax and style it. Afterwards, I add some good fixing gel to prevent it from going crazy. In the shower, I try not to wash it too much so that it keeps its shape properly. Even when bikepacking ? Yes, otherwise, if it's not styled well, the hairs tickle my nose. On a bikepacking trip, I have to heat the wax with a lighter, otherwise it's too hard because of the cold !