As many as 64 growers appeared at the start of De Ruiter Rally at Den Berk, location Vrouwkensblok, in Belgium on May 24. Last year, the first edition of the tour with vintage and sports cars took place.
This previous success prompted De Ruiter to start a new tradition. Duco de Ruiter, account manager, says: "When we finally got to meet again after two years of Covid, we came up with the idea of a rally. During this first edition, we toured the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands. This year, we chose a challenging route through the Netherlands and Belgium."
The team from Den Berk, Jules Beirinckx and Jonas Ryckers.
Atmospheric route
The participants set off in pairs: the driver and the equally important navigator. Using a route book with photos, they had to find their way and collect letters and stamps in the meantime. Duco: "The weather was fantastic, as was the atmosphere. The tour took participants past surprising locations, beautiful landscapes, idyllic villages, and, of course, the famous Belgian strawberry greenhouses."
The team from Roots Growers: Stefan Oussoren and Richard van der Knaap
Getting to know the latest varieties
There were three stops along the way. There, people could stretch their legs and enjoy refreshments. "Here, we also presented our newest varieties: a yellow pepper, the beef tomatoes Ferreira and Novero, and three cocktail tomatoes with resistance, including the Strabini. A nice way to learn about new products." The day ended with an enjoyable BBQ.
First prize for Coolen Tuinderij
Of course, prizes were also awarded. Team Coolen Tuinderij, with Jack Coolen as the driver and his girlfriend Geertje as navigator, claimed the top prize: the De Ruiter Rally challenge trophy. "Last year, we were also part of the event. It was so much fun then that we wanted to participate again this year. When we heard that there was another team with only one mistake, we thought we definitely hadn't won. However, as it turns out, we did. Great fun, of course!" Jack recalls.
Only winners
The second prize went to the team from Kwekerij van Adrichem Steenbergen, with father Loek and son Sjors van Adrichem. "We loved it," was their reaction. The team from Jami V.O.F., with Michel Zwinkels and Jip van het Hof, ran off with the third podium place. Duco laughs: "We also had the coveted poodle prize. That was for Ronald van der Sande and Hans van Weerdenburg from Kwekerij Brieljant. Although things didn't go so well for them along the way, they still had a great day."
On to the third edition
"We notice that there is a lot of enthusiasm for this rally. Participants come from far and wide to take part, and we see everyone here walking around with a big smile all day," Duco says. "All in all, reason enough for us to organize the third edition of this rally next year. We are already looking forward to it!"
For more information:
Bayer Vegetable Seeds 
www.vegetables.bayer.com