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Articles.
Wim van Rijk.
Hazerswoude-Dorp (NL) Superfond Champion, Z.L.U. flights from C.C. Leiden & Surrounds, Department(Afdeling) 5, South Holland 2009
The first thing I would like to report to you is that in this story we are going to talk about a champion who normally writes articles about our pigeon racing sport himself. Wim himself is a flight reporter, who covers the Dutch ZLU flights in Belgium, England, and of course the Netherlands. You can find his articles on the website of ‘Toppigeons’ FC. ‘De Glazen Stad’, the Belgium site of ‘Pipa’ and also the English ‘Racing-Pigeon-Post’. The articles are also published in the ‘Fondkrant’ including an article on a number of American top lofts. Because of his publications there, he has developed friendships with many American sport lovers (in particular Mo and Byron Williams of the Wiliams Loft), see links on his website.
Wim has done so well with his own birds in 2009, that we have decided to swap places for a change and so now here is a colleague who will write an article about a reporter and his ‘flyers’. An interesting task and something to live up to.
Z.L.U.- Morning liberations.
The excitement of Z.L.U.- Morning liberations are the big passion where Wim van Rijk lives in the country town of Hazerswoude-Dorp in the province of South Holland. He is a pigeon fancier with a long past - from homer to racer - who since the 1980s lost his heart to the long distance races of the Grand Fond. The cause of this: Wim had sent off only two birds (Wanroy stock), brother and sister, who withstood the tough weather conditions of a Barcelona race so well, that they both returned home to their loft on the official day of arrival (the only ones for the whole Leiden district) coming in 1st and 4th. He had thereby won the 1st and 4th prize from Barcelona to C.C. Leiden. From that time its only been the Grand-Fond meetings that Wim will warm up for. In this case we are talking about the Z.L.U. - flights (morning liberations). Seven pigeons in 2009 + St. Vincent count for the National Championship. Wim only enters these specific flights.
Hazerswoude-Dorp (NL) Superfond Champion, Z.L.U. flights from C.C. Leiden & Surrounds, Department(Afdeling) 5, South Holland 2009
The first thing I would like to report to you is that in this story we are going to talk about a champion who normally writes articles about our pigeon racing sport himself. Wim himself is a flight reporter, who covers the Dutch ZLU flights in Belgium, England, and of course the Netherlands. You can find his articles on the website of ‘Toppigeons’ FC. ‘De Glazen Stad’, the Belgium site of ‘Pipa’ and also the English ‘Racing-Pigeon-Post’. The articles are also published in the ‘Fondkrant’ including an article on a number of American top lofts. Because of his publications there, he has developed friendships with many American sport lovers (in particular Mo and Byron Williams of the Wiliams Loft), see links on his website.
Wim has done so well with his own birds in 2009, that we have decided to swap places for a change and so now here is a colleague who will write an article about a reporter and his ‘flyers’. An interesting task and something to live up to.
Z.L.U.- Morning liberations.
The excitement of Z.L.U.- Morning liberations are the big passion where Wim van Rijk lives in the country town of Hazerswoude-Dorp in the province of South Holland. He is a pigeon fancier with a long past - from homer to racer - who since the 1980s lost his heart to the long distance races of the Grand Fond. The cause of this: Wim had sent off only two birds (Wanroy stock), brother and sister, who withstood the tough weather conditions of a Barcelona race so well, that they both returned home to their loft on the official day of arrival (the only ones for the whole Leiden district) coming in 1st and 4th. He had thereby won the 1st and 4th prize from Barcelona to C.C. Leiden. From that time its only been the Grand-Fond meetings that Wim will warm up for. In this case we are talking about the Z.L.U. - flights (morning liberations). Seven pigeons in 2009 + St. Vincent count for the National Championship. Wim only enters these specific flights.
Some Personal History
Wim found his way into the world of pigeon fanciers as a nine year old, when he got himself a few homing pigeons, (he flew his birds from a small ‘loft’ on the balcony of this family home in Voorburg, a small town near The Hague, where he spent most of his youth). He began more seriously racing pigeons after he got married in the late 60s and moved with his young family to the country side. Together with wife and two young kids he settled in Hazerswoude-Dorp, where they had bought a hairdressing salon. It is here that Wim earned the nickname “De Kapper” (the hairdresser) in the sport of pigeon racing.
Wim found his way into the world of pigeon fanciers as a nine year old, when he got himself a few homing pigeons, (he flew his birds from a small ‘loft’ on the balcony of this family home in Voorburg, a small town near The Hague, where he spent most of his youth). He began more seriously racing pigeons after he got married in the late 60s and moved with his young family to the country side. Together with wife and two young kids he settled in Hazerswoude-Dorp, where they had bought a hairdressing salon. It is here that Wim earned the nickname “De Kapper” (the hairdresser) in the sport of pigeon racing.
Wim with Patrick some 30 years ago.
“Hairdressing and pigeon racing had to sometimes overlap” tells his daughter, who remembers Wim apologizing to customers for running to and from his loft (located at the back of his salon) checking for flight arrivals. People did not mind. On the contrary, one of his employees (Els) and her husband joined the sport and have won prizes on their own merit (see his article on Wim Schadde van Dooren and Perpignan 2007). After about 40 years of being the town’s hairdresser and running his own business, “De Kapper” recently turned 65 and retired. During all that time, there has been only one break from his beloved sport. From 2001-2006 Wim had to stop racing, because of the health circumstances of his wife Marianne. In 2006 however, Wim picked up where he had left off and he has never looked back. Leaving the salon to his daughter Monique who has worked with him for nearly 20 years, he finally has earned the time to fully devote himself to his big passion.
Results 2009 Z.L.U.-vluchten (races)
Results 2009 Z.L.U.-vluchten (races)
Race |
Date |
C.C. Leiden |
Afdeling 5 |
| Pau | 20th June | 7,8 and 10 from 223 | 26,27 and 34 |
| Bordeaux | 29th June | 2,4,26 and 30 from 1,673 | 5 and 18. |
| Barcelona | 3rd July | 9 and 47 from 761 | 32nd |
| Marseille | 20th July | 6th from 350 | 31st. |
| Narbonne | 26th July | 9,17,21 and 31 from 464 | 9,17,21 and 31. |
| Perpignan | 1st August | 8,27,30 and 39 from 691 | 66,154 and 164 |
Wim’s Racing Team.
Wim’s racing team consisted last season of over 28 cocks (of which 20, second years). They were raced on widowhood. Together with his cousin Max van Rijk from Zevenhuizen he also owns 20 breeding couples, that do not
Wim’s racing team consisted last season of over 28 cocks (of which 20, second years). They were raced on widowhood. Together with his cousin Max van Rijk from Zevenhuizen he also owns 20 breeding couples, that do not
live in the Hazerswoude loft, but elsewhere.
Yearly they breed about 50 late young. These young are not trained in the year of their birth, but join the normal scheduled flight training in the following year as a yearling. As mentioned earlier, Wim’s interest is focussed on the well known ‘Wanroy’ stock, coming from the best suppliers such as Jan Lynders, Hans Knetsch, Katwijk, and the Barcelona specialist, Willem van der Velden (also Knetsch).
Yearly they breed about 50 late young. These young are not trained in the year of their birth, but join the normal scheduled flight training in the following year as a yearling. As mentioned earlier, Wim’s interest is focussed on the well known ‘Wanroy’ stock, coming from the best suppliers such as Jan Lynders, Hans Knetsch, Katwijk, and the Barcelona specialist, Willem van der Velden (also Knetsch).
Wim to the left and Max on the right.
However, understanding the dangers of ‘inbreeding’, Wim and cousin Max have successfully obtained additional stock from other well known ‘overnight’ fond lovers. For example pigeons that come from the Van het Aarden and Florizoone breed or the Van der Wegen-type van Flip and Leo Hoogervorst from Ter Aar. These are birds from the line of the 1st in the National Perpignan and 3rd in the National Barcelona. (The ‘Flip Hen’ e.g. is the mother from the 1st National Barcelona winner, Roger Florizoone). From Piet and Henk de Weerd from Breda came a hen carrying the bloodline of the famous ‘Oude Kruk’. They were also lucky to obtain birds from the brothers Brugemann, Assendelft and from Gerard Schellekens from Riel. From the last, they scored a family member of ‘Radar’, 1st in the National Pau. In addition, Jan de Wijs & Zn. from Den Hoorn owned the son of this Pau winner and also from him; Wim and Max were able to negotiate several birds. And finally, two years ago, a dozen eggs arrived from Piet de Vogel from Nieuwe Tonge, enriching their already excellent breeding stock.
Currently, the men are experimenting with birds from Peet Solleveld (Florizoone), Fons van Ophuizen (Florizoone) and Luc van Coppenolle (Florizoone) x the pigeons from Hans Knetsch. It is clear that Wim and Max van Rijk, even though different players (Max plays in Zevenhuizen for himself) are keeping up a very high standard of breeding and own impressive stock.
In general, the birds of Wim van Rijk have a dark to black bronze coat of feathers. In the hand, they feel soft as silk. They possess rich coloured eyes and are of middle weight and height. Experience has taught that they take as much as three years to reach maturity, so to successfully race these birds, one has to be patient. Only after three years, says Wim are my ‘Font flappers in full swing’, which translates into having built tremendous stamina and endurance. “If you carefully nurture them in their early years, you will almost certainly reap great rewards later”.
The pigeons of the Grand Fond-lover from Hazerswoude therefore live well. For example, the 28 widowers are kept in a section of 5.5 x 2 meter (left photo). Young birds live in a section of 3.5 x 2 meter (right photo). The double sided, isolated loft is built facing East. It has been designed with airing in mind. On the advice of Leo Hoogervorst, a specially designed radiation plate was installed linked to a hygrometer to produce the right temp/humidity in the loft. Temperature differences in this loft are therefore rare.
Currently, the men are experimenting with birds from Peet Solleveld (Florizoone), Fons van Ophuizen (Florizoone) and Luc van Coppenolle (Florizoone) x the pigeons from Hans Knetsch. It is clear that Wim and Max van Rijk, even though different players (Max plays in Zevenhuizen for himself) are keeping up a very high standard of breeding and own impressive stock.
In general, the birds of Wim van Rijk have a dark to black bronze coat of feathers. In the hand, they feel soft as silk. They possess rich coloured eyes and are of middle weight and height. Experience has taught that they take as much as three years to reach maturity, so to successfully race these birds, one has to be patient. Only after three years, says Wim are my ‘Font flappers in full swing’, which translates into having built tremendous stamina and endurance. “If you carefully nurture them in their early years, you will almost certainly reap great rewards later”.
The pigeons of the Grand Fond-lover from Hazerswoude therefore live well. For example, the 28 widowers are kept in a section of 5.5 x 2 meter (left photo). Young birds live in a section of 3.5 x 2 meter (right photo). The double sided, isolated loft is built facing East. It has been designed with airing in mind. On the advice of Leo Hoogervorst, a specially designed radiation plate was installed linked to a hygrometer to produce the right temp/humidity in the loft. Temperature differences in this loft are therefore rare.
The widowers loft to the left, inside and out, and the young bird loft to the right above.
Championships 2009
1st Superfond onaangewezen (nominated) Z.L.U.van C.C. Leiden & Omstreken Afd.5 Z-H.
8th Superfond aangewezen (unnominated) Z.L.U. van C.C.Leiden & Omstreken Afd. 5 Z-H.
1st Superfond Duifkampioen Z.L.U. van C.C.Leiden & Omstreken Afd. 5 Z-H.
1st Asduif Grote Fond Z.L.U. F.C. ’De Glazenstad’ Zuid-Holland
2nd Asduif Grote Fond Z.L.U. Afdeling 5 Zuid-Holland
2nd Asduif Grote Fond Z.L.U. Noord en Zuid-Holland
2008 and 2009: 1st Asduif C.C. Leiden & Omstreken Afd. 5 Zuid-Holland
Flag- bearers
‘Hidde’ NL06-1889950
To keep this article to a reasonable size, we shall focus only on three specific birds that have been Wim’s pride for 2009. Starting with the NL06-1889950. Named ‘950’ but nicknamed ‘Hidde’ goes through life in a beautiful blue feathery suit. ‘Hidde’ is the son of the cock ‘428’ NL05-1417428 who was bred by Wim van Rijk himself. Rich Wanroy blood flows through his veins. His mother is the NL05-1417458. This little hen comes from the famous Schellekens breed. Without doubt the victory in the Narbonne C.C. Leiden & Omstreken 2008 is one of Hidde’s greatest triumphs (see below).
1st Superfond onaangewezen (nominated) Z.L.U.van C.C. Leiden & Omstreken Afd.5 Z-H.
8th Superfond aangewezen (unnominated) Z.L.U. van C.C.Leiden & Omstreken Afd. 5 Z-H.
1st Superfond Duifkampioen Z.L.U. van C.C.Leiden & Omstreken Afd. 5 Z-H.
1st Asduif Grote Fond Z.L.U. F.C. ’De Glazenstad’ Zuid-Holland
2nd Asduif Grote Fond Z.L.U. Afdeling 5 Zuid-Holland
2nd Asduif Grote Fond Z.L.U. Noord en Zuid-Holland
2008 and 2009: 1st Asduif C.C. Leiden & Omstreken Afd. 5 Zuid-Holland
Flag- bearers
‘Hidde’ NL06-1889950
To keep this article to a reasonable size, we shall focus only on three specific birds that have been Wim’s pride for 2009. Starting with the NL06-1889950. Named ‘950’ but nicknamed ‘Hidde’ goes through life in a beautiful blue feathery suit. ‘Hidde’ is the son of the cock ‘428’ NL05-1417428 who was bred by Wim van Rijk himself. Rich Wanroy blood flows through his veins. His mother is the NL05-1417458. This little hen comes from the famous Schellekens breed. Without doubt the victory in the Narbonne C.C. Leiden & Omstreken 2008 is one of Hidde’s greatest triumphs (see below).
‘Ronald’ NL06-1089936
Number two is a three year old zwartkras widower with ring number NL06-1089936 (de Wijs/Schellekens) named ‘Ronald’ (after Wim’s brother). He is the grandson of the earlier mentioned ‘Radar’. 1st Nat. Pau. ‘Ronald’s mother is the Wanroy hen NL04-2073999. She received from Wim the beautiful name ‘Soraya’ after birth. This imposing lady became a formidable breeder. In 2008, her son ‘Ronald’ was good for the 1st Asduif Fond title and scored high in other Z.L.U. - flights of the C.C. Leiden & Omstreken (see results below).
Number two is a three year old zwartkras widower with ring number NL06-1089936 (de Wijs/Schellekens) named ‘Ronald’ (after Wim’s brother). He is the grandson of the earlier mentioned ‘Radar’. 1st Nat. Pau. ‘Ronald’s mother is the Wanroy hen NL04-2073999. She received from Wim the beautiful name ‘Soraya’ after birth. This imposing lady became a formidable breeder. In 2008, her son ‘Ronald’ was good for the 1st Asduif Fond title and scored high in other Z.L.U. - flights of the C.C. Leiden & Omstreken (see results below).
‘Willem’ NL07-1838475
Last, but also first, the absolute star of Wim van Rijk in 2009: the beautiful blauwkras widower ‘475’ with ring number NL07-1838475. A fantastic prize fighter, named aptly ‘Willem’ after Wim himself. Wim was given this pigeon together with his nest mate from the very successful Barcelona-Specialist Willem v.d. Velden from Boskoop. ‘Willem’ was bred from ring number NL98-1329118 (P. & H. de Weerd) via L.v.Zuiden, Alphen a/d Rijn). This male is a grandson of the famous Barcelona winner NL83-865526 alias ‘Sherpa Tensing’ in 1987 by van Noordenne. His mother is the hen NL01-0127547 (C. de Heijde/de Weerd) o.a. 1st Nat. Asduif Perpignan en 1st Dax. The impressive results of ‘Willem’ in 2009
Last, but also first, the absolute star of Wim van Rijk in 2009: the beautiful blauwkras widower ‘475’ with ring number NL07-1838475. A fantastic prize fighter, named aptly ‘Willem’ after Wim himself. Wim was given this pigeon together with his nest mate from the very successful Barcelona-Specialist Willem v.d. Velden from Boskoop. ‘Willem’ was bred from ring number NL98-1329118 (P. & H. de Weerd) via L.v.Zuiden, Alphen a/d Rijn). This male is a grandson of the famous Barcelona winner NL83-865526 alias ‘Sherpa Tensing’ in 1987 by van Noordenne. His mother is the hen NL01-0127547 (C. de Heijde/de Weerd) o.a. 1st Nat. Asduif Perpignan en 1st Dax. The impressive results of ‘Willem’ in 2009
Serious Nurturing
Wim keeps a strict daily regime. The beginning of April is mating time for the birds that will participate in the distance flights. After about a week on the eggs, the couples are separated and then starts the cocks period of widowhood. They also then receive their training, being made competition-ready. Wim takes them twice to training flights himself (12 and 25 km). The first time together and after that the font flyers are separately liberated one by one as are the late young (yearlings). After this preparation, the whole race team is basketted by the local P.V. ‘De Reisduif’ - (Wim is a member there) for a 280 km flight. The birds are not shown any hens before the race. After they have arrived home, the hens may keep their mates company for the day. In the meantime, during the season, the widowed hens are keeping each other company in the run and are allowed to fly free once a week. This of course in contrast to their separated men, who are training every morning and every evening. Summer or winter, come rain or shine the Fondmen fly, sometimes until dark, through every weather pattern, including fog. In short, the pigeons that are flying for Wim are getting a tough Dutch weather upbringing and so build resilience. Interestingly, Wim hardly loses any yearlings with this Spartan training. His pigeons live like monks in their section of the loft and are basketted straight from there.
They are fed with high quality mixes (always full bowl) of the brand Mariman and Beyers. Extra by-products are added such as: snoepzaad (treat seeds), grit, etc. In addition, Wim adds BIFS VIOR (a mildly acid natural product from Belgium that kills bacteria in the lining of the stomach and intestine) in the drinking water twice a week. He has not seen any “canker” or digestive infection in four years. By the way, he has not given any medication in the last 4 years to his birds either (that is outside the standard required inoculations). We are talking about the racers here, not the breeders. In the case of the breeders we can expect that other birds from a different milieu are being introduced and Wim does cure some of those if needed. He does however; use natural products from BIFF and Brockamp for all his pigeons. If despite these measures a problem occurs, the bird(s) is (are) immediately removed. At this point, his selection is ruthless, but by doing this he has never had to witness an outbreak of Coli. Neither wet nose nor wet eyes, while these are regular problems in the club. Medically, he uses Dr. Hans van der Sluis, a specialist who performs regular manure and throat tests.
Conclusion
It is very clear that besides being an ambitious reporter in the sport of pigeon racing, Wim also is a genuine pigeon fancier who indulges in his hobby. Moreover, as stated earlier, he has lost his heart to the Big Fond discipline. As such, he is seriously endeavouring to be the best. Being successful from time to time motivates every fancier and this is without doubt what motivates “The Kapper”. During the winter months he is into genealogy; analysing family trees, best possible mixes of blood lines, and racing results. This is one of his loves: as the breeding of great birds always comes first. It has helped Wim to reach his early success and will undoubtedly help him to continue this success in the future. Watch my words and watch this man.
Piet Oliehoek
(Translated by Hermina Burnett)
Wim keeps a strict daily regime. The beginning of April is mating time for the birds that will participate in the distance flights. After about a week on the eggs, the couples are separated and then starts the cocks period of widowhood. They also then receive their training, being made competition-ready. Wim takes them twice to training flights himself (12 and 25 km). The first time together and after that the font flyers are separately liberated one by one as are the late young (yearlings). After this preparation, the whole race team is basketted by the local P.V. ‘De Reisduif’ - (Wim is a member there) for a 280 km flight. The birds are not shown any hens before the race. After they have arrived home, the hens may keep their mates company for the day. In the meantime, during the season, the widowed hens are keeping each other company in the run and are allowed to fly free once a week. This of course in contrast to their separated men, who are training every morning and every evening. Summer or winter, come rain or shine the Fondmen fly, sometimes until dark, through every weather pattern, including fog. In short, the pigeons that are flying for Wim are getting a tough Dutch weather upbringing and so build resilience. Interestingly, Wim hardly loses any yearlings with this Spartan training. His pigeons live like monks in their section of the loft and are basketted straight from there.
They are fed with high quality mixes (always full bowl) of the brand Mariman and Beyers. Extra by-products are added such as: snoepzaad (treat seeds), grit, etc. In addition, Wim adds BIFS VIOR (a mildly acid natural product from Belgium that kills bacteria in the lining of the stomach and intestine) in the drinking water twice a week. He has not seen any “canker” or digestive infection in four years. By the way, he has not given any medication in the last 4 years to his birds either (that is outside the standard required inoculations). We are talking about the racers here, not the breeders. In the case of the breeders we can expect that other birds from a different milieu are being introduced and Wim does cure some of those if needed. He does however; use natural products from BIFF and Brockamp for all his pigeons. If despite these measures a problem occurs, the bird(s) is (are) immediately removed. At this point, his selection is ruthless, but by doing this he has never had to witness an outbreak of Coli. Neither wet nose nor wet eyes, while these are regular problems in the club. Medically, he uses Dr. Hans van der Sluis, a specialist who performs regular manure and throat tests.
Conclusion
It is very clear that besides being an ambitious reporter in the sport of pigeon racing, Wim also is a genuine pigeon fancier who indulges in his hobby. Moreover, as stated earlier, he has lost his heart to the Big Fond discipline. As such, he is seriously endeavouring to be the best. Being successful from time to time motivates every fancier and this is without doubt what motivates “The Kapper”. During the winter months he is into genealogy; analysing family trees, best possible mixes of blood lines, and racing results. This is one of his loves: as the breeding of great birds always comes first. It has helped Wim to reach his early success and will undoubtedly help him to continue this success in the future. Watch my words and watch this man.
Piet Oliehoek
(Translated by Hermina Burnett)
