Geert Loosveld – tanker driver with power and a sense of rhythm
ROADSTARS MEETS
In his day job delivering to Power Oil service stations in his Actros 1943, safety comes first for Geert Loosveld. When he wants to let off steam, Geert turns to the drums or his racing bike.
Geert Loosveld moves the heavy hoses of his tank trailer around as if they were toys, barely getting out of breath as he does so. When he's on the road delivering to Power Oil service stations in his Actros 1943, safety is naturally paramount at all times. Luckily, the 62-year old trucker from Heule in Belgium is in top shape. His broad shoulders are the result of many hours spent in the gym.
Bike training.
Like many Belgians, Geert is also a keen cyclist in his spare time, regularly going out on his racing bike. 140-kilometre rides on steep sections of the Côte de La Redoute, the Côte de Wanne or the Côte de La Rosier are not uncommon for him. Not even a 1900-metre-high mountain like the Mont Ventoux in France daunts him.
"I usually cycle with my son-in-law and cover around 3000 kilometres a year," Geert explains. "That's my cardiovascular training. The exercise bike in the gym is not really my thing. I prefer to ride outside in the fresh air."
"I take things easier in the truck than I do on the drums."
– Geert Loosveld, tanker driver and amateur musician
Full power.
For the last seven years, however, Geert's greatest passion has been playing the drums. "Actually ever since I was a little boy I've wanted to be let loose with the drumsticks. But there were seven kids in our family and a drum kit was just a pipe dream. These things don't come cheap," he says, winking mischievously. The man from Flanders is a truly amiable guy and enjoys having a little joke. And if he can talk about music, he's even happier.
"Many people think that to play the drums, all you have to do is hit them a bit with the sticks. In reality, it's damned hard. Sometimes you have to play four different rhythms with your hands and feet, all at the same time. You know, when I think about it, it's actually a workout for the brain," jokes Geert.
Music is also in his children's blood. His son plays bass guitar, his eldest daughter the cello and piano, his youngest piano and guitar. "At home, my son and I play rockabilly tracks together and that's when we really let ourselves go," says Geert. "But I'm not ready to play in a band yet."
Sense of rhythm at the wheel.
The concentration and precision that Geert needs when playing the drums are also important for his work. "When I drive up to a filling station, there's usually a lot going on there. There are people all around, either filling up their cars or nipping into the shop to buy something. I need eyes in the back of my head."
Either that or an Actros with equipment that includes MirrorCam, Active Brake Assist and Predictive Powertrain Control. "Since my employer opted for this specification, we've had virtually no accidents," explains Geert.
"And obviously, I take things easier in the truck than I do on the drums," says Geert with a smile.
Photos: Dirk Willemen
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5 comments
Gruß
Klaus
Gruß
Klaus
Schönes Fahrzeug sehr Gepflegt
Spiele auch ein bischen Schlagzeug kann deine Geschichte somit gut verstehen.
Mach weiter so 👍✊
Viel Spass
Gruss
Andreas
Schönes Fahrzeug sehr Gepflegt
Spiele auch ein bischen Schlagzeug kann deine Geschichte somit gut verstehen.
Mach weiter so 👍✊
Viel Spass
Gruss
Andreas