This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Mike van den Nieuwenhof (@Gentlemotorcyclerider), from a small village near ’s-Hertogenbosch, in the province of Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands. He works as a business consultant for a medical IT company, but in his spare time builds his own blog focused on travel, personal experiences, and his passion for classic motorcycles and cars.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
My main passion is riding and preserving my classic motorcycles and cars. I love taking them out for a spin around town or attending events, and I truly enjoy sharing this passion with anyone who’s interested. I’m also passionate about reading – both fiction and non-fiction – and I have a deep appreciation for timeless items like beautifully crafted fountain pens and classic watches.

How did you first develop an appreciation for style?
My interest in style came rather late. Most of my close friends and family have always dressed very casually, so it wasn’t something I paid much attention to at first. That changed when I bought myself a Seiko Premier Kinetic Perpetual watch. I wore it proudly – and still do. Not long after, my grandfather and uncle took notice, and soon I saw them wearing beautiful Seiko Premier Kinetic watches as well. Due to budget constraints on my end, theirs were a bit fancier than mine, but that only added to the charm of the story.
My appreciation for clothing really began to grow as I read non-fiction books about the Second World War. I remember being struck by the images of officers in their uniforms – polished shoes, ties, and those commanding overcoats. They exuded confidence and presence, even in the face of adversity. That left a lasting impression on me.

What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?
Being well-dressed, to me, means presenting the best version of myself in a way that feels comfortable and complements my figure. I enjoy dressing up when the occasion calls for it – whether it’s a nice dinner at a good restaurant, where I want to look sharp for both myself and the company I’m with, or a social dance evening with swing jazz music, where dressing the part adds to the experience.
How do you find time to unwind and slow down?
As a father of twin boys who are now seven years old, life is wonderfully full – balancing fatherhood, marriage, and my professional role. One of my favorite quiet rituals is taking a moment for myself on a Saturday or Sunday morning, just as the house begins to stir. While everyone is still slowly waking up, I’ll take a quick coffee run on one of my classic motorcycles or in one of my classic cars. I’ll enjoy a good cup of coffee in peace, then head back home, ready to embrace my role as father and husband again.

Where do you primarily draw your style inspiration from?
I’m drawn to timeless style – like what Sean Connery and Daniel Craig wear in the James Bond films, or Cary Grant in his classics. For me, good style is like a modern suit of armor for the gentleman of today: strong, understated, and classic enough to be worn daily without ever feeling overdone.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
I discovered Stoicism a few years ago, and it has made a meaningful difference in my mental health. It helped me let go of worrying about things beyond my control and gave me a greater sense of calm and acceptance. It’s comforting to feel more grounded in my place within the world – and even the universe.

How do you find inspiration in your work?
In my work in the medical IT field, I’m able to help people all over the world from behind a laptop. That thought humbles me deeply. It fills me with gratitude to be able to have a real, positive impact on people’s lives and health – often without ever meeting them in person.
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome that shaped who you are today?
I became seriously ill in 2011 after contracting Q fever, a rare bacterial infection typically transmitted from goats. The symptoms are very similar to what we now know as Long Covid. At the time, there was little medical or social understanding of the condition – and sadly, that still hasn’t changed much. It was a long and exhausting journey, physically and mentally. But through some of the darkest times, I slowly rebuilt a life I can genuinely enjoy most of the time. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved through sheer willpower. That’s why the Latin phrase Ad astra per aspera – “through hardship to the stars” – resonates so strongly with me.

What are your three favorite books?
The original James Bond novels by Ian Fleming – I’m drawn in by the way Fleming describes people, locations, and situations. His writing style fully engages me as a reader.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – I really enjoy Andy Weir’s work. His storytelling is clever, thrilling, and full of fascinating science-based twists that keep me hooked from start to finish.
The Lady Astronaut novels by Mary Robinette Kowal – A beautifully written “what if” story exploring the race into space, intertwined with the social norms and challenges of the era.
What are your three favorite movies?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson – The visuals, the story, the music – it all comes together to transport me straight to Middle-earth. It’s an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Skyfall by Sam Mendes – This is my favorite James Bond film, with Daniel Craig at his best. It perfectly blends the classic Bond elements with a modern edge.
Jurassic Park by Steven Spielberg – I saw this at a very young age, and it still thrills me. The story and groundbreaking special effects have stood the test of time.