Candy Cranks

For a while I had harboured fears that my boyfriend was a sadomasochist – at least in relation to cycling. These beliefs were founded in Marc´s enjoyment in climbing mountain passes, his insistence on carrying as much weight as possible (hence pack horse name) and his excitement over the fact that we were riding in 38 degree heat.

He has also used the phrase “you need to break through the pain barrier” more times than I care to mention. He pushes himself, and myself (too) hard. Although I don´t judge his perversion, I don’t share it either. This is a holiday after all and for me 150km days through multiple mountain passes with no rest days isn´t my idea of a good time.

After one particulary hard day, my knee protested and I knew that I had to cycle on my terms – not his.

So I’ve decided to go it alone. If Marc wants to punish himself he can, I´ll meet him at then end. In Spain the phrase ¨To ride a bike¨translates loosely as ¨to take a stroll with a bike” and this is how I´m looking forward to doing it. So I’m heading to Pamplona, Vitoria and Bilbao, stopping for pasteries whenever I want. I´m excited and nervous about the possibilities thay go with cycling man-free.