I travelled with the Views International to Agres, in Spain, as part of the CYCLE-IN project. In February, we had already taken part in the first theoretical part of the project in Romania. Since I had never ridden a tandem bike before, this preparation really helped me gain confidence and feel ready for the second, more practical part in Agres.
Despite this, when I arrived in Spain, I was very stressed. I am not very sporty and I am not used to cycling. I knew I was one of the few people in the group who did not have much endurance or experience with tandem biking, while some participants were already very experienced.
But in the end, I absolutely loved the experience. Of course, some moments were difficult, especially in the mountains, and in the evenings I could barely feel my legs. However, all of this helped me grow and push beyond my limits.
I already knew part of the group, and throughout the week we created even stronger bonds. The support and encouragement from the others gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt like giving up.
The landscapes were breathtaking, and I felt deeply connected to nature. Cycling so much also gave me a sense of freedom and lightness in my body.
Spain is a beautiful country. People often know its famous cities, but you can also discover small hidden treasures in the mountains.
The hostel where we stayed had a rustic and family-like atmosphere. The staff were very welcoming, and the traditional Spanish food was delicious.
During our free time, we spent a lot of time together with the other participants. We talked, played card games, and listened to music. These simple moments made the experience even more special.
I would like to thank the Views International and the other associations that made this project possible. Without this experience, I do not think I would ever have imagined myself cycling 25 km in a single day.
by Zoe
