I like riding alone. It’s a habit that brings me calm, clarity, and a sense of balance that’s hard to find amid the noise of everyday life. I’ve already shared some of those benefits in this 👉 Deriva.
Traveling alone gives me peace. I can move at my own pace, without distractions, without having to negotiate anything. If I feel like stopping, I stop. If I’m hungry, I eat. If my body asks for rest, I set up camp. It’s the most honest way I know to discover how the world moves: by observing, adapting, letting myself be surprised. With an open mind, I blend into my surroundings and allow every sensation to flow through me, making the experience more immersive, more authentic.
But I also like stepping out of my comfort zone. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that discomfort always carries some hidden benefit. It keeps you alert, makes you more aware of your surroundings, and teaches you to find joy even in the unexpected.
That’s why I accepted Javi Castillo’s invitation: to join him in discovering, on two wheels, a small piece of his world alongside a group of strangers who shared the same outlook (the simple pleasure of pedaling through nature). Each of us brought our own perspective, and that made the experience even richer. Learning to see through someone else’s eyes expands the way you look at things; it adds nuance, depth, perspective.
The Montsec Bikepacking Loop was created to showcase the wonders of the Montsec mountains, just as Deriva Lenta Slowbiking seeks to unveil the hidden secrets of the Maestrazgo.
That weekend we headed to Fonz to ride a short two-day loop with one overnight. The route crossed the Sierra de la Carrodilla and, as Javi writes in his chronicle:
“The stones of the Montsec constantly reminded us that we were riding through demanding terrain, but the wild beauty of the landscape and the spectacular views made every pedal stroke worthwhile. The recent rains had turned the surroundings into a lush green paradise, offering breathtaking vistas around every bend.”
I couldn’t be more grateful to Javi for inviting me to be part of such a beautiful experience. The Montsec Bikepacking Loop is already on my list of routes to ride, and I know that sooner or later I’ll find myself wandering through it, following its drift.
Would you like to follow Deriva Lenta’s journey?
Some Derivas are best told slowly, once the path has had time to settle.
If you feel like accompanying these journeys when they find their moment, the slowletter is a good way to stay the course.
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