Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo

Sometimes it's necessary to appeal to the kindness and improvisation of strangers to get you to where you want to be.

A snapped rear gear cable looked likely to cut short my final adventure. It would have done but for the incredible generosity and ingenuity of Oriol. I can well believe that the first person I came across was the only person in the entire region who could actually have helped. He completely saved my day. Hacksaws and blow torches were involved in order to get my bike in working order again! Gran Canaria has some of the wildest, hardest and most spectacular mountain roads I've ever ridden on a bike. It also has the loveliest people. 

It must be almost twenty years since I had a whole two week holiday where I could turn my head off completely. It's only now, at the very end of the trip, that I can properly acknowledge how much I needed this break. I owe a huge debt to TJ for recognising that need and prompting me to do this for myself, and for her wonderful company in the middle week. I feel like I've become reacquainted with myself.

You'll be aware that I've gone from verbose to terse in terms of my journal. That feels right at the moment. Thanks for all the love for my blips from paradise. It's been really appreciated, far more than you could possibly imagine.