That afternoon we headed to La Poma bike park, about 10 minutes from central Barcelona. I had watched countless videos of it but when I got there it was amazing to see. The place has one or two full time members of staff working on the lines, meaning that everything is immaculate. A massive foam pit, 4X track, pump track and trails for miles means La Poma is always busy. We were there mid–week during school term and there were still tonnes of people riding. A strong scene builds around places like this and some of the locals are really amazing riders. No BMX vs. MTB thing here either. Everyone is happy to be out riding in the sun.

Bernard was through first time on everything we rode, like a boss. He was going really high on the bigger sets too. Not low–riding like a lot of racer boys would. Sam was killing it as usual. He’s really at home on big contest–oriented jumps and has gradually added some big tricks to his casual everyday runs. Especially with Andreu and Lluis riding. They all push each other in a friendly competitive way. Obviously, I was throwing down but the surprise hero of the day was Grumpy Grant who at the tender age of 63 landed his first back flip, second try, into foam. Filled with pride we ended our day sat down with an amazing sunset backdrop. I wondered if I lived in Barcelona would I become sick of sun? Would I be craving a day inside watching One Tree Hill box sets?

For such a short trip it felt so long. I guess when you know you don’t have much time you pack the days. I was pleased we had been so impulsive and gone ahead and done something slightly stupid. Was it worth it? Twenty–four hours of travelling for roughly the same of riding…probably not. But who cares? How do you put a price on happiness anyway, no matter how short lived? I spent the following days with a slight tan and feeling content sat inside with the rain tapping on the window, not long now. Where next?