Rendez-Vous with the C Y C L I S T S

These top choice bronzed + stoic lads had just finished an ultimate ride, only a few hours before this photo was taken. They spent a week riding the Pyrenees; days + days of hill climbing, with one delicious descent thrown in there - something like 80km of downhill! Anyway - it's sort of the reason this whole Barcelona reunion came into fruition, so I thought it highly apt that they should be singled for today's pick..

We met them in a real weird wax work bar - they were shattered, but thrilled + radiating with adrenalin and mountain sun exposure. I was the only lucky girl to hang out with this supreme line-up, in the hot Barcelona night. It soon turned into a disorientated blur of staggering blokes hobbling off in confused directions meandering around the red light districts + getting lost in back alleys. Swigging beers purchased from the endless street sellers whilst sprawled on baking palm tree lined lanes, surrounded by the increasing bustle + brawls that accompany the incredible bench culture* of Barca pretty much made up the continuation of the long night. There was far too much going on to contemplate sleep just yet.

Bench Culture of Barcelona : Youngies, Oldies, anyone + everyone - goes about their evenings of shear social splendour - but with no thrills or need to pay loads of cash to drink beer or eat in expensive places. People come out with picnics and warm plastic bottles of wine and have a great time. All meeting out + about, taking residence in a favourite square and chitty chattering their way thick into the night.