from pedals to brushes
My mother has spent years listening to talk about bicycles.
And together with my father she has learned strange words like track, bikepacking, checkpoint or Badlands.
Over these years, as I’ve dived headfirst into the world of bicycle travel in all its different forms, she has sewn cycling shorts for me, customised bikepacking bags, and even came with my father last year to Vitoria for the Basajaun event organised by Transibérica, in which I took part.
She has watched Balutia being born.
And with every small step the project has taken, she has listened patiently to my stories and ideas.
My mother’s watercolours
Until one day I arrived with something more important: I asked her to illustrate the Balutia map with watercolours.
Without a word, and with great excitement, she picked up her brushes and began painting some of the scenes I sent her.
While I went out to ride and photograph the route, she painted castles and bridges.
The Map of Balutia
After a small assembly job —an easy one, thanks to how beautiful all the watercolours are— here is the result.
Today, March 9th, she turns 75, so I can’t think of a better day to share the Balutia map. It’s a gift that every participant will receive before the start, because something this beautiful shouldn’t be reserved only for those who finish.
Happy birthday, Mum!
Watercolors: Floren Grande
Text and photographs: David Molina Grande @davidmolinagrande
If you want to come to Balutia: