At Mixte, we’re all about adventures. For me, this translates to vacation by adventure. This year, I had the fortunate opportunity to travel with a college girlfriend to southern Spain and Northern Morocco—to ride our bicycles.

Per our usual style, we planned our entry and exit routes but left all of the in-between details for the real-time moment. I believe this puts us in touch with regular people when we travel and opens us to more human experiences when we travel.

Sherri and me enjoying the locals at a bicycle shop in Morocco.

In our two-week unsupported bicycle ride in Andalucía and the Rif mountains, here are ten things that I learned.

1. Morocco has steep hills.
   Think Laurel Street in San Diego is too steep to bike? Try that for miles upon miles. That’s the Rif Mountains.
2. Americans are closed people.
   Clearly a generalization, but Sherri and I had random strangers take us into their homes, help us fix our bikes, share food and water with us, and go out of their way to escort us to our destination. I find this a stark comparison to the everyday life we live in San Diego, for sure.
3. The easiest way to find a bike shop is to ask someone on a bike.
   I know, we have GPS and SANDAG bike maps to give us bike shop locations. But also remember to ask the next person you see riding, especially when you’re traveling without digital technology. Gasp!
4. Always carry spare spokes.
   Lots of them. We’re lucky in San Diego and in most of the U.S. that a good bike shop here has plenty of new supplies for bikes of all types. But in Morocco? You better carry spares.
5. Take chances.
   Speaking of broken spokes, my wheel was on its last leg, fixed perfectly, but without any spare spokes to replace the currently cracked ones. Sherri and I had two choices—go the safe route and bus to Fez or take a chance on the bike and ride. We, of course, took a chance and biked through some of the most beautiful scenery. Life is all about choices and the easy choice isn’t necessarily the best choice.
6. Expect the unexpected and go with it.
   Plan enough to know, but not so much that you forget to experience the world. Broken bikes every other day? No worries, these adventures give you time to connect with locals and get off the beaten track.
7. Respect the local culture.
   Please, research in advance and know how to respect other cultures. For us in Morocco, it was only loose fitting long pants and long shirt sleeves. It’s not the most ideal biking attire, but sure went a long way to earn respect from folks we’ll never see again.
8. Europe may not be best by train.
   No bikes on the trains? Grrrrrr.
9. Air B&B opens all new possibilities.
   Some of my favorite places we stayed were locally owned and operated guesthouses. This gets you out of tourist-laden areas and into the lives of regular people. And it’s all about small business. I love that.
10. Carry gifts from your hometown.
    It’s always nice to thank someone with something special from back home. It doesn’t have to be a big something—homemade jerky, locally made note cards, a fun sticker, or local candy. But bring something you’d like to share and surprise kind folks with a little special something you’re proud of.