🚴♀️ Tenerife Cycling: Mountains, Russian Salad & a Whole Lot of Gratitude

One of the real reasons we went to Tenerife this summer? My partner Ed is completely obsessed with cycling. And where do many professional cyclists go to train year-round? That’s right—Tenerife.

Since we met, we’ve had some kind of cycling adventure every year. Year one, a group of us rode from Bristol to Paris. Year two, we tackled King Alfred’s Way for my birthday. This year? Tenerife’s mountains were calling.

🚴 The Bikes (and the Pedal Panic)

We hired bikes from a local shop and asked for proper road bikes. When the trailer pulled up, it was loaded with bikes that looked like the ones you’d ride when you were nine. And then we were told we had to pay extra for decent pedals—which didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

But the driver, thankfully, was very cheerful and reassured us: “Don’t worry - the road bikes are in the van!” Crisis averted. We had the gear. Time to climb.

🚴 The Ride That Just. Kept. Going.

Ed told me we’d be taking a lovely coastal route. We set off—and the only direction we went was up.

I looked ahead and asked, “Are we going to the top?”

Ed smiled and said, “No, definitely not.”

Of course, we were cycling to the top.

Even Ed was surprised when we just kept climbing. And just when I heard the magical words, “It’s all downhill from here,” my body relaxed into coast mode… until we turned a corner and—back uphill. That sudden shift from relaxed to climbing again is brutal. You can feel the shock through your entire body.

🚴 Lunch after our 1,300 metre climb

After around 1,300 metres of climbing, we finally found a sweet little café after a very long descent down the mountain. With my gluten allergy, I have to be cautious eating out—especially abroad. We decided an egg and tuna salad would be the safest bet.

Out came a Russian salad. Honestly? It was one of the most delicious things I could’ve asked for. After all that effort, it felt like a small, creamy miracle.

🚴♀️ Cold Showers & Recovery Massage

Back at the hotel (legs officially wobbly), we went straight into a cold shower followed by our first sports massage at the H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizon Hotel.

The therapist used some brilliant techniques. I tried to mentally store everything she did so I could remember it later—but I was also completely exhausted and half asleep. That mix of movement and proper care really helped bring my body back to life.

Breathing Through It: A Personal Reflection

Seven years ago, I had a thyroidectomy. Unfortunately, the operation didn’t go to plan. I’ve had ongoing challenges ever since—one of which was damage to a nerve that left one side of my throat partially paralysed.

As someone who has always loved long-distance cycling and running, this made intense exercise especially hard. Breathing became a real challenge. Over time, I’ve taught myself a new way to breathe—a technique that helps air reach my lungs more efficiently. It’s been a game changer. Every year, I discover something new that helps me feel a little stronger.

It’s been a journey. Sometimes, I honestly cry out of gratitude for how far I’ve come and what my body is still capable of. This ride in Tenerife was another reminder of that strength. And that night? I slept like a rock.

🚴 Why Recovery Matters (For You, Too)

Whether you're cycling mountains or just getting through a stressful week, your body needs support. That’s why I’m so passionate about massage and movement therapy. The tools I use—from soft tissue massage to craniosacral techniques—can help you recover, breathe more easily, and reconnect with your body.

🚴 Based in Bristol? Let’s Work Together

If you’ve been feeling tight, tired, or a bit disconnected from your body, I’d love to help.

At Well Health Therapy, I offer:

 Sports Massage

 Soft Tissue Therapy

 Indian Head Massage

 Deep Tissue Massage

 Red Light Therapy

 Craniosacral Therapy

Reset your body. Reconnect your mind.

📅 Book your session here