How do you describe yourself?
Azorean, micaelense (born in São Miguel Island), proud of being it and of my accent. Shy and introverted due to drastic mood swings. I’m much more a person of written words than of spoken words. Honest and patient, apprehensive and enthusiastic. Serious and concerned by nature, but with an easy smile. Now that I think about it... I think too much! In short, I like to believe that I’m different and a good person.

How is it to live on the island?
I've already written about it, of “Being an islander…” I start like this: “It's feeling squeezed by the presence of the sea, but not being able to live without it.” And I finish: “It's taking a bike and riding along the roads as if they were paths in a large and beautiful garden, always having the sea as a companion…” That's living on the island!

What do you like doing on your free time?
Riding my bikes and being around them turns out to be the most obvious, but I also enjoy skating, listening to music, reading, and walking in nature. Bathing in the sea and going to the beach, I love the beach!

How or why did you start biking?
There are three distinct moments that explain my ultimate return to bicycles. In 2008, when I bought a mountain bike to go back to regular physical exercise, after a break due to my son’s birth. The beginning of everything. Then, in 2012, when I decided to start using the bicycle as a means of transport in urban surroundings, replacing the car in some of my daily routines. A good decision. And finally in 2014, the most memorable moment, when I had my first fixed gear bicycle, which gave me a whole new perspective on the world on pedals, almost like starting to learn to ride a bike again. And with a fresh perspective, new approach and attitude that put me on the right track.

Best spot to ride?
There are many spectacular places and roads for cycling on the island, where the natural environment that surrounds us takes away our sense and puts aside any supposed distractions, such is its power. I can highlight the route between Ribeirinha and the Santa Iria Viewpoint, in Ribeira Grande – the Rota da Coroa da Mata.

Favourite bike?
When it comes to bikes, I have no special wish or extravagance. It's true that I have some bikes and, therefore, the status of favourite can be pointed to any of them, depending on the circumstances of use and my state of mind, without having a direct ratio with the values involved, the “nobility” of the materials or supposed theories of which one is the best. However, I confess to having a clear bias towards my fixed gear bikes. Simplicity, aesthetics, minimalism, challenge, man/machine connection and the unique sensations they convey.

Hobbies?
Leisure cycling, skateboarding, localized physical exercise, walking trails and writing on my blog, https://bikeazores.blogs.sapo.pt/

Fun or competition?
I had my initial phase of euphoria and fascination, following trends and even "fantasizing" with competition. But no, it’s definitely not for me. In my humble opinion, competition detracts from natural, simple, and honest practice and isn’t compatible with my relaxed posture. Then, I tried to trace my own way and set goals according to my preferences, regardless of whether they were consensual or not. And all that just to say - fun!

One music / one band?
I can't imagine my life without music. Passionate and eclectic are the words that best define my connection with it. I've always been bound to heavier sounds, I've even been “accused” of not having grown up because of that, but the fact is that they continue to be my best company, in addition to all the other genres I listen to. I don't accept limits or prejudices. Reference songs and bands are countless and it's very difficult to choose just one. Anyway, trying to be as precise as possible and highlighting what is ours, I can mention Morbid Death, at a regional level, and Moonspell, at a national level, as they are bands that I followed very closely and that marked me in some way. As for the songs, the unavoidable “Darkest Side of Paradise” and the mandatory “Opium”, respectively. Well, after all, there is a theme. Or rather, the theme! A true Swedish Death Metal anthem, by Hypocrisy – “Roswell 47”.

Wine or beer?
As a rule, I don't drink alcoholic drinks and, therefore, I don't like wine or beer. But I drink a Passion Fruit Kima or a Laranjada (two Azorean sodas)!

What has been keeping you busy?
I've been making my home office a place dedicated to my bikes. If, until then, I did nothing more than store them, from now on, I can also work on them. Besides that, it’s a privileged place for interaction and even contemplation, bringing together various aspects of the bike world. Still evolving, it won't be perfect, but it won't be too far from what I envisioned either. Almost simultaneously, I got a bike that my neighbour was going to put in the garbage. It’s a mountain bike (BTT) from a Portuguese brand named Sirla, and it for sure has over 25 years old. As expected, given its age, the length of time it has been idle and lack of care, it had a lot of dirt and even more rust. The idea won’t be to restore it, but to make it functional as little as possible.

An interesting story?
It's interesting to note that my fixed gear bike, the Gloria Magenta, was once considered the most beautiful and spectacular bike I own. As people also asked me where they could get one like it. And it's curious, because it was bought in a big food retail area, and, originally, it was weird, to say the least. So much so that, on the day I agreed to go get it, I no longer wanted it. Family incentives paid off. After arriving home, it was almost completely dismantled. Out came the anatomical handles, the “saddle” with springs and a cheap, plastic-coated copy of those old-fashioned headlamps, among other components. I ended up buying just some grips to match the (orange) wheels, because the rest of the material used in the customization was taken from other of my bikes, instead of gathering dust in the closet. The final touch was given with some stickers, kindly offered by one of the members of the Azores Fixed group, who are largely the guilty ones for my fixed gear mania. Well, the fact is that the bicycle is very noticeable, maybe too much, but, in fact, it’s nothing more than an iron frame with pretentious wheels, bought on sale in a large commercial area. And yes, it's also one of my favourites, because it has a fixed gear attached to the wheel!

You can ride with Rui @bikeazores or read it at https://bikeazores.blogs.sapo.pt/