Let’s start at the beginning — how did cycling become such a big part of your life?

I’ve been riding bikes all my life. Growing up, I had a mountain bike, and the first bike I bought as an adult was also a mountain bike. For years, I was more of a weekend rider. Everything changed in 2019 when I went on my first bike trip, that’s when I completely fell in love with cycling. Travelling by bike became my number one hobby, and now it’s my job.

You spend most of your time off-road. What drew you to gravel and bikepacking?

I grew up in the suburbs of Madrid, surrounded by mountains, so riding off-road has always felt natural to me. In my previous job, I met colleagues who were into mountain bike racing and I started racing with them. Later on, I began travelling by bike on roads. Over time, I realised I didn’t want to choose between the two, so I combined them and started bikepacking off-road.

I’ve also done a lot of city commuting but I’ve never really been into road cycling, it doesn’t appeal to me. I love nature too much and just want to escape the roads.

What is it about riding a bike that keeps you coming back for more?

It’s just so much fun. I always have a big smile on my face when I’m riding. Going up and down, feeling the wind and the sun, the adrenaline of speed, and the beauty of the landscapes, it’s unbeatable.

I also love the freedom of being completely autonomous and knowing I can get anywhere I want without depending on anything else.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about getting into cycling but hasn’t taken the leap yet?

Stop thinking and just do it. It will change your life.

If I had to give three tips, they would be:

1. It doesn’t matter which bike or gear you have, how fit you are, or how fast you are. If you want to get somewhere, you will. If you want to enjoy riding, you will. All that matters is your attitude.
2. Riding a bike doesn’t have to mean a sore butt. There are many types of saddles and sizes, and of course, there are saddles specifically built for women!! Please spend sometime finding the right saddle for your butt 🙂
3. A good way to start cycling is by joining events. There are so many communities and types of events. Look for one around you that could be fun to try and don’t be afraid of being too amateur or too slow, there will be people just like you and everyone will be there to help each other and have fun together!

Are there any comfort or setup tips you swear by now?

I don’t really use chamois cream. I’ve tried it occasionally in the past, but with IRIS clothes I don’t feel like I need it.

I do absolutely recommend getting a bike fit, though. I had one before a three-month trip, and all the pain I used to have on the bike disappeared. It made such a big difference.

Women’s-only rides and events are a big part of your story. Why are they so important to you?

They’ve completely changed my life. I’ve participated in many women’s-only events, and I organise them as well. I’ve met so many incredible women through these spaces and some of them are now my closest friends.

Before that, I was afraid of climbing hills because I thought I wasn’t capable. Being in non-competitive, supportive environments where everyone waits for each other helped me gain confidence and improve my performance. These events have been incredibly empowering for me.

Looking back, is there anything cycling-related you’d do differently?

When I started travelling by bike, I sold my mountain bike to switch to a gravel bike and I regret it. I miss it. There’s no such thing as having too many bikes.

Can you share a moment on the bike that really stands out for you?

I’ve had countless great days and moments on the bike, but one that has a special place in my heart is the first Biketravel Fest that I organised. In 2024, I started Rare Femmes with a couple of friends to create bikepacking-related events for women and non-binary folks.

Our first festival took place in Madrid, my hometown. We had a basecamp with day rides and workshops like bike mechanics, bikepacking introductions, and cooking with a stove. IRIS supported us, which gave us even more belief in what we were building. Fifty women came, and it turned into a magical three-day weekend full of shared passion for biking.

And on the flip side, what’s been your most challenging moment on the bike?

I honestly never have bad days or moments on the bike because I love it so much that there is always something positive about it, even on challenging moments. But I would say that the most challenging time I’ve had on the bike was the first night I camped alone.

It was at the beginning of 2024. I had already travelled and wild camped a lot but always with friends. That year, I was planning on going on a three-month trip on my own and I wanted to be able to camp anywhere so I decided to go on a weekender by myself, somewhere close to my house, and try it. To be honest, it was the worst night of my life. I was so afraid and kept thinking the worst was going to happen, but nothing ever happened, nobody came to my tent at night, no wild animals were around me, nothing. It was all in my head. Fortunately, with time, I understood that I had to go through that first night experience just like most people and now I love camping by myself!

What’s coming up next for you?

I want Rare Femmes to keep growing. More editions of Biketravel Fest, more Biketravel Rally events, and eventually organising trips as well.

On a personal level, I want to travel by bike somewhere in South America. I don’t know exactly where or when yet, but it’s definitely on the horizon.

Why do you choose to wear IRIS, and do you have a favourite ensemble?

I choose IRIS because the designs and colours are as fun as riding and because the clothes are made for women. Our bodies are different to men’s, so our needs are different too.

My favourite ensemble is the Irising jersey with the scarf and the Escape bibs. I find so much power and energy on the design and the colours of this jersey, plus the matching scarf makes it even more cool and stylish. I also love IRIS system on the bibs and the fact that I don’t have to take all my clothes off when I need to pee. Also, the pockets are so handy!

What do you love most about IRIS cycling apparel?

Beyond the designs and colours, the quality really stands out. The clothes are comfortable even on long rides, don’t smell, and dry very quickly, which is essential for bikepacking. They also last a long time, so they’re a really worthwhile investment.

Follow Cris Maristany

https://www.instagram.com/crismaristany/
https://www.instagram.com/rarefemmes/