I first met Manu via Instagram a couple of years ago. Our shared passions for travel, adventure and the environment brought us together to do a shoot in the Pyrenees. Instantly we hit it off, working together as if we’d know each other for years. Manu was the consummate professional; his years of working in the adventure industry as an athlete meant he understood the requirements of a photographer keen to get the best shots in the limited time we had available.

We stayed in touch and, over the following months, agreed we should plan our own project and ‘A Mountain Bike Adventure’ was born. Working with our sponsors, and backed by the tourism authorities, we planned an adventure that would see us explore the two islands of Gozo and Malta. It was our intention to let the people we met shape the journey, guided by a little research of a few key places to visit.

Manu arrived on the islands a day before me to Scuba dive at Xlendi Bay so I had the job of bringing all the kit. That meant two bikes, clothing, video and photography equipment as well as my personal belongings. I certainly drew attention as I tried to lug it all though the airport!