In an era when reducing your carbon footprint was never in mind, the Wright brothers were clearly pioneers in their single minded quest. Da Vinci’s designs where mathematics and science were meticulously sculpted to form concepts far in advance of his time are still genius to this very day. Both had a complimentary vision of the F word.

The GC15 is a 28km length of asphalt, starting in Tafira, Gran Canaria, at approximately 400m above sea level. As you wind your way up to the centre of the island you’re blessed with some of the finest scenery you could ever ask for. Over 20 kilometres later and you’ll be in sight of the summit of the Cumbrepass (Paso Cruz de Tejeda) at 1,510m. Without doubt, the climb is rewarding in itself but it’s at this point that you’re moments away from something special. In my opinion something very special.

Initially the descent starts on an old road, but with just over 25 kilometers covered in total you sweep to the right and join fresh, smooth, tarmac. It’s like an airstrip, just with no sign of jet propelled activity. I’m sure it was made for cycling. If your eyes aren’t streaming, heart desperately trying to punch its way out of your chest, as you pass the 12% warning sign then you haven’t reached terminal velocity. You’ll get a buzz, but not the buzz. From this moment it’s do or die. All or nothing. You’re committed, no hesitation, no second thoughts. You have to push as hard as you can.

Hugging the barrier on the right hand side of the road to take the first sweeping left is when I first realised it. You get so close to the rail that at times it disappears from vision, leaving nothing but a vast expanse of greatness before your eyes and dreams. With perfect posture you’re floating, high above the valley below. The rush of air is all you hear but somehow it’s tranquil, as if the moment has been frozen in time.

On exit you carve cleanly to the opposite side of the road, faster and faster by the second. It’s a true test of nerve and character. How late can you brake? How long can you hang onto the left hand edge before slicing the road in half to hit the apex? If you’ve got it right you’ll be catapulted out onto the far left of the road on exit. The barrier is getting closer with every breath, but with millimeters in hand the road drops away to the left again allowing you to use your position to perfectly sweep the proceeding corner.

Holding onto the left hand edge, the sensation is back. Arms out now and I’m sure you’d take off. A tight right and even if you’re not religious it’s time to pray that the friction between the road and rubber is enough to hold firm. The road camber doesn’t help, but ensures endorphin intoxication is nigh. Less than a kilometer to go, through an s-bend and you’re onto the runway. Dead straight and 17%, the technical part is behind you now, but the danger? Oh no, that’s coming at you at 80kph. Pedal the first section and then tuck and hang on for your life, it’s as simple as that. Don’t get caught out by the bump at 600m to go. There’s no chance of learning from your mistake, you’ll only make it once. The final test of nerve is how long you want the high to last, desperately seeking to be supersonic. The GC15/GC60 junction is practically in your back pocket it's so close. Bang, brakes on, engines flicked into reverse thrust to bring you back to earth.

Now I’ve never had any lessons. Hell, I certainly don’t have a pilots license either, but ride this section of the GC15 and you’re guaranteed to learn the true meaning of the F word, and from that day forward you’ll always know how to FLY!