Tendre Est La Nuit - obscur Majda Bekkali 2013

My boyfriend loves to take me on rides on his bike - but the joy is mostly on his side, as I always feel cold as a passenger, even though I've stuffed my entire wardrobe under my riding suit.
Like a somewhat dapper marshmallow figure, I mount the fiery steed - and await the things to come.
The machine roars to life, and we lean into the curves.

The wind whips against my face - but it carries all sorts of scents with it.
And that, in turn, is what I love about biking.

The fine, slightly bitter leather scent of the rider clearly rises to my nose, mixed with a daring smokiness.
Along with a spicy pepper note and deep oak moss when a forest lines the road.
Above it all hovers the scent of fuel mist and asphalt.

A very special blend that is well captured in Tendre est la Nuit.

So "tendre" is the night not at all - and not exactly delicate.
It is marked for me by movement, speed, and rugged naturalness.
There is something impetuous in the fragrance.
One is very close to nature, to the temperatures, to the speed - and this closeness is conveyed by the scent.

When I get off the bike, I feel almost relieved - but I have a strange craving for the next ride.