Staying Put or Moving On.
How long do you usually stay in one spot? Are you the type who settles in for a few weeks or do you get itchy feet after a couple of days?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: That’s a good question haha. I usually try to keep moving, even if I end up coming back later. I don’t like staying too long in the same place because I don’t want to get tired of the skateparks.
A Typical Day on the Road
Walk us through a normal day in the van. What’s your morning routine? When do you ride? How do you balance riding, recovery, and just… living?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: I usually wake up early almost every day. I like to make myself a good coffee and some toast — it’s my little ritual before starting the day.
If possible (since some parks are closed in the mornings), I try to ride in the morning and almost always again in the afternoon. I don’t really think much about recovery. I don’t usually take days off unless it’s raining or something unexpected happens. I always have this mindset: just in case something happens and I can’t ride tomorrow, I need to make the most of today.
Community & Friends
BMX is such a tight community. How often do you link up with friends on the road? Is vanlife more social than people think?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: I think people assume vanlife means constantly being around others, but in my case, sometimes it’s the opposite. I love being around people, but I also really value my alone time. Being in the van gives me space to slow down and just be with myself.
What You Love Most
What’s your favorite thing about living in a van? Is it the simplicity, the spontaneity, waking up next to a new park…?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: I love being able to wake up anywhere — by the sea, in the mountains, or even in the parking lot of a skatepark. Opening the door in the morning and breathing fresh air feels like a luxury.
Another thing I’ve realized is that I don’t need much to live well. I’ve simplified my life a lot. I have what I truly need, and I don’t feel like I need anything more.
What You Miss
Be honest — what do you miss about “normal” life? Long showers? A proper kitchen? Stability?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: If I’m honest, what I miss the most is stability. It’s great to always be on the move, but having stability is important too.
In winter, I definitely miss long, hot showers. But I’ve gotten used to van showers by now haha.
Progression on the Road
Do you feel riding different parks all the time helps you progress faster?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: Honestly, yes. I’ve always believed that riding in different places helps you improve a lot and learn how to ride everywhere.
For me, it’s always helped.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead — do you see yourself continuing vanlife long term? Any big riding goals, projects, or plans for the near future?
Teresa Fernández-Miranda: I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I’d love to continue vanlife for a 
few more years, but it’s starting to feel more difficult.
Angie and I would love to do a road trip around Spain with my van — that could be a really fun project. I’m excited to see if we can make it happen.
Pictures by Teresa
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.