Dave and his Bike

Getting nervous now. Mixed emotions which are flitting between being excited and wanting to set off tomorrow, and feeling wholly unprepared with regard (lack of) mileage on the bike and the task ahead which I have set myself. Sometimes you can overthink things…

That said, the preparation has continued. We have now booked Jane and Ange’s flights to Singapore to meet me and Steve; accommodation in Singapore; flights to Bali (bit of a luxury 3 day break!); flights to Cairns and accommodation in Bali, Cairns and Sydney. We have also booked a camper van through www.motorhomerepublic.com  (who have been brilliant help), so that Jane can travel with me down the east coast of Australia. 

I have accumulated a few more spares (spokes, brake pads, cassette & chain) which I will either carry with me or Jane will bring out with her so I can fully service the bike half way through the trip. The sleeping bag dilemma continues – should I or not? At the moment it’s a ‘yes’, but that will probably change a few times over the next four weeks. I think it may prove useful in some places, and be a last resort if I can’t find a decent bed.

The tent is still a ‘no’. 

I have also subscribed to www.warmshowers.com as I have heard great things about this reciprocal organisation and will hopefully be able to meet some interesting people along the way in addition to finding somewhere to stay for the odd night. 

The mileage on the bike has continued, despite the ‘canicule’ (heat wave) we have had in France for much of the end of July and early August. I have avoided riding on days when the temperature has been in the late 30’s, but late 20’s & early 30’s has been lovely riding conditions. I initially thought I was acclimatising for the trip, then realised that I will be crossing Bulgaria in October, where temperature vary between 8º and 18ºC. Oh well! Getting off the plane in Mumbai will still be a shock to the system. 

My saddle has become a bit of an issue. The Brooks B17 has developed a bit of a lump at the front, now that it has moulded to my shape, resulting in some pain where I don’t want it. Re-tensioning it hasn’t helped. I have tried a couple of saddles from other bikes, so hopefully will be comfortable again before I set off. Not what I needed with three weeks to go!

We met up with Steve & Ange in early August to discuss Thailand and Malaysia plans, and Steve is doing some great research into places to ride and visit along the way, as well as booking the hotel in Bangkok for our first few nights. It is weird to think that the next time I see him will be in December in Bangkok. Likewise, we have seen friends who I won’t see again before I go, who have said “see you in April”. Gulp…!

Visits from family have continued, which has been great. It was lovely to see both of my sisters and our eldest daughter who came in July and early August, and our two younger daughters will be here the week before departure. Summer continues…