Final Preparations

Not long now.

Last week was dominated by lists. It's how I protect my trip from the effects of my lousy memory. I'm a project manager and it shows in my methodology. My study reflects it with its huge map of Scandinavia, and inspirational stock pictures of some of the places I will visit along the way (a quick thank you to my friend Colin for suggesting the Malmo crossing route months ago). I have flown over the roads of the Arctic with Google Earth. I've looked at the images from webcams. I've spoken to those that have gone before me, via Newcastle and Bergen. A plan can only go so far though as a friend pointed out to me yesterday. You have to be open for the unknown. How I cope with what the road throws at me will shape the trip. Let the road write the story. That's the whole point of going.

I'm also recording my experiences for those who follow later. I have benefited from those who have travelled to North Cape before me. I learn through mistakes, and I have made a lot of them. I'd like to say that I learn from the experiences of others, I try, and when I'm switched on I do. Mostly though I'm the guy who peed on the electric fence. Just the once....!!

I've booked some accommodation ahead. From the ferry port to Vatterbygdens Motorcycle Club and camping, Jonkoping, South Sweden, and on to the Bothnian coast on the 1st weekend. I have three nights with the motorcycle club, and a midsummer party to go to. Scandinavians and Vodka. Gulp!

If you're not thinking of loading a big touring motorbike for an extended road trip, feel free to skip this next bit. I'll try to write interesting stuff later.

This weekend I loaded the bike. I couldn't think of a way of working it all out other than to just do it. I did it three times! It started with luggage piled high on my bed, and equipment sprawled out across the kitchen floor. Shit there was a lot of it! Three hours later it was all on the bike. The BMW R1200RT is a superbly designed and engineered machine. She took everything I wanted. Heavy equipment, food, and cold weather gear low down in the panniers. The huge BMW top box is a suitcase for my clothes and wash kit. Just unhitch it and walk into accommodation with everything I need for the night. No fuss. Tank bag hand luggage never to be left unattended, and tent, bed and sleeping bag stuffed into a 40l dry sack, strapped and locked to the pillion. I weighed gear to ensure that I am not exceeding the design spec'. Worth doing I assure you. No hinges or fastenings strained, and no knuckles removed. It balanced and the centre of gravity was low. A good job. She was way too heavy. Tired and wet at the end of a days riding, parking, with an adverse camber, I could drop her. I also have to haul the whole rig onto it's main stand on ferry decks. A hernian would spoil the trip for sure. I stripped it all down and started again. The soap and shaving kit went, as well as food supplies. The Pinotage stays though. Better, but out of balance now. So I did it all over again seeking out every advantage I could gain. Much better but she is still heavy. The truth is that an RT loaded for a five week trip to the Arctic is never going to be light. She is no ballet dancer, but I bet she can still waltz.

Time to stop fiddling with the bike. Not long now.

We've raised about three hundred quid for Myton Hospice so far. The generosity of people is heart warming. Thank you all.