Zero Minus One

The last few days I have had pre trip jitters. Five weeks alone is a big deal. So is 3000 miles each way. I'll allow myself the jitters, and get on with it.

Dave Hart came over on Wednesday and performed a biker audit of my kit, plans and methodology. I pass. Dave rides a 1200GS but arrived on a push bike for some strange reason (says a guy who is going to ride to the Arctic) Dave's a good guy. A pep talk from Robert in Switzerland. Thanks my friend. It helped. A last 'phone call from Mum to send me on my way. I have so much support, love and care from those close to me. How could I feel alone with the thoughts of so many to keep me company? Thank you all.


I'm packed and the bike is loaded. little bits and bobs tucked away into every available nook and cranny. She is still extremely heavy. There is no getting around the fact that she is a BMW R1200RT, and I am less than 11 stone wet through. This is also part of the challenge. We are what we are.

Tomorrow I will start me trip officially from Myton Hospice in Warwick. It was a tough call for me. I'm doing it because it gives them the opportunity for publicity, and I want them to get as much money as I can help raise. It is the anniversary of my fathers death on Thursday. I haven't been back to the hospice since that dreadful day in June 1998. He wanted one of the "new" Hinckley Triumphs, but I bet he'd be blown a way by the BMW.

Enough for now. I've nothing left to fidget with. Time to eat, then get some rest. Post soon.