It starts!
I have decided to keep a blog of for upcoming trip from Tierra Del Fuego ( Argentina/Chile) to Prudhoe Bay in Canada (approx 17,000 miles) by bicycle.
The trip is planned to take about 2 years and will take in Chile, Peru, Equador, Bolvia, Brazil, Venezula, Cuba, Mexco, Usa, Canada
I will be riding a Thorn Raven Catlyst with a B.O.B. Ibex trailer
The training goes on and the gear is arriving by post every day.
The waiting is the worst now, only 16 days to go before the flight.
Still to have many injections, but at least they don't phase me.
The waiting is the worst now, only 16 days to go before the flight.
Still to have many injections, but at least they don't phase me.
10.9.05 20:57
Out with the club today
Rode my Thorn Catalyst with trailer out into the hills for more training today, met up with some old friends from the cycling club. So I tucked in behind them and tried to keep up. they were on road bikes with 20 mm tyres and I ride 1.95inch so it was very hard to keep up.
Two close friends -
Martin; who has road from Perth to Darwin in Australia for a 6 month trip:
and Richard; who was at Uni with me - held back and took the wind for me and came back for a coffee.
Martin is working on the rigs of Scotland to raise money for his next trip, and thinks he may come out to join me for a few months.
funny how some days turn out.
Martin is working on the rigs of Scotland to raise money for his next trip, and thinks he may come out to join me for a few months.
funny how some days turn out.
11.9.05 19:04
Today is yellow fever jab day
Woke up a bit worried today at the prospect of a Yellow Fever jab I have to have today.
Needles are OK but this one has me a bit concerned.
Went out for an early morning ride on the bike and felt a bit better.
14 days to go to flight
13 days to go
No reaction to the Yellow Fever jab, only rabies and a Hep b
injections to go, and an oral Cholera. I think that's it then.
Been out over the hills again today for a bit of training. The rig feels really comfortable now.
Had my first puncture with the Raven; it's amazing how many cyclists pass when you are sitting fixing a puncture
I think that's the last thing to come
http://www.sjscycles.com/
The gears are a Rohloff 14 speed hub, means there are no bits hanging off as with derailieurs and the gearing is far better to choose the correct gear for the slope. Very low maintainance, I just have to change the gearbox oil every 3000 miles.
injections to go, and an oral Cholera. I think that's it then.
Been out over the hills again today for a bit of training. The rig feels really comfortable now.
Had my first puncture with the Raven; it's amazing how many cyclists pass when you are sitting fixing a puncture
Time to introduce my partner
Little Blue; this bear has been round the world twice, worked in Nigeria ,VSO teaching. He loves adventures so he will be my friend on the long road .
Little Blue
My Solar panel has arrived. I will use it to charge up my mobile phone, GPS system. and batteries for lights etc. when I am on the road cycling pity it's too late to try it out.
I think that's the last thing to come
I have my
GPS : Silva Multinavigator
Water Filter : Waterworks EX
Watch : Suunto Observer ( Altimeter, Barometer and Compass)
Stove : MSR Dragonfly, multifuel
etc etc
Hope the sun shines tomorrow
Water Filter : Waterworks EX
Watch : Suunto Observer ( Altimeter, Barometer and Compass)
Stove : MSR Dragonfly, multifuel
etc etc
Hope the sun shines tomorrow
13.9.05 19:20
12 days to go
the day has started cloudy and I cannot test my solar panel. maybe later
I also have a "wind-up" emergency charger" which will allow me to make
calls. wonder if i should take a second battery for the phone.
Friends are getting in touch from all over the world and offering support.
14.9.05 09:42
calls. wonder if i should take a second battery for the phone.
Friends are getting in touch from all over the world and offering support.
14.9.05 09:42
The bike
I have had a few enquiries about the bike I have chosen for the trip.
It is a Thorn Raven Catalyst with a Reynolds 853 steel frame, more comfortable than aluminium. Made by St John's Street cycles in Bridgewater Somerset England
I have had a few enquiries about the bike I have chosen for the trip.
It is a Thorn Raven Catalyst with a Reynolds 853 steel frame, more comfortable than aluminium. Made by St John's Street cycles in Bridgewater Somerset England
http://www.sjscycles.com/
The gears are a Rohloff 14 speed hub, means there are no bits hanging off as with derailieurs and the gearing is far better to choose the correct gear for the slope. Very low maintainance, I just have to change the gearbox oil every 3000 miles.
http://www.rohloffusa.com/
I don't really understand how they work , they just do. I can change gear while the bike is not moving, and when I pedal away they are in the gear I have chosen,.BRILLIANT
I don't really understand how they work , they just do. I can change gear while the bike is not moving, and when I pedal away they are in the gear I have chosen,.BRILLIANT