And it’s all over before it begins…….

Unfortunately a training mishap has seen my trip cancelled. 

An innocuous accident resulting in a broken hand and wrist. It’s now pinned and plated but I need at least ten weeks to recover from surgery and build strength again. 

To say I’m devastated is an understatement. This trip was special to me. So many people got me to this point in my recovery from a fractured pelvis and long Covid, any many more through planning procrastination.

Europe will have to wait another year. In the interim, I’m focussed on healing and accepting all the love and help around me. Stay tuned.

How it started……

How it ended……

Recovery…..

Only 8 weeks to go....

 Only eight weeks to go until I fly to Paris! 

Time has flown (pardon the pun) by as I try to get myself more and more organised for my next solo trip. I've been grateful to have my coven around me during the past few challenging weeks. Some helping me with my training, others supporting me emotionally, some feeding me, giving me a spare room, and others just helping me drink more wine! It's all energy drink, right?

I've ridden some gravel on the touring bike, some fast rides with a bunch and some slow recovery rides solo, all adding to my overall strength and fitness. It's my preference to have company but given this will be a solo ride, I'm okay for those rides as well. 

I still have a few jobs to do, again with help from the coven. New touring tyres, testing the cooker (it's 17 years old this year - can't fault the MSR Whisperlite for value!), checking the sleep mat, organising last minute admin stuff - you know the drill!

Here are some pictures of various rides and activities over the past few weeks. As always, I'm grateful for you following my blog and I hope it inspires you to follow your dreams. 

Finally - Ready, Set......

The planning is finally done albeit after much procrastinating. A big shout out goes to my cycling buddies, Ian and Brian, for helping during some of the most challenging moments I've ever had planning a trip. Without their kindness and patience, I'd probably still be sitting at the my table poring over maps!

It's been quite a journey to get to this point and despite having mapped multiple tours, for reasons at the time that were unknown to me, I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and get it done. It does take a lot of research to plan a trip, but particularly a solo trip. This time, the trip is just for me. I'm not doing it to please anyone else, to prove anything, it's just for my enjoyment. 

Following a serious cycling accident in late 2021 and then contracting Covid in recovery, it's taken the best part of twelve months to get back to somewhere near my pre-accident fitness - currently at about 90%. I was unfortunately one of the unlucky ones with lingering Covid symptoms including tachycardia. Quite challening when cycling! 

So, I have a new bike, a new tent, new cycling shoes, new panniers and a whole lot of grit and determination to continue to see the world by bike. I hope you'll join me on the journey. 

You can find my itinerary on the blog. Stay tuned as my July departure approaches.