Long haul flights……

 Check in was super stressful when I realised I was above my weight limit.  Neil and Sarah were so calm just offering suggestions for shuffling some of my gear to make sure my carry on was 7kg. After some careful strategising, I managed to make it onboard without paying anything extra. It won’t be a problem on the return as I tend to dispose of lots of bits and pieces before I return. This includes unused toiletries, the bike chain, food, etc. 

After a couple of glasses of wine thanks to my beautiful daughter, the nerves settled enough to say goodbye and start my solo journey. A couple of messages and phone calls and before I knew it, it was time to board. 
I sat next to an interesting guy called Tim, who is Cam McEvoy’s coach for the Olympics. He is heading over to meet him there. Interestingly travelling in cattle class like me. Maybe swimming coaching doesn’t pay that well? 🤔

I decided to wear my mask most of the time. I don’t want to get sick before I start my ride and it’s a minor inconvenience. Tim is actually doing the same to protect himself and the athletes. It’s clear other people do take Covid and influenza seriously. Especially when your country is depending on you winning! 

What a challenging flight from Dubai to Lisbon with a screaming child across from me and a constant chair kicker behind me. Anyway, finally made it feeling so sorry for the parents. 

I didn’t have to wait too long for the bike and a kind gentleman helped me get it on the trolley. After a long walk to the meet up area, I was stopped by customs asking if I was going to sell the bike. 🤔 After I explained what I was intending to do, I was on my way. 

Another hiccup through the airport when the bike fell off the trolley and another kind person there to help. The transfer was great. I was a few minutes early but he was really responsive and pleasant. 

I arrived at the guest house and the check in was seamless. After a hot shower, some basic groceries and a walk, it was time for bed. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. 

The game of Tetris

 

This trip has been four years in the making after Covid put a stop to my plans in 2020. After my accident last year, my focus has been on staying fit and healthy. It’s been a challenge both mentally and physically but I’m now only a few days out and wrapping myself in cotton wool. No more riding until I arrive in Lisbon.

Anyone who has toured before knows the challenge of getting your bike in a box, your gear in a bag, and getting on a plane without paying excess baggage. I haven’t had to pay in more than ten years of touring and fingers crossed won’t need to this time. 

Packing has been more sporadic than I would have liked but today I got there. The only decision left to make is whether to use an AirTag in the duffle bag. I have one in the bike so am still considering whether I need to do this for the rest of my gear. The weighing will happen at the airport when I have both moral and physical support. 

Some photos during my Tetris process over the past week. If only work didn’t get in the way.

56 days to go

With only 56 days to go, I’m focussed on my training. It’s getting harder as the days get shorter. I’m a total sook for cold dark mornings. I’ve been mixing my cycling with Reformer Pilates and lots of walking. 

I’ve got lists scattered throughout the house which allows me to note things down as I think of them. This includes my Camino Credencial, my shells, booking my airport transfer in Lisbon, etc. 

I’ve decided to go with a GaN wall charger and two batteries this time. I’ve been testing the charging times and they are working really well, although quite heavy. I’m also planning on taking my Garmin for the first time. Not so much for navigation but recording the trip. I’ll see how that goes.

I’ve purchased a new MSR Whisperlite as the one I have is 18 years old and has been lit more than 600 times. A great plug for MSR which I why I’ve gone with the same again. I’m fairly confident I can find Shellite in Lisbon, albeit a different name. Fingers crossed for that. 

I’ve booked a guesthouse in Lisbon as they will hold my bike box for the duration of my trip. With a few days in Lisbon to look around and get supplies, this seemed like a good option. 

Not long now……

Deja Vu!

A new year and new plans. Well, actually old ones remade. 

It was my plan to travel to Portugal in 2020 to ride the Portuguese Camino. Unfortunately, Covid put a stop to that. For those that follow my blog, you may remember that I had planned to do this ride in 2022 but with changing rules around Covid and Australia being considered a 'red zone' by some countries like Portugal, I decided to go back to France. 

Then 2023 happened - an accident preventing me from travelling just six weeks before my departure for a trip through France and Belgium. 

Fast forward a few months, multiple surgeries, lots of rehab, physio, osteo and pain management. 

With perseverence, I'm back on the bike and despite a hiccup with a virus these past few weeks, I continue to improve my strength and fitness.

Planning for Portugal 2024 is now complete! Fingers crossed, this year is it, finally!

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.