One Day to Go

Date:- 13 March 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 0 Km
Start:- Geelong
Finish:- Geelong
Comment:- Rather pleasant night out with Marlene and Len. Went to the Tai Elephant.

Today has been quite busy Cameron and Nicole stopped in this morning on their way through and various other friends have dropped in through the day. Simone and Ian are coming for tea I believe

Last minute checking of gear, filling water bottles, etc A couple of phone calls then off to bed ready for a big day tomorrow.

2 Days to Go

Date:- 12 March 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 0 Km
Start:- Geelong
Finish:- Geelong
Comment:- Evon and I were invited to my brothers place for a farewell tea last night. A very pleasant evening with David, Robin and Mum.

Very busy day today. Made contact with the Asthma foundation with a particular problem I had, and once I made mention of what I was up to they were very keen to promote my cause. Hence a number of phone calls and Emails, etc were made. I should have made contact a lot earlier.


Another farewell tea tonight with Len and Marlene. I must also thank Lyn and Glen for the “Go Food” . Nice and light and plenty of energy

3 Days to Go

Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 0 Km
Start:- Geelong
Finish:- Geelong
Comment:- Finished work last night. I have a rather empty feeling at the moment. Thank you to all my work mates who wished me best wishes and good luck. To Jim and his Management team and to all the people on the work floor - Thank you. God willing, I will be back and hope to see you all in November/December this year.

Another packing and loading exercise today. I seem to remove 500 grams and end up adding a kilo. Once I get on the road I will soon work out what I need and don’t need

This is a picture of the bike and trailer fully loaded.

4 Days to Go

Date:- 10 March 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 0 Km
Start:- Geelong
Finish:- Geelong
Comment:- Four days to go now. Getting a little nervous, excited, a little apprehensive - am I doing the right thing? A thousand thoughts are going through my head at the moment.

Have I covered all the situations I may encounter on my trip. Have I got all the appropriate gear. What if this happens? What if that happens? I wont know till it happens and my abilities will be tested.

Last day at work today. Will feel strange not having the security of a job, but have been assured by my current employer there will be something available on my return.

7 Days to Go

Getting close now. Did a ride around the block fully laden this afternoon. Wasnt too bad. I felt a little uncomfortable to start with but soon settled down. I have decided to load up BOB with the heavy gear, and clothes and lighter gear up front.

I am a little worried about the excess water in eastern Victoria after the storms that battered the area in the last few days. I have a few alternatives to consider in the next few days. They are:-
(1)Leave on Sunday and hope I get a clear run
(2)Delay my departure for a few days
(3)Take a more direct route to Canberra.
(4)Drive to Canberra with Evon for Easter and start my ride from there.
All will be revealed as the time draws closer.

10 Days to Go

Not much to report this week. Having to deal with night shift at my current place of employ. It really messes with my routine. Looking forward to the long weekend and being human again.

13 Days to Go

Just a couple of loose ends to tie up. A bit worried about stray dog attacks. Someone suggested an electronic dog deterent. A device that emits a very high frequency signal Inaudable to the human ear but has been known to stop a dog in its tracks. Anyone got any other advice on the subject?

My other small problem is tyres. Should I carry a foldable spare tyre. I have heard of tyres shredding etc and if this happens in the middle of nowhere it could be a problem. Any advice?