And we’re off. The weather’s looking a bit miserable, the dog had to be hunted down from next door’s garden, and I burnt the porridge, so it’s a little bit later than planned.
The bike is twice as heavy as my trial run last weekend, but it’s still pared down to the absolute minimum. I guess there are just certain essentials that are needed; torch, first aid kit; spares; multi-tools; etc.
The one element that’s certainly not packed is laptop. I’m looking forward to my only tech companion being my phone for the next few days.
Final conversation before I leave is a phone call with my Mum. She finishes with a traditional Irish blessing; “May the road rise to meet you“. Only problem is that I’m not sure that’s the best blessing right now; is she wishing me to fall off or have lots of hills to climb???
Click on the Diary of the First Leg to see a gallery of images from the outbound trip as well as some of the experiences.
Donations still open at the link below