Time to Go

Just a few more days before I am due to leave. The weather outside is snowing and things sound to be worse on the Continent. Meanwhile my preparations are coming on a pace - today's main task is to set up the tent in the garden to prove I can do it.

I have spent many happy evenings mapping out a route across France to the Black Forest. Once I reach the Danube then it should be all down hill from there. Friends look worried and ask me how much training I have done. The answer is 'very little' as it seems pointless spending time cycling around England when the energy can be saved to go in the direction I need to go. I think that I may regret this philosophy after a couple of days on the road but it's too late now.

The only other possibility is to hideaway in a hotel somewhere near to home for 6 weeks and then get the train to Lebanon. Wasn't that ruse used by a round-the-world yachtsman some time ago? All the best ideas have already been taken. So what I need are delaying tactics. Like it would be insensitive to leave on Valentines Day. Sounds sensible. That's gained me another 24 hours.