I’m a month out from departure and there is lots to do. I need to finish projects and tasks at work, I need to get fitter, I need to get my house ready to be a rental and many more things.
Everything is happening very fast. Yes, I did start learning Mandarin in February 2022, but the plan back then was to get going when I no longer had the responsibility of my cat. I expected this to be maybe 2025… That all changed in December, when my precious little girl passed away. I panicked a bit because I was certainly not ready mentally, emotionally, or financially, but that all changed in March and I decided to get going. Organising a major international bike ride and being away from home for 12-24 months in such a short time has me very busy.
The rubber has been hitting the road lately. I’ve started on my travel vaccines, which gave me a sore arm and made me feel grotty. I had a bad fall on my stairs and hit my tailbone and my Achilles has been playing up since my 350km ride at Easter. Add a bit of financial discouragement when a waterpipe broke.
However, there are so many encouraging things happening and things that are falling into place. I keep finding out that my trip coincides with so many friend’s plans along the way and this is so exciting! My flatmate is going to take on the tenancy of my house when I leave, I’m loving my new Genesis Croix de Fer touring bike, I’m receiving lots of help, and friends are even joining me in the autumn rain on training trips.
All to be continued…