How last minute this has all been I can't even begin to explain, only this morning, even though we set off yesterday, i was removing parts of my bike which were surplus to requirements. For the last few weeks i have been beavering away to sort myself out for the biggest trip of my life. I've been working like a dog to make everything good for the off, rebuilding my bike, being vaccinated for most know diseases, ditching my belongings and saying goodbye. It's been emotional and my feet have barely touched the ground but now we're off.
We cycled yesterday from London to Ashford, 60 odd miles along the less than beautiful and sometimes a little bit scary A20. I shall be aiming for more scenic routes in the future. However the journey for me was a long but good one though James's new and as yet unbroken brooks saddle may have somewhat lessened his enjoyment. Every now and then I would have small moments of the realisation that this is to be my life, journeying around the globe, going under my own steam, seeing... I don't know what but i'm looking forward to it.
I have been talking seriously about doing this for about two and a half years, in fact since i got my first bike in London. So many people have helped to get me this far, family being supportive, friends for their enthusiasm and ever welcome top tips, Therese at Hackney Bike Project for teaching me cycle maintenace, Arup for building my wheels (looking good!). Thank you so much all. This time tomorrow we'll hopefully be on the ferry to france and so it begins, my heart is pounding.
The big green bike ride
Not if I do it by bike! Some time ago I was having a debate about travelling the world, I wanted to go but wasn't prepared to fly for environmental reasons and so the big green bike ride was born. I've upgraded my bike, ditched my belongings, learned cycle maintenance, I even met a crazy man who wanted to go with me and so we're off. What follows is my diary of the highs and lows and sincerely hoping that punctures are my only trouble... I know I can fix those.
8 comments:
Hi, I'm Anna's boyf what suggested the title of your blog. Thanks for deciding to go with it!
I'll be keenly awaiting blog updates and am very envious of your adventure.
I have less exciting but almost as new bike blog, and will link to your travel diary.
Cycle safe!
Nik / Anna
Good Luck and hope it all goes well, Im always here if you need any help, I hope the strike in frane didnt hold you back. miss you already but pleased your plans are being put into play.
Take care easy riders see you in india after crimbo xxxxxxx love you amy
Hey Lady
I saw that French thing too - hoping it didn't hold you up. Or if it did that you needed a little rest anyway?!
I'm halfway through exams now.....soon have a life again! Thinking of you loads GXXX
I don't really know what I'm doing here Tracey. This is my first every Blog entry. Does that make be sad?! YOu know how useless I am at this kind of stuff...and actually, how useless I was at knowing anything you asked me! All I can say is I have major respect for you honey. I look forward to reading all about your adventures and I'll be green with envy. My life has been consumed by work and getting the Pride Awards off teh ground. Went v well and you might like to know that when Ann went up to get her award she siad she thought you deserved it for all the amazing stuff you have done in the schools in EC1. YOu little chmp you! I think it would have brought a tear to your eye! And I missed that massive hug that you gave me last year when it was all over. It just wasn't the same. Must also mention my star coleague Anna Leach who was fab to work with and helped me to enjoy the night much more than last year cos I was much less stressed. OK. I'm sure these blog things aren't supposed to be an essay so I'll say goodbye for now. Love you and miss you loads. xx
Hey gorgeous x sorry I wasn't able to catch up with you but sitting on the M25 last Friday in a big pile of traffic made it very clear to why your are doing this. My thoughts are with you and let me know when you decide to have a stop and i'll meet upo with you and James.
Avoir and bon voyage!!
Bryony
oh think iv worked out how to leav anoth coment oh well done, blighty just isnt the same without you petal but im glad life looks beautful for you.
and planing my summer festys defo has you missng in the plans. love you lotsy lots amy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Tracey,
I am loving the blog and photos, its all looks so amazing! How is it all going? How many punctures are you up to?
Keep peddaling!
Love Jess xx
Post a Comment