We have both started full-time work now so our preparations have changed levels. Ross and Demi had some swanky cycling jerseys made, which will hopefully motivate us to train!
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| Our new cycling jersey |
I finally picked up a bike in Edinburgh thanks to Winsome, and have been spending my free time bringing it back into top condition. It's a Dawes Galaxy, which were the top bikes in touring for many years. Recently the trend has been moving towards off-road capable bikes but for our plans the Dawes is perfect.
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| Dull times; cleaning, polishing and waterproofing a leather saddle |
All it needed were new tires and inner tubes and a good clean, so I stripped it down to the bearings and built it back up with new grease and adjustments. It was good to have a project for the evenings to take my mind off work and to mark the change from the last 3 years of reading and typing. I have a better idea of how the bike works now too! Hopefully that means I'll be able to fix most things on the road.
I managed to get out for a super-quick ride before the downpour started. It's a fantastic bike, not twitchy and speedy like a racer but not as 'stuck in the mud' as a mountain bike. It just wanted to get moving and keep going! I'm very excited to take it on a longer run.
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| The nearly-finished product! |
There are still a few things to do, like re-tape the handlebars and get a set of front racks and panniers. For now the bike is just right, so I'll be cycling the 20 miles to and from work from now on... As long as it doesn't rain!
Now that I've got a bike and I'm earning some money it feels like everything is coming together. It's a great feeling, and there's still 3 or 4 months left before we leave! I don't think I've ever felt as prepared for a trip this early. We're on the crest of the wave!
P.S.
OBLIGATORY JUSTGIVING CHARITY LINK
Let's go to work folks.
John
