On My Way to Paris

Well the big day has finally arrived.  Since August 1 last year, I've ridden over 12,500 km, taken more than 50 flights with my bike, lost 16 kg, and then re-gained 2 kg all in preparation for today.  I'm sitting in the plane on the way to Singapore, and as I type away, we've just crossed the Australian coast line - leaving friends and family far behind....

There's lots of people to thank for making today a reality - a special thanks must go my beautiful wife and family.  12,500 km on the bike, a full time job and lots of work travel is a lot to put up with on top of typically charming personality.  There's a lot of sleeping and cranky time that goes with all of that hard work - so a special thank-you to Susie, Mackenzie, Jemima and Charlotte for being so supportive.  I will miss you all heaps.

Thanks to my work buddies who have had to listen to me talk about this trip for the last 11 months, as well as put my with my ever diminishing focus as July 10 came closer and closer.  If you could just have all of that First Home Saver stuff sorted out by the time I get back that would be great. 

Thanks also to my many riding buddies - the Graceville mob for all of that base training, a special thanks to Keryl for finding me some new riding buddies and more thanks to Marcel, Tammy, Julian and the crew at MB coaching for making me a far better rider over the last six months.

I'm not sure when I can stop worrying and get really excited.  The last week has seen me terrified of having a fall and breaking something which would stop me from riding.  After one close call this week, I've managed to get on to the plane in one piece and in pretty good shape. 

My next worry is getting me and all of my luggage in Paris at the same time.  Typically I pack my bike and all of my riding gear into my bike case.  Today I've departed from tradition and just packed the bike in its case with all of my clothing and cycling shoes in my suitcase.  My thinking is that with this approach if things go wrong I'll either have a bike to ride (albeit in the nude), or clothes to wear and a bike to borrow.  Knowing that I have to go through Heathrow just adds to the luggage degree of difficulty - I'll just cross my fingers and hope that it all works out. 

All these worries - I thought holidays were supposed to be fun.....