Getting Ready...as ready as can be

...it probably goes without saying that journeys of such character need preparing. There are a thousand and one thing to be thought of. It goes from rough planning, then into detail here and there (i.e. route planning, daily route, accommodation) and it all kind of goes in circles. Most importantly - the People (who does what & when), and coming up with an overall plan. Breaking down all major themes (route, accommodation, kit, sponsors, support, PR etc) into manageable tasks, team working and networking all the time to get everything accomplished. A lot depends on individuals pulling their weight at certain times to GET THINGS DONE. Project management in its purest form (and really, what isn't these days...). Taking into consideration the different people and their ongoing work and private commitments its actually astounding that we actually got here - with 4 days to go!

In retrospect I think its about that overall plan being put up, starting in good time, being opportunistic here and there, thinking on one's feet, some coordination here and there, group emails/ updates. Its everyone to their abilities, some team members contributed with time, some financially, some with expertise, and all with a little bit of everything.

Today, Tuesday, was a good day as any to start getting out the camping stuff from the loft and checking that everything is still there - where else should it be really having packed it neatly after last years' 1000 miles challenge (1100 miles in Japan). Three major categories to classify things into I was going to pack today (Camping stuff, Clothing/Personal stuff, Food):

Camping
tent, ground sheet, air mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, camping cooker & pots/ pans/ cutlery, picknick blanket (extra comfort), washing line, torch, lighter, pocket knife - the basics...

...it all packs up nicely (always surprises me)

Clothing/ Personal stuff
3 padded cycle shorts (ranging from £15 - £70, long/ short), 3 cycle jackets (general, rain, cold), various cycle shirts (long/ short), 1 cycle fleece, 2 pairs of cycle gloves (short/ long), knee warmers, socks, shorts, trouser, 2 pairs of shoes (mountain bike shoes with cleats), personal hygiene (especially electric toothbrush - wouldn't want to go anywhere without...)

Food (largely my responsibility)
we planned for the first couple of days and then buy things as we go along. Everyone putting £200 in the kitty to have food & petrol costs covered before setting out. Damian told me he already bought the fish, tinned veg and 40!!! Mars bars... We are extremely grateful to my partner Pam for sponsoring Costco shopping (picture below being a small selection of it). Our general shopping list:

- Weetabix large 2x / Porridge oats (largest box) 2x / Muesli (largest box) 2x

- Soy milk 5x / Milk on the day

- Coffee (instant) 1 large / Tea (green/ black) 2 green/ 2 black

- Fruitjuice (100% different flavours) 1l or 1.5l – 10x

- Peanutbutter (3x) / Jam (3x) different kind / Honey (3x)

- BAGs OF mixed NUTS (10) / BAG OF RAISINS (2)

- Seasalt (1) / Pepper 1 / Olive Oil 1

- Butter (3)

- Wholemeal pasta (3KG) / Rice (1Kg) / Couscous (1Kg)

- Tinned Fish, different variety 20x

- Tissues, Ibuprofen, Muscle ache cream

- Magnesium, Multivits

- Reusable plates, bowls, cups

- Toilet paper

Technical equipment
There weren't half as many conversations about technical equipment as there were about the route, accommodation, bikes... However, we are extremely grateful to Action Cameras for the 4 bullet cams; Luttrell Productions (Three Feet High Productions) for the broadcast quality camera, mics, tapes, tripod; Embrace Cooperation for MacBook; Ian Homer for his photo equipment.

Bike/ Kit
everyone sorted their own bikes out but there was some collaboration as Jorrin had an extra set of wheels we are going to take plus his infamous toolbox. With Brixton Cycles support we got quite a few spares sorted out so everyone just had to bring personal puncture repair kits, pump, small bits & pieces.