Three Months and Counting

The final three months before any big venture is when the action really starts to ratchet up a step. After the long time of planning and anticipation, we finally reach the point where the reality hits home.
Last weekend we conducted our final special group ride before we head off to France in August. Although it was not possible to get the entire team together, it was still exciting to see so many happily riding and chatting together about the adventure we will soon be sharing together.
For many this will be their first time in France and for many others it will be their first overseas ride with the Ghostriders. I can't wait to introduce them to my favourite country and show them just how incredible it is to cycle hundreds of kilometres along the beautiful backroads of Europe.
I think I have now reached the point where all my own personal arrangements are complete. My air tickets were purchased months ago, and I have now completed all the extra hotel bookings I will require. My transport to Melbourne Airport is booked, as is my pickup from Charles de Gaulle Airport to our hotel in Paris. We have also completed all our train bookings. The relevant booking information has all been printed and stored in my ever growing travel folder.
Based on advice from other travelers I have also taken out a WISE card and loaded it with some EURO, all ready for spending France. At the same time I purchased an eSIM for use in Europe. I even have my French phone number already.
Now that all my personal arrangements are in place, all I need is for my ageing body to hold together for a few more months, so that I can really enjoy my riding. On my previous few trips, it seems that a different physical ailment or pain manifested itself just in time to accompany me the whole time. At the moment, I am free of any evident health problems, and I really hope that it stays that way.Read more