More Bumps in the Road

With the final countdown now down to just over three weeks, it is time to get more serious about my packing. To that end, I have now reduced one room in my home to a state of extreme disorder. Whenever I remember something that I require for my trip, I immediately collect it and add it to the ever growing pile. The rationale is that I would rather know where everything is that I need, rather than go looking for it at the last moment and then discover that it is not where I thought it was.

So where am I up to ? According to my estimates, I am probably about 90 to 95% ready. When the time gets a little closer I will have a "dummy pack" to see how everything fits into the case, and then to weight it to see what the final weight is. I am hoping for a final weight of around 17kg, but it could go a little more. I have to keep reminding myself that, for every extra kg I add, that is another kg I have to lug all over France with me.

What about the status of the others in my group ? Some weeks ago there were some serious concerns about the medical condition of a couple of other team members from Group One. At one stage I was a little concerned that I was going to make a group of just one. Fortunately those concerns have now abated, as the two doubtful starters now seemed to have made a good recovery. There will be four males in Group One of the Prologue Ride, so I think that I might christen the phrase "The Four Amigos" to describe our team.

Added to the medical concerns, we had the added uncertainly of t war in the Middle East. That would be bad at any time, but takes on a whole new degree of relevance when our flight over is planned to go right through the conflict zone. In spite of the ongoing skirmishes, daily flights are still taking place, so hopefully my trip won't come to a premature end in the Straits of Hormuz.

Added to these concerns, there is now a new challenge that has arisen. Europe has been battling the hottest summer on record, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 and even 40C. These elevated temperatures have continued, almost continuously through the entire European summer. Unlike in Australia, where we get a few hot days, followed by a cool change, there has been no letup. Not only have the temperatures been remarkable, but this has also been accompanied by a drought which has dried up many of the major rivers. The latest addition to this unfortunate mix is widespread forest fires in France and Spain. These are so bad that the French president described them as the biggest disaster to hit their country since World War II.

At this stage the French fires are to the south of where we will be cycling, but we may be impacted by smoke and other disruptions. Travelling is always interesting and the challenges that we face are amazing ways to test our resolve and mental toughness.

This may be the last update before I head off, so it is possible that the next footprint will be posted somewhere in Paris.Read more