22 March 2006 - The Cunning Plan..

Hi!

If you've read my posts then you'll see the general direction I'm heading in. Early 2007 is the intended set off date, subject to the usual slippage of course!

The house is being redecorated, kitchen has been refitted, now working on the bathroom. Come the decent (in the UK???!) weather, the exterior will get some attention to make the whole place saleable.

Equity from the house will fund the trip, including buying a bike (probably BMW as Messrs. McGregor and Boorman seem to have proved their worth) and also allow a decent investment for emergencies and the inevitable return 'home'.

So far, it's just on paper but things like bank account and 'c/o' addresses and contacts are lining up well.

Things still to enquire about include insurance and associated boring stuff!

Route planning is the next step, though this will be a general plan so as to allow flexibility depending on places I like and stop at for a longer-than-expected time, people I meet, general weather conditions and time of year I actually set off. Lots of swotting through travel books is currently underway.

The intention is to do a brief UK/Ireland tour as a shake-down for the big trip, then head off into Europe for a few months, direction dependent on weather again. Then either to Africa (trying to avoid the bullet dodging regions!) or Asia. Where I end up will determine the next direction which will either be Australia/New Zealand or the Americas.

Preference is to at least start the journey with a like-minded biker..