Sunday 9th February

oday was quite simply terrifying to start with. imagine getting into
a car in Paris, left hand drive,then setting off to negotiate the rush
hour traffic...then add into that sundry animals running around, which
you're not allowed just to run over, then throw in all the pedestrians
wandering randomly around the road and you just about get an idea of
what it's like. But I am still in one piece, and, more importantly is
the bike.

In truth it was a short day, just to get to know these mad machines,
but tomorrow is a full on day. 155k on these roads, up at 6am and
probably not reaching our destination for about 10 hours...partly
because you go faster than about 50kph at your peril, and partly
because what is the point of being here if you let it all rush by.

We had presentations tonight from all the charities that benefit and
it was really moving to hear their stories and how Enduro helps.

I'm pleased to say that i'm still with the boys in Blue...Guy and Mike
are ganging up tomorrow...and probably some of the others too.

Guy's story is an amazing one. He lost his right leg below the knee
about 6 years agoand this is his first bike trip since. I think he
is incredibly brave...these bikes are not the smooth japanese machines
most of us are used to....finding neutral is a nightmare, then you
find it in all sorts of places when you really don't want it. And as
for brakes...well, let's just say you shouldn't put too much faith in
them. Tony - you were right...it is like sitting on a washing machine
and i'm seriously regretting not packing a nice sheepskin seat pad.

Anyway...must get to bed. Hairy day ahead, but stunning too by the
looks of things. Will try to add a pic or two, but meanwhile, i've
put up one of the bike, with Sheep, who is there to remind me of
Skye...i'll never complain about Charlie's sheep again. Night night x