THAR SHE BLOWS!!!! Here's The Bomb in her crate, complete with panniers, pack & frame, crash hat, etc. and The Max, standing behind her in the shippers' warehouse. Unfortunately, owing to what I will tactfully describe as a "technical hitch" (and resisting the urge to describe what REALLY happened), the other precious pictures taken of her being loaded and transported are not available. But this one gives you the idea. To keep her manageable cost wise, we removed the front wheel, forks, handlebars and mirrors, to keep her within 1.4 sq metres. That's why the box looks so short. Lord alone knows how we will fit another sixty pairs of shoes in there as well, to bring home again. Might need an extra crate...

Oh, and... happy birthday to me!!!! Hip, Hip, Hooray. HOW many candles are there on the cake??? Better get that fire hose...

EXCUSE ME!!!

Hey, Daddy Cool, there's only room for ONE midlife crisis on this blog, and its mine!!! mine!!! mine!!! So hands off, y'hear? As for coming with me, you know darn well I wouldn't be able to catch you. I'd be eating your dust. But you're welcome to come as Pace-setter on the next ride - East Coast of Australia, Feb or March '08 for two weeks. I'm throwing down the challenge to all riders (especially women!) who would be interested in doing that trip with me, to raise money for the Brave Battlers of Breast Cancer, specifically for Herceptin treatment for those who can't afford the tens of thousands of dollars for the vital nine months of treatment beyond the three that the government will pay for.
Something for y'all to think about, huh? Wanna find out more? Keep watching...

the state IM in

In a fit of (WAY past) midlife crisis,I recently purchased a motorbike myself and if circumstances had allowed I would have joined my globe trotting daughter on this trip,(just to keep an eye on her you understand). Sounds like the trip of a lifetime and I will be watching this space avidly.Of course with Americans driving on the wrong side of the road (the right side) I just hope she REMEMBERS that at all times.
Other than THAT I have complete confidence in her ability to look after herself and enjoy the trip immensely.
Shes been globetrotting for as long as I can remember so its a breeze for her . Good luck kiddo

One thing that has caused a major headache and sleepless nights for way too long (read - months!!!) was the problem of obtaining liability insurance to traverse the USA as an "alien" with no US residence zip code or social security number. After weeks of suggestions, debates, knock-backs and frustrated wailing and gnashing of teeth (BIG thanks to all who tried to help, smoothed out my feathers when I got them in a tangle, and encouraged me to remain solution focussed!!), a company emerged called Fernet Insurance, based in Orlando Florida, who set it all up with a couple of phone calls and a fax. Anyone who wants or needs to can contact them on info@fernet.com I talked to a woman named Phyllis there, who was an absolute star, and for whom nothing was too much trouble. She and Nancee Williams ironed out my forehead and put the smile back on my face.

Here's The Bomb, in all her glory. This photo was taken at the 'Stags n Slags' Rally, Hednesford, West Midlands, England, back in 2005. She's a well-travelled girl!

Even at this early stage, there are some people I would like to acknowledge thus far, for their practical assistance in getting me to the starting post. Huge thanks to the fab Judy Broad at Nelson's Air New Zealand Holiday Shop, who spent hours looking for the right flights - we got there in the end. Also a big thank you to the guys at Thunderbike Nelson for providing the perfect crate, and an even bigger one to Kerry for reconfiguring the whole thing, packing my beloved Cherry Bomb into it so well, and getting her safely to the port. Thanks also go to Nancee for the signpost to insurance, and a big thanks and a hug go to the Very Lovely Liz, who has nudged me gently and patiently into the 21st century world of blog. You're all amazing people. I'm at the start gate because of you.

Max doing a fine impression of Burp Munro - the before and after photos!

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