We had a great trip in May and June. Lots of riding and memories etched into our mind and hearts. I just found this nearly completed blog that I had obviously forgotten to upload back then. Here it is – written predominantly back in June.

We are proud of our resilience and fitness and self belief in undertaking a 3,300 km journey the way we did.

Doing that, yes there are challenges at times that require your resolution versus relying on others to solve problems.

What we gain is flexibility and trust in ourselves to be relatively independent.

We have kept fit since our last trip which is pivotal to the outcome as without that the days would be far less riding.

I am forever thankful for my fitness despite my well documented health challenges.

Success lies in the preparation.

Countless hours researching routes, places, bike friendly accomodation in the 3-12 months prior.

Keeping fit on a daily basis. Zwift is my go to there, where I have made many friends globally.

Bikes being appropriate and well maintained. New tyres, brake pads, chains and carrying appropriate spares including rear derailleur hangers. Thanks to Tony who was regularly lubing the chains and cleaning the bikes,.

Reflection after a trip often includes what changes we would make next time. Every trip we learn something new.

New Zealand at Christmas it was to carry insect repellent. This trip I carried it but not used once. However, reading a post from Tasmanian friends riding in Norway I saw picture of Warren’s face, eaten alive by midges! So the insect repellent will remain on our list.

We have good gear and good clothes. But we will replace one part of Tony’s Tailfin system (front panniers) to a different model that is quicker and easier to put on and off. That will save some cussing 😳🤩.

I read a quote earlier..l

We had some wonderful times and I know a piece of my heart remains behind as I had tears….

Not all were humans either.

We’ve been asked what were our favourite areas or countries. That’s like asking which is our favourite child.

We really enjoyed each country, the variations in geography, scenery, foods, cultures and experiences.

Of course, if we had more time you’d see spots that have been suggested we ‘missed’ but then do you discount what we have seen? No not at all.

I particularly loved the Bohuslan Islands.

Then there were the trolls – we had fun looking for them!

The scenery is magnificent – I could upload so many photos – but many are in previous blogs.

In picking these few, I have uploaded over 13,500 onto the WordPress gallery now!

Stay tuned – the reason I was on WordPress was to get it ready for our next adventure starting very, very soon.

Ooroo.