Graham
Many people spend a lot of time packing a bike. Not having mudguards helps. Rather than testing whether a dismantled bike fits, measure it, eg with a piece of rope. I use panniers as padding. I removed my forks rather than the front rack. The question to ask is what can get damaged - probably derailleur and front forks. I don't have a derailleur; I have a custom driiled dowel that I fit in place of the front wheel using the quick release. I use a pseudo trucker's hitch on the ropes. These make the ropes very tight. I don't need tape. The cable ties at the bottom are just supporting the box until I get the bike in. Yes, should do a video. If you can't get a box get big bits of cardboard and cable tie them together - much better than tape. The only useful tape is cloth duct tape - motorcyclist's tool kit on a roll. I've fixed shirts with it; OK with a washing machine but hates the hot drier.

Ian I’m highly impressed with your efficient but relaxed bike packing technique. Should be patented.

I waste several days, kilometres of tape, hectares of cardboard and many litres of padding when I pack a bike for flight.

And I guess a Thorn Nomad is so sturdily built, not even Qantas sub/contractor baggage handlers could damage it.

I’d suggest you keep up the daily posts. It’ll be interesting for us armchair travellers to learn more about Dili and Timor.

Graham
So good to hear from you. I'm not really on the go again but think that I will keep the blog ticking over while I'm in Dili. What do you think? I like your donation strategy. I'll find every small island on the way!

Great that you are back on the bike and journaling Ian. I’ve missed the daily updates.

I’m behind in my donations but will catch up soon now you are moving again.

My plan is to donate every time you finish crossing an island (or any continent shaped like a big island) move on to the next island.

Great effort Ian, so pleased that you and Cora have a few days together in Darwin before beginning the next chapter of your adventure.

So sad, we see them here at Pindimat and they are lovely

Well done Rob. Cheers to all who get in the saddle. I'm pleased that you're enjoying it as are Cora and I, Darwin, as we set off to pedal to the Sailing Club. Off to Dili on Tuesday.

Great effort Ian. I've enjoyed the armchair ride. Loved the birds. I did 19ks on the bike yesterday. Recovery day today.

Ian
Good hearing from you. Back on the bike a bit more? Ian

Pretty sure the only guys with parachutes in WWI were those in observation balloons. Other aircrew were toast. Douglas

Peter
You certainly fall into the category of people with whom I have much in common. But I'd like to think that we disagree on a few issues too.
I'm impressed that you're reading my blog. All the best on your travels. Ian

Hope we fall into that category, albeit dreaded caravanners. Whipped through your tale from Canberra to actually reaching Darwin. Enjoyed your pics and observations. Look forward to Dili on. Best wishes.

Peter
Good hearing from you!
I meet a handful of people that I'd love to chat with for longer. They're people who always know why they are travelling. Ian

Yes, it was a fine chat from our perspective as well: and inspiring. Peter and Kay.