The countdown to an extended adventure has an air of ambivalence to it. Everyday life plods on, as it does.  The bills need paying. The car needs servicing. Laundry and housework make their demands.

But, at the same time, much more exciting tasks are calling out too: Trip Planning Tasks. Maps to pore over. TGF train tickets to buy. Emails to send. Sigh...

Come 28 August, the moment we board our tiny plane in Blenheim (at 6am, would you believe?)  the humdrum disappears, just like that. Now, it's all about the bike.

Can't wait!