After visiting the local Churchyard to pay respects to Vince’s Uncle we began our ride North headed for Thrisk and Middlesbrough. It provided a good shake down ride with us practicing getting on and off the bike fully loaded (something my quads and biceps need to get used to!) as well as  riding in a variety of road conditions – from busy London Streets to unpaved country lanes. It was cold, and sometimes wet but when we rode into a hail and thunderstorm we thought it best to pull off early for the day, so around 4.3oish we exited to Wetherby for the night….adaptability is part of the adventure and we are easing our way into it.     

Our first day fully loaded saw us basically run a shake down ride out to one of Vince’s relatives at Shotly Gate. Enroute we called into our friends at BMW Vines Guildford where young Ben saved the day solving a problem for us to have some electric vests hardwired into the bike, fitting me was a bit of a drama as the best fit was the BMW small vest, but it plugs into a socket not a hardwire …but Ben was creative and we found out that the two systems can intertwine. With help from Andrew, Aaron, Brian and Keith in just a couple of hours we were on our way all toasty warm!

It was everything we could have hoped for….and more…..other than my idol Lois Pryce not making it….but so many other inspirational people in our journey were there in the flesh to share their wisdom and encouragement. Sam Manicom (I now have signed copies of all his books to post home) met us with his camera at the ready to document us…..OMG he knows about us…..how cool in that? I just about went to pieces when I met Austin Vince (husband of my idol Lois) and got him to sign my adventure jacket… along with Chris Scott – yes THE Chris Scott (Chris actually took the photo of us with Austin). I gave Austin a couple of our stickers and he shared some of his invaluable advice on getting visas for Iran. Sam introduced me to Elsbeth Beard – another legend and idol…..unbelievable!  Everyone was pleased to see us and most encouraging about our plans. I also met the editor of Overlandmag (Paddy) who encouraged us to keep in touch – asking if Vince takes photos and I write!  Who know what lies ahead……….We had an amazing day and a great send off from the Ace for the start of our big adventure……bring it on……stay tuned!

As we had a day to kill before the Ace Cafe event, we took up the opportunity to visit the WB Studio Tour for Harry Potter – lots of fun! The weather in London has been freezing and I have tried over a few days now to find some adventure pants with a short leg length – no luck so far. After a very cold ride out to Leavesden we decided we need to widen the search to included a heated vest! Can’t imagine how we will cope camping in the Scottish Highlands! BRRRRRR …..and they call this SPRING!

The Off Bike Day for Karen’s Birthday, coupled with the slight delay in getting the bike sorted the day before, meant we were running a little behind schedule – so some time was spent catching up……we think that…. just maybe….. we have too much stuff…..surprise, surprise!!!

On my birthday we took the tube into London (after having my stitches from my skin cancer surgery removed at the local hospital). Then we visited Kensington Gardens, and in particular the original Peter Pan Statue – there is a replica of it in Queens Gardens in Perth Western Australia (where we were married). A fantastic birthday dinner at the Spaghetti House, followed by a glass of bubbles prior to seeing Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s in Haymarket seated in the Royal Circle – what more could a birthday girl want? Very Special! In around a month or so we will be back in London for a Drs appointment (after my Chemo treatment)…..so as a treat Vince booked us in to see Wicked! How lucky am I!!!!!

(NB Just 5 days before flying out from Australia, Karen was diagnosed with an invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer) on her neck which was removed immediately. After getting a second opinion from her own doctor, the decision was made to go ahead with the trip as planned and undertake Chemo Therapy whilst on the road….Very Brave!)

On the 18th March 2015 we finally got to pick up our bike from Roddy and Kathy at International Motorcycle Transport in Egham London. During the time we spent with these lovely people an invitation to attend the annual Overland and Adventure Bike Day at the Ace Cafe in London on Sunday 22nd March 2015 was extended. Although we had scheduled to leave London the Friday before, this was just too unique an opportunity to miss… so we have rejigged things a little so we can attend. Some of the celebrities who inspired us….like Austin Vince and Lois Pryce….. will be there and we are very excited about meeting them….Can’t wait! Vince never dreamed of having our bike at the Ace Cafe ….part of history …..The ANIMAL is excited too! >
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