I'm outta here...

I thought adventures we're meant to be exciting and enjoyable? We haven't even left yet and so far its been a real struggle! It wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't decided to service my Suzuki Bandit myself 2 days before departure date, only for a spark plug to snap and lodge itself firmly halfway inside my engine! Everything other aspect of the service was perfect. Change brake lines, brake fluid, adjust the chain, fit the rack and box, change the air filter, oil filter, engine oil etc.... It had to be the simplest thing. Spark plugs...

'£500', the suzuki dealship said. 'We'd have it done in a week for ya mate'. A week?!!! Hell no! Luckily I knew a car mechanic who thought he'd have a crack at it. So after 3 straight days of grueling engine stripping, tinkering and general bashing about he managed to restore my baby to her former glory. Phew. Although, I did have to reschedule my eurotunnel ticket and buy parts for the repair, both of which rinsed my wallet. But it was ok. I'm still going. I wasn't going to let anything spoil my mini adventure.

So. Here we are. 2.20am and I've just finished packing. Most of everything organised. Equipment, clothes, maps and radios packed, bike serviced (albeit, badly by me). Documents filed and ready. Banks notified of my oncoming debt. Nothing left to do but ride the bike! Most articles on european motobike touring say forget the planning and just go. We did that last time we went to Snowdon on the bikes where we learnt a few valuable lessons about waterproofing... This time we're not leaving anything to chance!

First stop. Reims in France. Better brush up the ol' francais, else we'll be eating mini rolls for breakfast. Although, from my previous experiences, the French have been very hospitable and friendly. Not sure if the urban myth about 'if you speak to them in English they'll be rude to you, if you try a bit of french, they'll coem across friendly, helpful and will speak english back to you' really applies. We'll see when Dan takes out his 'Big Tourist Picture Book' and eagerly points at a photo of a toilet seat.

I will try my best to update this blog whenever I can get to a computer, but time is tight and we're planning on doing a lot of camping, so may not be able to get to internet access so regularly. Got to wake up at 5.45pm to make our way over to folkestone for the train. Its getting interesting already....

S.