After more than seven years of ideas and planning Paul has finally put his plan into action and finally left the country on the first leg of his big bike trip. What is his plan? "No plan" he says "I'll be back between six weeks and six years from now . . . see you then for a cuppa!
Hopefully he'll have lots of exciting stories to tell and enough photos to publish a book. We can't wait.
Here at 'VFTS Towers' we hope to bring you a few pages from his diary of adventures on the way, along with a few interesting facts and figures about the places he's visiting which may inspire you to plan your own big bike trip in the future.
How many items can you fit
in one topbox?
So what exactly do you pack on a big bike trip trip? The first thing to do is obviously have a think about everything you would like to take and divide it into three piles. The first is for the absolute essentials. This should contain your passport, some money, possibly a ticket or two and of course the keys to your bike! The second pile is for stuff that would be useful; clothes, map, tent etc, and the third pile is for stuff you would like to take.
When you have decided what is in each of your piles pick up the contents of pile three and put it all away. You don't have room for your cuddly dog that you've had since you were three. It will still be here when you get back. . . and I would have a serious rethink about that acoustic guitar if I were you.
Remember you have to transport everything you have with you from one place to the next. Now take a second look at pile two. Should any have been in pile three? Put it away!
You should be left with a reasonable sized pile of stuff. Try a test pack to see how much you can fit in your top box/ panniers/ ruck sack etc. If it all fits congratulations you can take everything with you. If it doesn't then pull it all out and decide whether in fact you did really need that frying pan or that extra jumper after all. Just remember you are going abroad, not to the moon!
FOOTPRINT
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Imbued within this symbol is the belief that regardless of the borders crossed and cultures explored, all you should leave behind is the gentle mark of your footprint. |
SWASTI
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For centuries this ancient Tibetan symbol has symbolised new beginnings. |
HEART
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This reminds the traveller to respect the rights & lifestyles of those met along the way - and to remember the love of those at home. |
SUN
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There's simply no feeling quite like it - the life giving warmth of the sun shining upon closed eyelids whilst lying on a deserted beach! |
Well that's charming!
So, your friend or loved one is going on a round the world trip and obviously you'd like to give them a gift to take with them to remind them of home, but, they only have a space of 2 inches square in their rucksack ... Hmmm... what could you possible buy them? Abi Jones found the perfect answer in the shape of a Travel Charm. Hailed as the modern day St. Christopher this lucky charm for travellers fits onto the drawstring inside the top of a rucksack or can be strung on a chain or leather thong. Engraved with five different symbols, it has talismanic qualities protecting the wearer on their distant adventures.
HEART
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A reminder for anyone on their travels to keep in touch with those at home. |
Available from www.scarlettjewellery.com