I arrived in the UK Sunday 29/3. Despite all of the anticipated barrage of questions at customs I zipped straight through. Getting out of Aus was a different story. Excess baggage of 18kgs didn't go down well at the check-in. I had to scuttle off and find an Unaccompanied Baggage courier. Lyndy (partner) and Rob (friend) just looked on with a quiet smile. With my m/c jacket in hand I must have looked like a terrorist especially with the very short haircut. So I was singled out of 2,000 travellers for a bomb checkover. Anyhow the rest of the travels went as expected. Air travel is never ever fun but an essential part of the journey.

My friends (Myra & Alastair) in the UK have been exceptional hosts. You could not wish for more helpful, happy souls anywhere. I do not now how I could have begun preparing the bike without their help.

After a week I have had 2 trips up to Leeds Airport to try and gather my gear and equipment for the trip. It takes me about 3 hrs to ride and the weather has been foggy, cold and unsettling for me. The motorways here are busy, fast and one does wonder why there are so many cars on the road. The price of fuel ($2.30AUS)/L) does not deter anyone from madly driving up and down the motorways.

The village where I am staying is a piece of yesteryear. Some of the houses date back to the late 1700's. The thatched rooves are simply quaint.

I will be spending another week getting the BMW prepared with new panniers, tyres, suspension, electrics and seating. There are some pressing visa issues and a carnet for Iran to arrange. At this stage I have visa's for Russia, Mongolia and Kyrgystan. In total I need 9 visa's so there is plenty of homework to complete