Ryan announced last Friday afternoon that he was going back to Canada on Monday, and wouldn’t get back to London till after I leave – so suddenly we had a…
About a bike (II)
So back in February, I went along to Ryan’s workshop on Webber Street SE1, to be fitted up for my new bike. And this wasn’t just a matter of measuring…
About a bike (I)
I think it was last October, at Courier Appreciation Day, when I got talking to Ryan about my big ride – not long after I had decided that it was…
The luxury of self-pity
I woke up with a splitting headache and a sore throat so painful that I can barely speak. I’d love nothing more than to spend the day lazily curled up…
My greatest hypocrisy
I know this trip will force me to look at the world in new ways, and change my mind about lots of the things I’ve considered fundamental beliefs until now….
Wheelbuilding
In two months’ time I will be feasting my eyes on winding roads and distant horizons. But I’ve spent most of today focussing them very closely on a minute operation…
Planning and waiting
“So, how are preparations for your trip going?” This is all anyone ever says to me these days. I try to answer politely but, in reality, I’m completely fed up…
The Road
Isn’t it a beautiful sight? And something of a consolation for all I’ll be giving up. Over the last couple of months I’ve been miserably preoccupied with the prospect of…
The Fear
Or, how a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I’ve just about accepted that, since this trip is something big and new that I haven’t done before, there’s no…
Things I won’t miss
About a year ago I moved into my dream house. It’s big, and old, and full of sunshine, and my bedroom has a view of the entire London skyline. There…