Thought I'd better get the bike into Ian Leader's Bike Shop for a once over before I depart in 5 WEEKS time. Ahhh. I knew it needed quite a bit done, brakes, gears etc because of the weather and road conditions. Turns out it needs new chain, cassette, cables, brakes, back wheel and rear mech.- a good overhaul. Still, I will be cycling where there are no services for miles ( Texas ) so best to have the bike in tip top condition. The front brake hasn't worked for weeks so now I feel much more secure. Bike was in for 3 days and saud's law the weather was great, sunny with very little wind. I was on the exercise bike looking out. I don't believe it.
Getting all my equipment gathered together and learning how it all works - tent, groundsheet and the latest, a Thermarest Prolite Plus Womens Self Inflating Sleep Mat. When I unrolled it, it looked like plastic stuck together, like an old balloon but open the value, wait 10 minutes and amazingly it self inflates. A couple of puffs and that's it, about 1.5'' thick. Not much I know but seems very effective. Will see if I still feel the same way about it after 8 weeks. The only big item I have still to buy is my sleeping bag - want a down filled one. They all seem to be 'mummy' shaped which I find a bit claustrophobic but think I will have to settle for that.
