Cant believe that today has arrived and I am really setting off on this trip this afternoon. The packing is done, the birthday celebrations have been completed and I guess that means I am ready.

Thanks to everyone who has shown an interest to date and I hope to be able to enter some more interesting content over the next few weeks. Departing this afternoon to get to Portsmouth in good time for tonights ferry crossing to Le Havre where I hope to get through to Northern Spain before finding a place to kip for the night.

The Perfect Birthday Cake

Great laughs over breakfast talking through my little trip with the team at work. Thanks Nev for providing the "feme tune" that now accompanies this blog entry.

Not sure I quite have a regular readership on the blog yet but figured I still have the obligation to keep things up to date.

Success on the insurance front and an inspiring trip to the Ace Cafe are the highlights I guess.

We arrived very late at the Ace but in time to listen to Simon Gandolfi and have a chat with him afterwards. Simply brilliant and for anyone ever thinking twice about getting out and doing anything then this guy can teach you a lesson or ten. Seek out his tales on the HUBB and web generally or get out and buy his book - you will not be disappointed. Thanks also to Grant and Susan for enabling me to pick up volume 1 of the new DVD which I am one hour into consuming - again if you are even half thinking about a trip, buy the DVD and book your flights/ferry!

Insurance fixed thanks to an extremely efficient session on the web and phone to Carole Nash - these guys know bikes and bikers, very impressed. Entered all the boring info on the internet site, got a quote and then phoned up referencing this quote to check on the Morroco coverage. A quick search of possible insurers left me choosing a slightly higher quote but including the essential cover for the trip through Norwich Union. Great service and they also include free recovery service so if the s*&t hits the fan then I can get the bike home.