Anniversary

I realised the other day that the one year anniversary of the idea for Avoiding Europe passed the other day without me noticing (well - I did notice - it was my birthday. But I didn't realise.) Have a look at my first ever post on here, if you don't believe me.

So what has been achieved over the last year? Well, I've planned the route in as detailed a way as I would like before I leave. I've worked out how much money and equipment I'll need and started saving accordingly. I've bought a large amount of that equipment - including the bike. I have set up sponsorship for the British Heart Foundation through my website. There was a feature about me in the paper. I got a website set up. And some business cards printed. I did a training ride in France, covering about 800 miles in eleven days cycling, on my own. I've read a lot about cycle touring and all the countries I'll be visiting (especially the Eastern European ones).

In short, quite a bloody lot. So its not been a total waste of time. I just hope the next year is as productive.

Update

Well, it's been a while. But don't worry - I am still alive. And yes, I am still planning on 'Avoiding Europe'. I've been busy with other things over the past few months - trying to make a name for myself as a music reviewer, having a birthday, life in general.

As I think I mentioned before, I'm in a sort of limbo period with the trip. I have the route finalised. I have the equipment. I want to go. I just don't have the money at the moment. But that's alright - I'll just work for a bit longer.

Which is another thing I was talking about last time - when am I actually going to go? Well, I think I am going to avoid Winter. I'm thinking of seven to eight months in total for the trip, so if I leave in March I don't have to be in Winter anywhere. That will be March 2007, by the way. Like I said - I can't afford to go yet. I can't just leave and expect to live nearly a year on the road in Europe with about £900 (my current savings). It just wouldn't work and I want to do it properly.

In the mean time I've got some decent reading material - the library was getting rid of their 'travels in Eastern Europe' section so I got 5 books for £1. I am also planning to sort out the photos on the website soon, so keep checking back - it will be updated!