Approx. 220 road miles.

All packed and ready to go (see my equipment list), I left Hampton feeling very sad to be leaving my lovely wife for so long, but couldn’t wait to see what this adventure would have in store for me. Prior to me leaving, Kerry suggested she run a blog alongside mine with regards life without me. We could call it “the wine route”. Let’s see if that happens, I think it would make very interesting reading especially whilst in Tennerife. We look forward to your weekly blogs.

The bike is well over loaded with all kinds of stuff I will probably never use. I’m looking forward to losing some weight along the way (from the bike that is). At the disagreement of Kerry, I did attempt a last minute ditch which ended being only my mosquito net and bike cover. Let’s just hope those mosquitoes are not too hungry and the rain season has come to an end by the time I arrive in West Africa.

Anyway, after a short ride to Portsmouth ferry terminal, here I am in my large outside 4 berth cabin aboard the ferry to Bilbao in the Bay of Biscay, courtesy of a prize draw held at the Horizons Unlimited, Ripley; it makes a change to have a cabin with a window. The sailing is relatively calm and when I woke this morning a warmer breeze could be noticed outside on deck. Swimming alongside the porpoises played in the waves as we sped along at 25 knots. Although a warmer breeze, the sky is still overcast and I’m hoping once we dock in Bilbao the sun will be shining.

This evening, once on land, I will begin an approximately 200 mile journey to my first campsite near Segovia.

Whilst planning a trip, you become aware of other Motorcycle travellers who are in similar territories, one of which being Ross, a Canadian guy who has kept me updated on his progress along with any problems he has come up against. My last email from Ross suggested he has had an amazing experience even if his adventure was to end in Cameroon. Come on Ross, keep going, and remember once in a life time opportunity!

I would like to take this opportunity to thanks all those who are following and for your overwhelming messages of support.