Preparations

I should be sleeping right now. But I just can’t. I mean, how could I?

I’ve been thinking about this moment every day for what seems like forever. And now it’s actually here. One last night in my own bed and a breakfast at home is what’s left before I leave my old life behind and jump head first into the biggest adventure of my life.

The last day at home turned out to be one of the best ones I’ve ever had. I thought I knew it before, but today has proven that I really do have the best friends one could wish for.

This morning I got waken by my best friends, who’d all come home to Sundsvall to be here my last weekend at home. I was so happy to see them that I didn’t really reflect on the fact that the breakfast in bed they brought me was the typical Swedish Christmas rice pudding.

Soon though it became clear what was going on. To make up for the upcoming time we won’t be able to have together they’d arranged an entire micro-year compressed into one long, amazing day. Christmas, Easter, and the typical Swedish mid summer celebration were all covered by lunch time, and the day was already to good to be true.

During the afternoon the year continued with the imaginary celebration of my birthday (October) at the spa. About this time the love and gratitude I feel towards these people led into on and off crying and laughing in a way I wasn’t really ready for.

Our one day year was finished off in style with a three course New Year’s dinner. I can’t really describe how nice it’s been to just let go off (almost) all thoughts of this project and have this last amazing day with people I care so much about. I guess that the only negative thing would be that this will make it even more difficult to leave them all tomorrow.

OK. It’s now 3.30 AM and I need to get some sleep.

Even with the mixed emotions I am so excited to see what tomorrow will bring. Just as today has been, tomorrow will be a day that I for sure will remember for the rest of my life, and I can’t wait to experience it.

I really feel like the luckiest girl in the world :)

Time for bed!

During the last couple of months I’ve without doubt been running to and from the local post office more often than ever before. The majority of gear I’ll be bringing can’t be found in my sometimes too small hometown, and I’ve been making orders from web shops all over the world.

It’s always exciting to receive and try out a new piece of gear, no matter it’s size and importance. But there have been a few instances when I literally can’t wait to get home and get my hands on what’s inside the parcel. When I finally received the expedition bicycle a couple of weeks ago being an obvious example. The delivery I received today another.

Ever since Sea to Summit decided to become a part of this journey with me, I’ve been so looking forward to receiving and testing out the gear they’re supplying me with. Most of you already know this, but Sea to Summit is a global company that provides awesome solutions for outdoor enthusiasts looking for innovative, durable, lightweight and compact gear. The construction of their stuff is always ingeniously thought out, resulting in top quality, slick looking gear weighing less than one would think is possible. I couldn’t be happier to have them on board.

Dry bags, sleeping mattress, pillow, sleeping bag liner, camping kitchen, towels, backpack and a bunch of storage gear. The list of things Sea to Summit is supporting me with is long, and it’s gonna be so much fun trying it all out.

First out? Well, let’s just say my bed will be left empty tonight.

The Bike Ramble is still a solo expedition, but I am certainly no longer alone on this journey. One after another, new supporters have chosen to take part of the adventure, and I couldn’t be happier.

The latest addition of sponsors is Bergans of Norway, for which I am ridiculously excited. Bergans is as many of you already know a leader in the development of outdoor equipment and technical clothing. Their wide range of adventure gear suits me and my purposes perfectly, and they will be providing me with clothing, tent and sleeping bags along my journey.

The past week the Swedish mountains have been offering some serious cold weather, which gave me the perfect opportunity to test out some winter gear.

What I think?

I’ve hit the jackpot!

Rain, cold, heat, wind, snow and dirt. Whatever is thrown at me, I’m convinced I’ll not only come out in one piece, but also be able to keep a smile on my face :)

Receiving this top quality gear that will always keep me warm, dry and safe gives me so much confidence. In a bit more than two months I’ll be on my way, and I can’t wait to finally get moving. Until then, I’ll keep the Bergans clothing and gear on display right on the floor in my home, just as another constant reminder of what’s waiting.

Today The Bike Ramble made it’s very first media appearance! Right before dawn I joined the morning show at the local radio station for a brief chat about my upcoming adventure. This was my first time ever in a radio studio so I was definitely a bit nervous. Check out the (swedish) interview and see if you can tell?

Big chunks of work have already been done. But there’s still A LOT of preparations left before I can actually say I’m ready for The Bike Ramble to begin. Some are to me exciting stuff, like building strength and preparing my body for the challenges ahead. While some a bit more tedious like getting the right vaccinations and comparing insurance policys. When you list everything out one thing is certain, I still have work to do. I mean, I haven’t even acquired the actual bicycle yet.

Although this is all true, I can’t help but to be annoyed that the start date, the 8th of March, still seem so distant. I’m tired of waiting around. I don’t just want to imagine what this adventure will be like. I want to go out and experience it. Now.

Sadly the truth is that there still is around 5 months before I will actually get to do just that. So until then I simply have to keep my focus on my preparations. Luckily, when my motivation is low, I can always heighten my spirit by looking back on pictures and journal entries from last year’s 4000 km bicycle tour through Europe.

I really can’t wait to get back out on the road again.

Tick tock…