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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…

Hi! …And welcome to the Bike Ramble.

This is the place where you get to follow along on a several year long solo bicycle expedition around the world. A journey conducted by me, Fredrika Ek, a 23 year old Swedish girl with a sometimes unhealthy appetite for adventure. On the international women’s day, the 8th of March 2015, I will set off to realize my vision of circumnavigating the planet.

The project is already months into being planned, but there’s still a huge chunk of preparations to be done before the actual journey will begin. Here in the Bike Ramble Blog you can keep yourself updated on how the planning process is progressing and follow along on my preparations. You can read about how I’m using this project to raise money for charity, how I carefully pick my route around the world, and not least how I prepare my body and mind for the challenges that lay ahead.

…And in about six months time you’ll be able to tag along when I slowly (and probably pretty wobbly) roll out of my beloved hometown Sundsvall and into the unknown.

I hope you’ll join me on this crazy ride, it’s gonna be absolutely awesome :)

Let’s go!