FAQs

Q. How far will you have to cycle each day? 

A. We think that an average of 100km a day should do the job.  Clearly there will be days when it hills/ wind/ visa applications/ general tiredness (!) decrease this mileage substantially but that’s the plan anyway!

Q. What equipment are you taking? 

A. More than you would think!  But the list kind of looks like this so far: Thorn Sherpa for Jodie; Surly Long Haul Trucker for Tom; 4 Ortlieb front roll-top panniers; 4 Ortlieb back roll-top panniers; 2 Ortlieb handlebar bags; 2 Ortlieb 10L water bags; Terra Nova Duolite Tourer Tent; 2 sleeping bags; 2 x Thermarest; Cooking pots; MSR Whisperlite stove with two gas bottles, wind shield and flint; MSR deep plates; 2 mugs; 2 sporks; Ortlieb 5L folding bowl; Duct tape; 2 LED head torches; Small backpack; Digital SLR Canon Camera (and little Ixus); Canon Legria recorder; Gorillapod; SolarGorilla solar charger; Netbook; Cateye mini bike computer; cycling clothes; normal clothes; trainers; flipflops; sunnies; cap; Bike tools and spares inc. tyre lever; spoke key; chain breaker tool; Leatherman Wave; inner tubes; gear & brake cables; spokes; brake pads; chain links; chain degreaser, lubricants and grease; diary; various maps; toiletries and first aid kit.  Oh and a toothbrush.

Q. How long will it take you to get there?

A. We need to be in Melbourne by June 2011 so we can settle down before we start our college courses and then onto NZ for the final of the RWC which we are hoping won’t take too long!

Q. Are you taking a camera?

A. Um, yes, that was the plan.

Q. Are you going on a tandem bike? 

A. Are you kidding us?!  No way!

Q. Have you done much training? 

A. Probably not as much on the road training with panniers etc as we should have done to be honest.  We view France as our training ground and are hoping that our daily gym sessions and occasional bike ride will see us through.

Q. What will you eat?

A. It all depends what we can get our hands on really.  Some days we envisage pasta meals round the camp fire and in other places, lots of delicious street food and local produce.  Fingers crossed more of the latter!