Been a while ...

Yep! But I'm happy that I'm not the only one. I thought it might have been just me who suddenly got very tired and demotivated and felt not a bit like cycling! But it's given me a boost knowing there are others in our group who are feeling similar.

Just haven't been able to get it together at all. Of course, I haven't left training completely. I've been working hard on my stamina with karate, kickboxing, running and the gym. I just haven't been on my bike. I think it's the fact that I don't relish three or four hours on my own, never quite sure where I'm going and it's bloomin' cold now, too. It'd be OK if I was running or walking - because then I can plug into music and it's great, but I don't dare do that on my bike. I know some people do and I think they're nuts, to be honest. On the narrow roads where I cycle the only warnings I get of fast cars are hearing them zooming up behind me.

Anyway - all has not been completely lost. Sponsorship money is still coming in - people are still being fantastic. And I've been busy getting my vaccinations and visa sorted out - equally important! I've been lucky enough to need hardly any vaccinations as I've still got everything since my last trip to India. I was just waiting for the consensus on the malaria aspect of things and have decided to ditch the tablets and go for high-strength sprays and creams, etc. It's a very low risk area and I know lots of people are doing the same.

As for my visa ... well, I went to London one day and the queue at the embassy went all the way into next week so I did a quick turn-around and went back to the 'agency' idea. Fortunately, I'd already been in touch with one of the agencies recommended via the Embassy website, because my passport is a bit 'unusual' - and they'd agreed to do it so long as I provided a couple of extra documents. Seems I made the right choice, since the agency recommended by Cycle India was so inundated with applications that they had to start refusing them. My visa was done and ready in 4 days - they were really quick and uncomplicated.

Now - on to the packing ... but you know me, it'll be the night before ...

Sunday, by the way - I'm meeting up with a few Cycle India ladies and we're doing London to Brighton. I'm going up by train to stay with Alison (very kindly) on Saturday so we can get a good start Sunday morning (clocks go back then, too, so working in our favour). Have just had a wild idea this morning, though, that I might cycle up Saturday, too. That would make it a really good 'last fling' training weekend for me and I'd be pretty chuffed afterwards - might be what I need right now. I'll let you know ... need to look at some routes.

So ... watch this space!