Two weeks to go...

...and counting down! I've been really lucky in the last week in getting some really generous responses to requests for discounts on the last bits and pieces of equipment I've needed. You can see all the companies that have helped me out in the links to the right.

I packed the bike today for the first time (thanks for your company and help Luiza!)to make sure everything fits in the panniers and to so a dry tomorrow to test the weight... from the feel of it it's going to be a big shock to the legs, I'm thinking even carrying Ole Peggy down the stairs fully loaded is going to be a struggle! I'd rather not have to unpack her to do that in case stuff gets nicked if I divide it up. And I still have to get my spare tyre and chain to add to it! Luckily the front two panniers are empty, so I can try to avoid using them, other than for food, which will make slightly less to carry when I'm off the bike. Hmmm... athough they might be useful in spreading the weight a bit, and steering might be better.. we'll see.

www.justgiving.com/kimunkey_central_america

Three weeks to go til I fly and it seems to be all lists lists lists! Seems that still so much needs to be done/ got/ checked before heading off, and how on earth is all of this stuff going to fit in my panniers? My previous two trips were much more mini tours and there were two of us sharing out the camping equipment, and the trips were short enough not to carry spares so if seemed a lot less like a case of packing tetrus!

For now, a HUGE thanks to everyone who has sponsored my efforts for the fantastic UK based charity Macmillan over the last couple of years, you have all been fantastic! This trip is also to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and so far I have raised £2749.10! Anyone else who would like to sponsor me please visit my justgiving page, www.justgiving.com/kimunkey_central_america. It is a quick and secure way to donate, and if you are a UK tax payer and check the gift aid box Macmillan will recieve the tax on your donation too!

I will be putting up my provisional route and plans here over the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out!

Thanks again to all you lovelies who've sponsored me!

One month to go and counting down!

Ok, so it's the third of January 2010 and the nerves have finally hit me! I have a few days over a month until I fly out to Panama with Macmillan Cancer Support to cycle the 720 km to Nicaragua with the group, and from them on the rest of the way to the Yucatan penninsula of Mexico on my own. Scary and exciting!! Mainly exciting! Woo hooo!

Still loads of planning to do, and am in the middle of finishing my website design, so will get back to that, but will start to update the blog with the details of the trip over the next few weeks!