Drama across Denmark

We didn't know a little Transalp would go so fast! The ferry into Esjberg was later than expected and it looked tight to get to Hirtshal. We did a swift 40 miles then stopped for fuel. Heading north and by passing Aarhus (sorry friends in Aarhus - not time to call in ) we realised that we were not going to make it. Either we rode slower to save fuel and thereby avoid another stop or nailed it and risked running out of fuel. We did the latter and indeed found fuel lights flashing well short of Hirtshal. The problem was a strong head wind combined with working the little bikes so hard.

Anyway, we filled  up and and then absolutely nailed it for the last 30 miles and arrived at the port just in time. Actually we were 5 mins late for "last check in" but by luck the very big jet foil ferry was running late so we were ok. Phew! On board now on a 2 hr 15m crossing. Sea is a bit rough but not too bad.

Going to sit back and relax now. Heading for Kristiansand at about 20 knots with and ETA of 2015. Then 150 miles to Jorgen's house and a beer.

Heading out to Sea

Made it to the Harwich ferry with 30 mins or so to spare. On board now and trying to stop sweating - its been a hot ride down here. Heading out to sea so will lose signal soon I guess so going to keep this short. Done about 240 miles today after leaving MKS at noon. Great send off from family and friends - a memorable day. Thanks to all you came to see us off. Time for a cup of tea now or maybe something stronger.
Cheers

Oh dear!

Just checked 7 day weather forecast : rain everyday in the north of Norway. Day time temperatures vary from 7 to 12 degrees and rather chilly at night.  But the good news is no snow forecasted ha ha! Remind again: why aren't we going to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco?

Fuelled, packed and ready to go!

Finally, the hour is near. We set off in the morning. Tim is riding to mine for a last check through our gear tomorrow morning and then we are riding over to Miles Kingsport together (I think Tim wants to make sure I don't crash on the way to the start!). After coffee and cakes with friends, we will be heading for Harwich. Bring it on!!!

Friday is Day Zero

Nearly time to go. We set off on Friday. We are setting off from Miles Kingsport on Witham in Hull at 12 noon and friends are welcome to join us at 1100 for a coffee and a bun. My wife is going to do some home cooking Alabama style. Fund raising has reach a staggering £10,000 so we are delighted with the many generous donations. Thanks to everyone - we are blown away with the support. Now all we have to do is ride there and back!!!

Getting ready - not long now

Not long to go now. Bikes nearly ready. Might treat myself to some new thermals just in case.

Fund raiser in the KC Stadium

What a great opportunity! Tim and I were invited to make a short presentation at the opening event of the Yorkshire Business Week held 7 June in the KC Stadium, the home of Hull City Football Club. With Tim's bike parked in the entrance area, when the time came to explain what our trip is all about, he wheeled my bike through the doors into the conference venue, parked it near the stage, and I gave a 10 minute talk on the trip and our fund raising event.

In case I haven't mentioned it before, it is for the LOVE U 2 appeal in aid of Dove House Hospice. See link to the left of the page.

I am guessing there was about 200 people in the room from the Hull business community and I sincerely hope our effort raises a few pounds either through our charity giving site or directly to Dove House. We both really enjoyed the morning and I would like to thank the organisers for fitting us in on what proved to be a very busy day. Thanks too to John Spencer who had prepared promotional stickers for our bikes which are now plastered all over the bodywork!!! Now at least we look like we know what we are doing!