Every journey starts with the normal ritual of cleaning the bike, dismantling it, packing it and always thinking what a fracking palaver! Saying to myself, I’m getting on a ferry 🚢 next time!

Then into the back of a taxi to the coach 🚢. With the coach driver, it’s hit-n-miss whether they charge you for an over-sized piece of luggage ie. my bike box. But then I’ve seen bigger suitcases. It’s just a cash cow for National Express.

I go through the same palaver at the check-in desk at Heathrow! Touch wood, though, they’ve generally been impartial to my bike as checked-in luggage!

All the anxiety of air travel regarding been rammed in for extended flights diminish when I realise the flight is half-empty. Better than that, it’s 64 people in economy class on a A380 flying ✈️ with Qatar. This aircraft can hold 460 in economy … 3rd class! My Christmases and birthdays have come at once!

Must say, my first long-haul-flight with Qatar, exceptional service. And Hamad International, Doha is about the most speccy airport I’ve ever been through. And I’ve been through a few now!

Once settled in Perth, I put the bike 🚲 back together. Then I take it out with bags for a shake-down ride to see if nothing is lose or broken and all four panniers are not rattling! All’s good.

Damn sight warmer here! 😎