David's Journal Entry

Today we were wet. Very, very wet. At each of our many stops, we tried to dry out, but never successfully. Thankfully we found a motel with a washer and drier, so we will not turn up at Ciaran's with bags of wet smelly laundry. The accommodation even had a tap and hose outside, so our steads got a well-earned wash, ridding them of a considerable amount of grit, grime and grease from the road. The servo next-door supplemented dinner which was a hotchpotch of many of our leftovers. 

Just as we had in Maslin RA, some two weeks ago, we reflected on some of the questions I had prepared before departure.

Why did you do this?

Mike: Because there was a chance to fail and it was out of my comfort zone, and an experience I could never forget.

David: I don't know. To see if I can really do what I think I can, and put away the fear which holds me back. Wanderlust, a grand adventure, cos can (this is a very Malaysian answer!).

What do you think about when you are riding?

Mike: Nothing, that's why I love it.

David: Nonsense, Lots of how far to X and running calculations about ETAs etc. When calm, my mind goes to the natural world. I see interest in everything. My mind slowly fills with questions.

Apart from your family, what do you miss the most?

Mike: My car. It's a privilege and huge comfort.  

David: Running water.

What is the weirdest thing you did to prepare?

Mike: Buy budgie smugglers, as a multi-use item.

David: Manscape & clipped toenails very, very short.

What has been the best / worst food so far?

Mike: Best - Chicken Pie in Tailem Bend / Worst - Burger in Aileron (cold baked beans and tuna mix gets an honourable mention).

David: Best - Ultimate food bombs (those which include cheese, meat and veg) / Worst - Also the burger in Aileron.

What has been your lowest moment?

Mike: Being sick. The physical and psychological elements were both difficult.

David: Nothing profound. Sometimes it's hard to dig deep but the challenges have been moment to moment. It's all temporary, even when it bites hard, it's still temporary.