Note to self: Time is not on your side!

I thought I’d make a little list of all the things that need sorting before I can leave. It goes a little something like this:

· Visas (Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus in the main)

· Carnet en Douane / de passage

· International License

· Travel insurance

· Health insurance

· Motor insurance

· Vaccinations

· Spares for the bike (cables, inner tubes, tools, points, coil, bulbs)

· First aid kit

· Dangerous Goods Certificate

· Crating and Air Freighting

It sounds like a lot but it’s all doable, just! The biggest job is the travel visas, which are causing me a bit of a headache. Some visas are granted in 7 working days (good), but are only valid for 30 days from the date of issue (bad). That means I effectively have to apply for them while en-route, but I won’t have a permanent address at the time. Kind of a catch 22 situation!

I’m sure there’s an answer, I’ll start by asking the universe (Google!). Watch this space.