Preparations for leg 2 have begun and we're currently trying to plan our route through South East Asia in a bit more detail. The idea thus far is to set off in January, fly into Bangok, cycle north through Thailand, head east across Laos and then south through Vietnam along the famed Highway 1. That's the rough plan anyway, although we still need to get our hands on some decent maps.

As well as organising a new passport for Linda, visas and the various vaccinations, etc., we also need to do a bit of work on the bikes and pick up more supplies and spares, as bike shops won't be as common or as well equipped, we suspect, as they were in our last leg.

We've decided not to bring our camping equipment with us; it seems to be as cheap and handy to stay in guesthouses or hotels as it would be to camp. This also lightens our loads considerably - no need for a tent, camping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, chairs, stove, pots, pans, utensils.... the list goes on. It also means that we'll be able to ditch the Y-Frame trailer that Linda towed and pack everything in panniers alone, which will make her bike that bit less cumbersome. Also helping to lighten the load is the fact that we'll be in for some hot weather over there, so no need to bring the winter woolies. It'll be something of a change from the snow we're currently enjoying at home in Dublin!

Today I cycled down the hill on which I had my accident for the first time since and, as it happens, today was exactly five months later. I was, quite frankly, terrified but I knew that I had to face my demons. I gripped by new VBF (namely the brakes) the whole way down. I turned the very sharp corner at the end of the hill at the very spot where I had come a cropper on that cold January day and, having turned, I felt that I had turned a corner in my life in so many ways -  if that doesn't sound too dramatic..

Phil and Luca were behind me all the way on their bike/ chariot and were calling support to me throughout. When we reached the end Luca asked "Mama All right?" I was choked up and couldn’t reply at first. I had so many thoughts and emotions running through my head. So, upon reflection, here goes: I don't know what's around the corner for me now, as we set off, but I know who'll be there with me... And, yes, Luca that means that Mama is now and always will be “All right” my love.