czwartek

Before Departure

Hello,here I am. Just 13 hours before departure. I am nervous and a little bit scared. I have done this trip million times in my mind, trying to think of things that might go wrong. The more I think about it the more stupid I am. To be honest...I couldn't pack everything I wanted. I will have to get it on the road or try to make it with what I've got. this is supposed to be a trip of a liftime. "Do not think Marcin to much....just ride the bloody bike" - Calum Murray (saltire suzuki)

poniedziałek

Visa


I've collected another visa today. There were supposed to give me one for 4 months and for only 2 entries. They must have changed their decision or made a mistake because this one is for 6 months and multiple entries!brill!!

Pirelli - Metzeler


Big Thanks for Iain Duffus from PM for 2 sets of Metzeler Tourance tyres . One set will be fitted tomo, the other will be carried on the bike.
Dual Purpose tyre developed and tuned for the big, modern street-oriented Enduro bikes
  • Improved carcass structures for enhanced straight line stability at high speed with smooth rolling characteristics for long distance journeys
  • Perfect combination of long mileage capability and great traction also on light off-road surfaces thanks to the specific compound
  • Great grip with light and precise handling make riding easier in all weather conditions
There are just few days left! On Saturday I was at work for the last time. And you know what? I did enjoy it! that was weird.
On sunday I rode my bike to Ayr to see Johny. Johny doesn't like to sell second hand items and he decided to give me his Remus Revolution exhaust for free!I was after one for some time and even posted an Add on motoring websites asking if anyone would have it. "put some money against your charity"- will do Johny!
Funnily enough, on Saturday Peter W. came to the shop carrying a Remus Genesis exhaust in his hands whith the same Idea of donating it to me. Did not have it...now I got 2!


There is a lot of money coming in!guys you are being great!we have collected over 300 Pounds so far. This is excellent!This is a fair amount of dosh and it will make those Kids very happy!!

David H.


I do like David. He is very OK.One of those guys who likes to help and wants nothing in return. And damn he did!He really trust me which is nice but to be honest,I do not know why?I am just a guy from behind the parts desk and he doesn't really know me that good."because you look trustworhty"- he said. Fair enough!
He phoned me few days ago just to tell me that he has orginized some stickers for me. I was thinking about it. You know...couple of decals with my web address etc. He was one step ahead. One of his collegues delivered them to my shop the very next day. They are quite large and VERY orange. I did put them on panniers which I got also from Dave.
Thanks Pal, much appreciated!

sobota

Today early morning I have decided to be late for work. It wasn’t a difficult decision as everybody knows already, the less time I have left at work the less I want to go there. Instead of riding in snail’s pace through the bypass, direction Dalkeith , together with thousands of people hurrying to their desks for 8am, I rode to Indian embassy. I was there 2 months ago only to be told that I was to early, by the lady with nice accent. As a polish citizen applying for visa in UK I don’t qualify for a visa longer than 3 months. Which would not be enough. She has promised though, that if I come back at the end of August I would exceptionally get 4 months long visa. Sufficient.

Again, the same lady in the window. Handing papers through a narrow slot wasn’t a problem. The same set of questions, the same doubts. Where to? What for? For how long? I’ve answered as precisely as possible. I even had to make a list of countries I am going to visit. At the end it was decided that I will get tourist visa for 6 months with the possibility to entry India twice. Fantastic! After I paid 40£ fee, I put on my riding jacket and rushed towards the exit. I reached my bike and what I see? Big white envelope stuck to my screen with Edinburgh Council Penalty written on it. I was away for 15 minutes. Some parking warden gave mi ticket for illegal parking. I Thought I would go crazy. No sings for zones, no indication where you are allowed to park where not. Fine of 60£ was a fuel to the fire. With steaming head in oddly today tight helmet , I arrived at work. Out of pure spite, trailing to work as a wounded dog, I have intentionally broken probably all the traffic regulations.

środa



At last. Iranian visa has arrived. After 6 weeks and few days finaly collected her from my post office.I was panicing that nowadays with all this american -iranian conflict going on, it will be very difficult or close to impossible to get one. It turned out to be just time consuming and annoying.I know that some nationalities like british and american might not get one.So many thing you have to sort out before departure which you cannot start arangeing before being absolutely sure you will get one. (CDP) This is how the procedure of getting visa looks like.
You find yourself a travel agency in Iran. It was Key2Persia in my case. You fill out an application form and scan your pass. You send them both to this agency of yours. They apply to the Ministry of Defence in Tehran in your name. After few weeks the very same Ministry contacts the Agency with a reference number.They also send a fax to the Embassy of iran in the Country of your choice.(you put it on your application) This RN is your visa. now, you fill out another application downloaded from embassy website, copy your passport, attach a pass size photograph of yourself and a postal order for proper amount (Ł54 in my case) plus self addressed envelope and post it..After 4 days your visa arrives.Unfortunatelly it is just single entry one as it is not possible for tourist to get multiple entries permit, so I will have to get another one while in Iran to be collected in Pakistan on the way back.easy, isn't it:)
Just what i thought. Arek has started a money flood. We have raised 140 pounds so far. Bravo!keep them coming.
hi, it is about time to start writing something about this trip.There are only 15 days left till departure from Edinburgh.
Let's start with thanking some people for help with preparations for this Journey.I wish to thank:


Ewelina, my wife, without her i would have binned this Idea a long time ago. She was supporting me all this time,giving great advices and cheering me up when I had my depressions. Ta for letting me use bigger part of our savings and for giving me 4 months off from marriage;)



Kenny Rodkiss: who pieced together a very nice and quite large first help kit (bandages, sinergies, needles,purified water,plasters, emergency blanket, rubber gloves, triangular bandage, gauze, etc.)



Paul Hayes: for a hiking rucksack and climbing rope. Paul, 1150 is way better than 1200;)


Andy Hollindale : for Cruz tools and 40 L dry bag.


Dave and Claire: for a set of nice, shiny, expedition panniers.You have saved me few quids;)


Buzz and Tasha: for indroduction to hard life of nepali Kids.For help in setting up bank accounts and all that time they have waisted answering my emails.How could I forget about big 30 Litres Adventure tank (now 310 miles range) and sump guard.




Calum Watt from Feridax: for a special deal on jacket and trousers.




Dave Byron from Putoline: for whole lot of oil, cleaning sprays, cans of WD40 etc.

Kasia P: for gigantic help with translations and preparing english version of my web. For being a good friend.

Big thanks to you all.