Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Travel Safety Training

Had a very useful day, largely surrounded by late teen and early twenty year old lasses and a few chaps, learning how to travel safe, spot and avoid dangers, keep well and generally how to look after yourself.

It was run by Objective Travel Safety and Charlie and Eleanor where our excellent trainers

Whilst largely common sense, it was a day full of top tips and would recommend it to travelers of all ages.

Monday, April 18, 2011

First Pictures of Batty

Here's Batty.....

MOT'd and ready to be registered, which should be a matter of days now.



After that the top box and panniers need to be added and some crash bars.

Please note the rather generous and comfortable seat...for those who have mentioned piles and the like.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Carbon Offsetting

As a rough calculation it looks like the flights that I will need to take for both air freighting the bike and myself have a carbon footprint of 5 1/2 metric tons. Offsetting is a precarious business and the legitimacy, let alone accuracy, is a difficult thing to rely on. As it happens we have been sharing the same building at work with Jane Burston who has a company called Carbon Retirement.

By acquiring carbon credits from industries that are choosing not to use their carbon allowance, one is in effect encouraging industry to use less carbon, because it pays them not to use their allowence.

 Here is a film that explains it a little clearer.



 I am delighted that Jane has developed this great scheme and know it will be very successful for all concerned.

The Birth of Batty

 I don't know why this name has stuck with me, but I guess she had part of her conception in Battersea, which combined with her owners ambitions seem to rather gel together.

Anyway a couple of days ago I went to see Henry who is building her and found this beautiful thing on the cusp of life. All she needs is a couple of wheels, a seat or two and a fuel tank. Henry is looking forward to finishing her this week, and then it is a matter of registration and MOT.



Camera

On advice from my pal Bernard Yeoh, who seems to be right up to the minute with all things camera, I have plumped for this Olympus which I can drop from great heights, take underwater to 30 foot, not worry about dust and sand etc. It also takes video.

What is certain is that the camera is a lot better, and will hopefully cover up some rather elementary mistakes that this snapper will undoubtedly make.

Tomorrow, I am off to the Apple Store to see a demonstration and hope to learn a bit about the iMovie software, with probably over ambitions to make the odd video.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

The end of the last day in the office...sabbatical starts tomorrow

Rather odd feeling...especially when we have been flat out, not only with business, but also with new websites, final build on new offices (which we are probably not going to rush into whilst I am away), upgrading our management software and planning the next years advertising spend.

I had been planning to write a long letter to all my colleagues today, but there will be a lot more to say in a week or so's time.

Anyway, I am off the phone system, and will put an auto reply on the email in the morning.

Goodbye everyday life for the last 26 years, and hello the vegibike adventure....

Monday, March 28, 2011

Tickets Booked

Last week I booked the ferry that will take us to Santander from Plymouth on the 29th May. Brilliantly I am joining Henry Price, who is building the bike (see the bike tab) and a couple of his pals for part of their run to a Royal Enfield Rally just south of Paris.
I am so pleased about this as it will not only be fun, it will also be a great learning few days on all matters Royal Enfield, and much else I shouldn't wonder. Their inclusion of me is much appreciated.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Logo

At last I am dressed properly, and I mean by that, I have a logo for the trip.
I am very very grateful to both Alex Ashworth of Manifest for his inspiring and completely pertinent design, and to Mark Watkinson for the great illustration of some chap on a rather unique motorcycle.

I have known them both for over 25 years and their support and kindness helping me to brand the trip is hugely appreciated. Alex is a dear and rock solid friend, who has also helped the agency gets to the top of the game with extraordinary communications, be it the website, the newsletters, our logo, or our printed material. Mark was the first illustrator who joined me at the agency in 1985. He has consistently produced fantastic work in a very professional, charming and fun way.

The logo will adorn the motorbike on the panniers and the top box, and I intend to get loads of  stick on badges to mark my trail.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Body Armour

After some deliberation, I concluded that best was best and have acquired what would have made Knights of old jealous. If this is to be the day job for a while, then better to have the kit for the job.
Forcefield Extreme Harness Body Armour - Adventure (L2)http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/images/ProductImages/fullsize/Clothing/Forcefield/ForceField%20Action%20Shorts.jpg
Forcefield is both strong and light