One week and counting

Packing is completed – everything fits.

Passport arrived today with the last of the visas – only a tourist visa for India – getting the special permit for the Sikkim Region was a massive drama – we decided to try to get it when we are in India…. at least the passport is now in my hands and I can actually travel now.

The new credit card also arrived today (the old one expires in February) – I didn’t realize until this week how critical credit cards are – I was in minor panic mode worried about not having the new credit card in time  – talk about luxury problems!!  🙈

Last weekend I did a dry run (well, actually a wet and snowy run) to see how it feels with all the bags filled.  It was the last chance to try out the bike to make sure everything fits, and that I don’t hit my heels on the bags every revolution.  I was happy to see  how well everything worked out – the bike still handles well (despite the extra 18-19 kg on the back).  I was pleasantly surprised.

The only  negative thing at the moment is my strained back.  With all the snow we had on the weekend, I did something to my lower back while shoveling snow that is quite was quite painful for a few days – I was barely able to get out of bed on Monday morning.

Fortunately, Martin Hummel, my amazing trainer/therapist at the local training center just around the corner from work pushed a couple of vertebrae back into place on at the beginning of the week and worked on some muscles (brought extreme tears to my eyes!!) to reduce the discomfort considerably.  I was there again today for some “fine tuning” – almost back to normal – amazing!!  Thanks Martin!!

This weekend, the bike will get packed into the box, and the luggage prepared.  On Sunday I am off for a week on a business trip to Berlin, and then two more days and the fun starts!!!

Stay tuned…..