Are We Ready?

Actually, yes, it feels like we probably are. In a way we have been preparing for this trip for months. What started as a frivolous conversation, where we goad each other with what we might do in our lives, seems to have gathered pace and turned into something very (slightly terrifyingly) real. And now it's here.

So what is it? We think we are cycling from Cancun to Quito. We say ‘think’ because really we don't know what will happen. And we're happy about that; for once, we think we've bought space for a bit of spontaneity.  If we manage something like 70km a day for 3 days in 4, we've got enough time to ride 4,000 miles. We've gone for a low estimate on our daily distance because if you take a look at a topographical map of the region it is mind blowingly mountainous. Think the Alps, on stilts, with enormous sombreros on.  Actually, that sounds pretty cool, I bet we’ll get some good views from up there. If we can hold our heads high enough to see them as we lug what amounts to (bikes and panniers all in) 45kg each.  We actually stuck our heads in the sand about this bit until we were forced by Thomas Cook at check-in to see exactly how heavy the load will be (and paid for it).

Now you see it...How to make 90kg disappear

So, are we physically ready? If that involves lots of cycling, then no. Ali has been being put through his paces by a physio building up his core and basically trying to help him stop being so wonky (nose aside). Lizzie has been being put through her paces by ex-military hard nuts, lighting up Shoreditch Park with her blindingly glowing cheeks as she sought to ‘win’ what wasn't a competition. We did go on one bike ride with all our gear, which we cut down in length substantially due to ferociously inclement weather and went home for tea instead. It's not going to rain in central america though is it, so it wouldn't have helped prepare us anyway…

As an alternative Ali's opted for a shave to reduce wind resistance.