When I got my bike out for inspection, it was immediately apparent that I needed a new front rim. I had the rear done last year, but there was a bit of life left in the front. But not any more! So a new rim was ordered and it was off to the local tame wheel builder.

With that done, it was mostly just a case of giving it a good clean. I noticed the bottom bracket was really rough, so I ordered a new one. The chain and cassette were replaced and other consumables like brake blocks and tyres went on. Talking of brakes - after the drama of last year when I forgot to pack spares and ended up having to avoid braking as much as possible over the last few days due to severly worn blocks, I have a complete set of spares already packed and ready so I don't forget again! Hopefully this year won't be as wet so I don't wear them out!

You may remember that last year I broke a tent pole and spent most of the trip using a temporary repair sleeve. I actually ordered a new pole as soon as I got home, but I never actually checked it! So I put the tent up to test it out. All is good. The tent is looking very tatty (apart fron one shiny new pole!), but it should see me through another trip.

Aware that I rarely get any photos of myself, I ordered a phone tripod. It looks like it will do the job, if a bit of a faff. It is very light, but packed down it's a bit of an awkward shape. I need to test out how to carry it. I'll probably just end up strapping on the back next to my tent. It was pretty cheap, so if it breaks it's not too much of a disaster! I also ordered an insulated jacket as all the cool kids seem to wear them for camping. I found one at an absurdly low price. When it arrived I was somewhat surprised that it didn't pack down to almost nothing like the expensive ones do, but would rather take up half a pannier! It's incredibly warm, but I doubt I'll take it due to its bulk.

So all I need to do now is pack everything up for a test run over the weekend, then it's up bright and early on Monday to ride into London to get a train to Bristol to start the tour!