London to Auckland

Last weekend we all went out on a team building and training ride. Attendees were myself, Jed, Travis and Roger of ‘The exploding green machine’ fame.(You either have to have read my book or know Roger.)Notable absentees were Barrie. As a result, my team still don’t know if Barrie actually exists or not and I am starting to wonder myself. I can report, however, that in spite of the absence of ‘The PWC rider’s answer to The Stig’, a productive day was had by all.
On a more fearsome note we were talking about pirates yesterday while working on our RYA Level 2 powerboat course with Chris from 46 South. In an absolute stroke of brilliance, Jed came up with a plan that will enable us to pass through the Gulf of Aden safely and without stress. Jed’s plan is for us to fly the skull and crossbones pirate flag. That way when we pass any pirates they will just raise a finger, wave, flash their lights or honk their horns much as truckers do on a highway. Brilliant!
On the sponsorship front we are doing very well with a lot of gear being provided and some good pledges of assistance in ports along the way but we are still way short of getting together the cash required for the whole operation. We did, however, have a more positive week last week with pledges from Hiway Stabilizers and Unique Fabrics and provision of neck braces from Leatt. Last week I mentioned the Seadoos being in a container and on the way. I neglected to thank Brent at Marfret and Stephen at Oceanbridge for providing and organizing for this. Thanks to everyone mentioned above.
On the organizational front we are all running around getting essentials done like visas, legal work, banking, dental checks and vaccinations. I have had so many needles poked into me that I am scared to take a shower in case I sink. I will probably wear water wings when I do risk it. Physical training has also been ramped up with daily 1-2 hour sessions of weights, cardio, core and stretching.
So with a month to go before we leave NZ, we are busy, but the excitement level is going up and we’ll be communicating a lot more from now on, leading up to a daily blog from about 24th July. Until next week.
Cheers. Jeremy