London to Auckland

Well it’s been nearly six weeks since you last heard from me and although some may think that’s a good thing, I know there are some of you, like Barrie, who hang on every word I say and crave updates daily, if not more often. And it’s not that I didn’t want to talk to you, it’s just that I’ve been busier than a one legged man in an arse kicking contest,  dealing with a job that has taken over my life, that is, chasing my tail and getting ready for the ride.

We reached a bit of a milestone last week when we put the 3 modified Seadoos in a container and sent them off to London. The fact that we got that done in time was mainly attributable to the major sacrifice made by VJ Clark on the mods. What a great effort and I am confident the machines will make the distance as a result. Thanks also to Jed, Travis and Garry for their efforts with this.

I have also been flat-out with media and PR, doing many radio interviews and a couple of TV appearances and fielding the tough questions like, “Aren’t you concerned about your carbon footprint?”

Answer: Yes, I like my planets green and the sooner someone invents a way to run PWCs on bean sprouts and alfalfa the sooner we can all buy sandwiches again that don’t look like they were made on the Incredible Hulk’s bathroom floor.

And “What weapons will you carry to deal with pirates?”

Answer: A pen. Because everyone knows that a pen is mightier than both a sword and a rocket launcher and because if we are stopped by pirates it will be because they want an autograph.

On top of all this business, my employer has requested that I continue attending work from time to time so I have had to do that as well, lest they invite me to find alternative employment.

That said, we have a system in Qantas that allows us to bid to fly to certain destinations and this has allowed me to work on the ride while at work. In the past six weeks I have visited cancer organizations and prospective sponsors in London, Frankfurt, Bonn, Vienna, Sydney, Melbourne, Durban, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. So as you can guess, at the moment I am Martha but it’s possible I could be Arthur.

I had the great pleasure in Durban of meeting the Coast 2 Coast 4 Cansa team who had just completed their own epic ride around the coast of South Africa for cancer awareness. Great team and a job well done. Three cheers!!!

What else? Hmmm, I’m sure there is more. Oh yes. Garry Learmonth is no longer going along as a rider and Jed martin has taken his place….and I believe that is it for now. I promise to update you more frequently from now on and donations are still being accepted (but be quick) at: http://london-sydney.com/donate-local.htm for your country specific cancer org and at: http://london-sydney.com/donate-ultimateride.htm for helping fund the ride.

Cheers

Jeremy