Well, here we are. We've all made it to Heathrow on time and with our various bits and bobs. Plenty of kit envy going and chat about bike experience. Nutting has already charged round most of the airport buying tooth brushes, deodorent and a box of sushi, go figure. Massimo has already been up for about 3 days by the look of the man but the good news is that we're all well ahead in the facial hair stakes and each of us is sporting some kind of early growth. A beard but with 'L' plates so to speak.

So, cup of coffee, strategise about routes, pit stops and work out exactly how tired we'll be by the time we land. I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell karin and the boys that I love them very much and I promise not to fall off, or at least not at high speed!!

Up, up and away!! More soon listeners from the land of Uncle Sam and the great outdoors!