A minor setback has occurred in Rob's preparations. He has developed a niggling injury which requires him to have an operation in early December 2012, which will put him out of action for a few weeks. On the plus side, it's probably the perfect time as the weather is closing in and there will be numerous distractions around Christmas and the New Year. Rob hopes to be back to 100% by mid-January.
Rob has also ordered his bike and various bits of kit which will be the subject of a later post.
Meanwhile, I fled the English autumn and spent a week in Spain checking out various tapas bars (all in the interests of research, you understand). During my travels, I drove through some mountainous regions which I suspect will be typical of our route through northern Spain next year.
The Spanish are very keen cyclists and there were many on the roads including some clearly touring with full panniers.
Here's one climbing the hairpinned ascent in the photograph above.
I just hope the weather is as good for us as it was in Spain when I visited!
Elan
