Training for bike-2014

Ever since I started travelling by bike and covering longer distances day after day I have been aware of the necessity of being in good shape. Being physically strong puts less stress on shoulders and back and allows me to enjoy the riding much more and for more kilometres a day.

I have always enjoyed sports but this year training provides more fun than usual. My dear WIMA friend Anneli from Estonia is joining me to run the Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon in Madrid. Less than a month to go, can’t wait!

For more information about the Marathon

Madrid Marathon race course
Madrid Marathon race course

 

 

 

 

Finishing last preparations

Although there are a couple weeks until I set out, all my preparations have to be finished by now. I’m flying to Sweden to spend the first two weeks of my summer holiday with my parents and when I’m back I set off.

What I’ve been up to lately regarding preparation can be seen on the newly updated page “The To-Do-List 2013”

The bike is prepared with maintenance according to the manual and some extra bits including a new rear tyre. The tyre was a complicated business. When reading on the internet, people seemed to change both rear and front at the same time. On the Ducati I always used two rear to one front and also now the front tyre looks fine while the rear is squared off and might not have enough rubber to last the holiday. Moreover, it seemed that most people got less mileage out of their Dunlop Sportmax than I have got and I could still use it if it wasn’t for the vacation.

In the end, I changed just the rear and hope the front will last so I can change both for another brand. From what I read on the Kawasaki Versys forum, most people would rather change for another tyre, saying that the Sportmax is not to be trusted in wet conditions. My riding style is not that provocative on tyres so I think I will be fine though. I really appreciate these forums and the members are often willing to help with information, the problem is to sort out what information to listen to in the end.

Front tyre
Front tyre

In two and a half weeks the adventure starts but now the bike is stored away safely and I fly to Sweden for a couple of weeks recreation in the countryside.

Small but important details

I recieved my order from Lucy Dell Earplugs today, a pack of 20 different pairs of earplugs. Hopefully some will fit me nicely.

Ear candy
Ear candy

And I have a whole box of new business cards hoping to meet lots and lots of biker friendly people.

the road and in between
the road and in between

Little by little I’m getting ready, now reading up on info about a Go Pro…