So to recap parts 1 and 2; for various health and spirtual reasons I took up cycle touring.
What I discovered from that first journey, was a new found sense of liberty and freedom. My interactions with people greatly enhanced, along with a growing sense of who I am and what I really want.
So the next step was to get rid of my cherished trusty big old motorcycle which has seen many miles and many adventures.
So I bid goodbye to the 1995 R1100GS..
Shortly after, with cash burning a hole in me pocket, I bought a folding Brompton bicycle.
A brilliant peice of kit hand crafted in London. ( in London the Brompton is a bit of a "cult")
It rides great and folds up really small in about 30 seconds.
Put it in it's bag and you pass even the strictest Japan no bikes on a train rules. It will fit in the overhead bin of a Boeing 737!
Close up detail of the handcrafted Brompton
And so began the next adventure, the Brompton assault on Holland, France and Begium. (In that order!)
I arrive in Amsterdam and proceed directly up north to the Revelate Designs bike trailer factory to pick my trailer for this mission.
The trailer can carry my entire camping kit and much more! (Often too much weight for them hills!)
Spent a lovely time wandering around Groningen and northern parts of Holland, following an amazing network of bicycle paths.
Holland is an amazing country, and can only truly be appreciated from the bicycle!
The rail system in Holland is wonderfull and very cycle friendly, even for full sized non folding types.
Next was hopping a fast train, TGV to France. On the TGV a bicycle must be boxed/bagged or concealed like the Brompton.
Stay tuned for part 4.