I'd have to remove the smaller pannier and put the bicycle down the side of the bike.
That gave me two options:

- decide what stuff to leave behind in Valle and continue with only one pannier or
- move the top box back three inches and fit the pannier on the seat behind me.

I spread out all my stuff on Juan’s floor. I reorganised it into piles and soon realised the only way to ‘loose’ thirty-one litres was to leave my camping stuff behind. This was my tent, tent poles, pegs, ground sheet and Thermarest mattress.

The space problem was exacerbated by adding stuff for the bike – cycling shoes, shorts, helmet and gloves. I needed the shoes as I had SPD pedals. My feet are ‘locked’ to the pedals, which enables me to not only push down but also up, forwards and backwards on the pedals. It makes cycling a lot easier and much more efficient. I also had my cycling shorts which, although they look strange, with a shaped bit of leather around one’s equipment and bum, are so much more comfortable I simply had to take them.

In going through all my stuff to save weight I went through the contents of my first aid kit. It contained six syringes. I didn’t even know they were there. Who I was going to inject and with what was a bit of a puzzle. I don’t know how to use them anyway so left them behind.

I decided I would leave my camping stuff behind to avoid more welding and weight on the bikes rear sub frame. It’s not exactly really strong anyway. The only problem was that if I went to Cape Town from Santiago or Buenos Aires I’d need my tent in Africa. Staying in hotels would be far too expensive.

I really liked the eccentricity of taking a bike on a bike but I then started to get worryingly practical. Exactly how often would I use the bike anyway? I’d also be worried about it getting nicked as it would be uninsured. Border crossings might also be more of a challenge.

The final issue, and why I’d left this position as the last option, was that I drop my bike about once a month because the seat is so high. This happens when I’m getting on or of it. I’ll put my foot down and discover it’s wafting in thin air or slips on an oily patch. If the bike’s leaning over at all that’s it. I jump off and the bike crashes to the ground.

I’m now quite experienced at this and rarely fall over. I try to look as professional as possible and look around to see who was watching. Hopefully, this means they can help me pick it up again.

Unsurprisingly, It wouldn’t do my super dooper bicycle frame any good to be squashed by my KTM. I’d be left with a very expensive piece of modern art.

Reluctantly, I decided to leave my Santa Cruz in Valle, sell it and spend the money travelling. I can always buy another when I get home to the UK.

Perhaps Santa Cruz will make me a nice folding titanium one that will fit across the back of my bike?

Visit www.fowb.co.uk for more details on this and previous trips.