That's the first step - packed the bike and left for the ferry. Felt very odd to be leaving home again - made me wonder why I want to do this trip at all. But I know I have to make the effort. It's something I've been rabbiting on about for ages, and if I don't do it now I will spend the rest of my life banging on about it and wondering what it would have been like.

Had a nice easy run down to Newcastle and the ferry terminal. Got the bike loaded and strapped down with the help of a charming biker, Mike Cotton, UK National Chairman of the Christian Motorcyclists' Association. He and his wife, Sandy are on their way to Latvia for their annual European gathering. I now have a Bible in my pack.

Right, time to get a coffee.