When to go?

Well I've been toying with a few possible start dates for the trip, based around my shifts at work and the ferry timetables. After a quick chat with Matt this morning it looks like we're going to be good to go on Thursday 11th June! That's about 5 weeks before my original planned date so effectively I've got less time to cobble together the kit I need for the journey.

As far as I can see, the essentials I still need to get are a set of hard luggage to fit onto the bike and a small tent that packs down as small as possible. An MRA Vario touring screen would be nice too because the Powerbronze screen I have at the moment seems to direct most of the wind blast straight at my face, which can be a bit wearing on a long journey. It was already fitted to the bike when I bought it but I think it has to go! (See picture).