Let me introduce the often unsung heroes of cycle touring - our bikes. "Hurdy Girlie" Val's new Surly touring bike, bought since our last big trip in Europe, so this is the first international outing for "Hurdy". She shares a stable with "Domingo", my faithful steed who is named after Tomas Domingo's bike shop in Barcelona where he was purchased second hand at the start of our tour in 2008. Domingo is a Cannondale "proudly hand made in the USA" so he is going back to his roots.

Domingo and Hurdy Girlie are preparing for the East Coast USA ride. Domingo is on the stand getting his gears in tune while Girly awaits patiently in the background.

Two weeks and one day to departure - I thought it was three!! That's me, always a bit behind the eight ball".

Gear is being assembled, new tyre for Domingo, a new tarp for travel wrapping.

Val has a small pile of items building up in the spare room and for once I am feeling no pressure relating to language barriers.