The SolarCycle Diaries: 3 riders. 12,000 miles. 1 cause.

Right, errr, hmmm,  not quite sure what to do here as this is the first time I’ve ‘come out’ and its also the first time I’ve added anything to the blog (sorry Susie) so its a nervous moment…. Anyway, I’m Iain Henderson and I’m part of the SolarCycle team strapping on the lycra in May and trying to generally head east round this big old planet of ours. We had a chat with Mark Beaumont (who broke the round the world cycling record last year) a few months ago and he was a big fan of cross training prior to setting off. I’ve probably taken things a bit far as I’m currently in Langebaan in South Africa splashing round in the sea so it was kayaking this morning and its kite surfing this afternoon, its a tough old life cross training but big Mark did tell us…..

Given this is a technology first and its exhausting work coming out I’ll keep it brief especially as the sun is shining, the wind is blowing and there is cross training to be done…..

And all is well again.

In defense of Secure Mail, they have now written to me and reorganised my passports safe return, met up with ‘Horatio’ (to be outed by the end of the week) who has the visa situation under control and - of great importance - have started the quest to see whether the womens US beach volleyball team will become patrons of the expedition*. 

So all still happily on track. 

We have also been getting in touch with people working on renewable energy projects along the north African coast, through the middle East, Western Chinese desert and on the US West Coast. The plan is to add visits to these on to the route. Any suggestions, contacts or ideas more than welcome. 

Very exciting. 

And the sun is shining.

Might make the most of it and get a quick ride in before the predicted snow returns!

*Not my idea. But one I support if we can also try to get Leonardo di Caprio, Orlando Bloom and the guy from Scrubs.

than ever call Secure Mail again.

I am trying to get my passport back but have an odd entrance to my house. Which means they didn’t leave it the other day.

Not to worry, I thought, I shall simply call them, explain how to get in and receive delivery of this precious item.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I am, my mother continually despairs, extremely laid back. Able to take things as they come, put a positive slant on even the most trialing situation.

Until, it transpires, that situation involves a pre-recorded voice message which not only repeats everything you say but then gets it wrong, leaving you with no option to speak to any living human. Three times.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Deep breath in. 

I have emailed them. Expressing my desire to cry, begging them to reconsider their entire telephone operating system and generally acting like a women who might storm their office and cling to the leg of the nearest staff member until her passport is returned. 

I got this in return:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us by e-mail. Secure Mail Services welcomes your comments, complaints and compliments on our services. We are always ready to listen to you and will take any concerns most seriously. We are not able to guarantee a response to each individual question. * Please note that we cannot process delivery requests or chase a delivery from this e-mail. * Please contact a Customer Service Representative via the telephone number printed on the calling card or letter you received from us. Again thank you for your comments.

But it wont let me talk to a Customer Service Representative!

MAN ALIVE IS THIS SOME CRUEL AND HEARTLESS PLOT AGAINST HUMANITY?

Right, where are they based…..

First cycle in the snow = First flat tyre. Naturally.

Still with London ground to a halt there are always other forms of exercise to undertake. Such as this mornings 6am Rocky-style boxing session. Ah yes. Just me, the trainer and four young men sweating in a gritty basement.

Could be worse ways to start the day I suppose.

Other than training, Horatio has been working on the logistics and itinerary to make sure we have time to visit solar power plants, a couple of friends (intent on ruining our healthy and wholesome expedition) and - if I can persuade the guys - climb El Capitain in Yosemite National Park. Surely, scaling a 3000ft vertical rock face can’t be that hard…

We are still spending quite a lot of time arranging passports and visas and also investigating various things we can do to make this site a high tech cutting edge web sensation.

Apparently I can start this process by going along to an event tomorrow morning called The Tuttle Club. This appears to involve extremely intelligent people eating cake and talking about the latest in on-line networking and programming.

So at least I am qualified in one respect.

Anyway - will be back next week with more details of some enroute highlights.

Have an amazing weekend in the meantime though xx