And the fun begins!

~ Monday ~

~ Last day of preparation ~

Non stop all day, packing my bags and loading it all onto the bike. Taking my first fully loaded 10 km trip. Balance is all I thought as I rode the usual route in my usual way ( without helmet ) I realised that it is probably quite easy to just get blown off the road, especially if I'm going down hill or on an uneven road surface, the decision to invest in a helmet was made! After arriving at my sisters where my bike bag was waiting, I my final bits, including a pump, helmet, gas and Velcro for the final touches of my handmade crossbar bag. 

Then the final ( until after the trip ) goodbyes were said with a family dinner and the joy of visiting nan out of hospital, lots of hope and love for her to have a peaceful time. 

The bike went into the bag, bit by bit, then to finish the day I laid all of my things out and set my alarm for 6am... Ah sleep.

~ Tuesday ~

~ Off to Madrid ~

With the bus booked for 8:55 am I left for Dover Docks at 7:00 with the help of my father and his estate car! :D After checking I was in the right place, he set off and I waited for the bus to arrive. And I waited, and I waited... hmmm! There wasn't any one else waiting for the same bus as me and almost half an hour had passed, so the little old lady who I'd been talking to kept an eye on my baggage for me ( kindness everywhere ) I asked in the reception for Eurolines, who happened to not have any knowledge of my ticket... grrrrr! After 5 mins the man had arranged for me to get a taxi to another bus nearby which would take me through to Spain missing one change! Nice! Thank you universe. As I arrived at the bus, which had been held back especially for me, I was given the only available seats at the front, the one with lots of legroom and no there wasn't anyone next to me :D Thanks again universe! I love you! 

~ Wednesday ~

~ Starting point ~

After a 27hr coach journey, I finally arrived in Madrid, spent the first hour  reconstructing my bike and finding a storage location for my bike bag. I then set off, after a few minutes I realised I hadn't put the rear wheel on straight, off I got and straightened it up... Crack!!! Went the quick release bar... Fudging fiddle sticks! Went Liz (me, it was me) I sat on a bench contemplating my current situation... Just arrived, no idea where any thing is, don't speak Spanish, have some food in my bag, supposed to meet couch surfer host 40 mins from now the other side of the city! Lalala...

As I sat down to eat my lunch, I took several deep breaths and came up with a plan:- drop the rest of the baggage in the storage locker, chain up the bike, meet the guy and then make a plan. After eating, I sent a message and set off asking everyone in my way where the nearest bike repair shop is?! I then received a wonderful reply from my host saying he'd come and collect me with the bike and take me to a repair shop... What a lovely person.

~ Thursday ~

~ Truly last minute planning ~

The morning took my full attention in route planning (after a couple of hours on the bike... Of course!) 

Finally created a route Madrid to Portugal, with designated stops at camp site and a few couch requests as well! After all the changes over the last weeks it felt real good to have that in my pocket. 

The last thing for me to organise was a place for my big bike bag!? I asked my couch surfing host if he could help me out, but he will be out of town for my expected return dates and so will his friends :( the next option was storage... I found a company called Blue space who look pretty professional. I then hopped on a train, picked up my bag from the coach station storage locker... I was late ... It charged me for another day :( then I took the bag to the shop. The lady was very helpful she showed me the smallest space, about 6 times the size of he bag all folded up... €90 per month! What! Mmm ok that's nearly double what I paid for the bag! With only an hour until the shops closed I decided the best thing to do was take it to a biciclisteria ( bike shop ) and so that's what I did after a lot of frustrated huffs as this decision means I will also have to leave the bicycle :/ The man in the shop was very happy with the gift and the smile he gave lifted my dull spirit, freeing my mind.

I returned to the house and packed the rest of my things, I sewed on the majority of Velcro to the handmade crossbar bag and attached the last part with needles, it's not finished but it's functioning yay. 

Alarm set for 5... Thank you's, nice to meet you's and good byes to my host and at last, sleep.

~ Friday ~

~ On the road ~

Waking at 5am I quietly dressed and set off for my first day on the road. Still pure darkness outside a chill in the air and empty streets ahead. Here it goes! GPS to hand I followed the route described, after a couple of well lit city streets I was directed into a very dark side lane. Unsure whether to delve into the darkness, I double checked the route and it was right...of course! I went into the darkness, the floor beneath me was an unsteady, sandy dirt track. It seemed to go on forever, I could just make out the track from the glow of the white sand, enabling me to keep going. At points the sand became a little deeper, causing the bike to loose balance and me to use my drifting skills... New to me, by the way! It was a relief to make it to the other side where a long line of street lights lit up the next path for me. I was riding for 1.5 hours in the dark before I sat down on a bench to eat. The sun came up and along with it, light. After eating I continued on my journey. Later, came across more of these sandy streets, which it seems are very common. I rode through miles of farmers land, forests and at one point down the side of a mountain! 

I arrived at the first campsite around 1pm exhausted, set up the tent, ate my lunch, took a well deserved shower and had a nap.

After my nap I rode into the village to buy some supplies from the supermarket. Followed by a nice long stretch and a dip in the pool. Feeling refreshed and loosened up! 

Later that day I was offered a couch by on of the hosts I had previously Messaged. It was a little off my planned path but it actually meant  less KM to travel overall... perfect! After getting the destination saved i prepared my bags, before resting my head for the night.

70km on the bicycle.

~ Saturday ~

~ Street love ~

I started the day with no set route, I had to use my common sense and map reading skills to get to my next destination. As you can imagine I was a little worried, alas, it wasn't that bad!

I left at 7am today as the destination was only 40km I have to mention the quality of Spanish roads, they are very nice to ride on, not a pot hole in sight. They also have signs regularly posted to remind drivers to stay aware of cyclists. 

The ride was a perfect amount for me, I arrived at my destination with a little energy left to enjoy the company of a wonderful host family. After meeting in the local village we headed back to the house where I met mum and brother.we are together and took a nap (siesta) apparently life without it does not exist here! I love that philosophy :) after our nap we went Kayaking... I met cousins and aunts and enjoyed a beautiful landscape with a friendly family. Many of them only spoke Spanish, I tried using my Italian English mix... It wasn't so successful, but we had great fun.

Because of the detour I changed my route again :) now it will take me through the Spanish mountains...

After a lovely meal with the family and goodbyes I headed to bed.

40 km on the bicycle

~ Sunday ~

~ Can't get enough of these mountains ~

After a sunrise breakfast, I loaded up the bike and said a final goodbye to my couch surfing host (love) and I set off for day 3 of the cycle for a cycle challenge. It was a great start with the longest ever downhill... I really thought I may just arrive at my destination after that! But that was not the case after all what goes up must come down and visa versa. Then came the longest ever uphill... I literally went down one side of the mountain then up the side of the next one, what a feeling to reach the top and the view was incredible. Well to be honest every time I stop for water or a wild wee or even just a breath break I look around and feel blessed. Between towns there isn't much going on except the sound of cowbells and crickets or locusts or something like that! Nature, nature everywhere... I love my life. 

I arrived at my destination at 12:00 set up the tent, took a shower, had done food and then got to work on this. I'll surf for more host families later before the regular prepare and sleep. 

40km on the bicycle.

Don't use plastic screws!

Just applying the last touches before departure tommorrow. The pump attachment came with plastic screws, which didn't even last 5 mins! Now the hole is screwed, I'll practice my levels of patience by slowly digging out the remains of this little plastic thingy! 

~ Preparations ~ Week 5 ~

~ Monday ~

~ Ice cream and conversation ~

The last week in Rome before my summer adventure, means lots of good byes, if only for the summer. My dear friend and I met after work for a quick Ice cream, quick however, is not how it ended up! She is one of those friends who you can talk to for hours about the depths of your soul, the developments of your life and the dreams you have for the future. We were discussing this trip I'm about to take and plans for the future of Project Life Coach as well as her plans to move in with her boyfriend, which is a big change for her. Of course we both enjoyed a sweeeeet Ice Cream in true Italian style (on a bench at the side of the road) 

As adventure and opportunity comes into your life so to does change. It is easy to be scared, to fear the new and different. But it is and always will be part of living. What ever is it, if you fear it, it's OK, don't let it stop you. As you continue with fear by your side eventually the feeling of fear will also change. 

20 km on the bicycle.

~ Tuesday ~

~ Promotions ~

Today I had a regular day at work enjoying spreading bicycle love with the children, its a beautiful sight to see them getting the most from their bikes.

I also began the packing process, Saturday I will be departing and leaving my room and wonderful house mates behind soooo I have separated everything and it's ready to be spread among friends for the summer, until I return in September :D 

Then I decided that I should make a handy handout for this beautiful project so I can have something handy to spread the love and so I got to work.

16.6 km on the bicycle 

~Wednesday ~

~ Fireflies and friends ~

A few weeks ago, I returned from the farm late, when the sun had disappeared and the streets were dimly lit by street lamps. I took my usual route which lead to a park where only darkness remained. 'AAAAAHHH! It's really dark' thought I slamming on the brakes, to think out my next step. 'it's only a few minutes, to the other side!' reassuring thought said, 'but there's always homeless, drunks, who may attack you and steal your beautiful bicycle' responded fearful thought. 'I'm going' interrupted centred thought as my body moved swiftly onto the darkened park. As I sped through the dark strip of gravel combined with mud, I saw a flash. 'So small... there is another one, another... WOW!' I slowed the bike to a stop in the centre of that darkness, just able to make out my hands, I stood there in silent awe, surrounded by a wall of blackened trees which sparkled like a clear nights sky. 'WOW, so fireflies actually exist!' I thought or maybe said aloud in the darkness! As they flew around me I realised I was no longer scared, I was happy to be there, grateful and honoured to see natures magic.

Since this original meeting with the fireflies, I have introduced a couple of friends to them. Today was another occasion, with blanket in hand, flask of tea in the other, not forgetting the bicycle between my legs, me and my lovely house mate visited them again and what a pleasure it was.

Here is a song for you :D

20 km on the bicycle

~ Thursday ~

~ Crafty table making ~

As I mentioned on Monday, my good friend is soon to be moving in with her wonderful boyfriend and what a beautifully good match they are (LOVE) Due to my departure, I'll be missing all the action of first days in new house shinanigans, so I wanted to make them a gift for their new home. As I looked around at my bits and bobs, which I often recycle into new things, I was inspired by an old bongo drum which has been sitting waiting to be repaired. 'OOOO, what use am I like this' he moaned, 'There is no balance in my life, I just spend my days here alone, waiting for people to come along! When they do, they're not interested, I'm just a broken old drum!' sobbed the little drum. 'Ah ha, I know what will restore the balance to your life little bongo drum!' I replied with enthusiasm, 'How would you like to hold a yang and yang? To serve as a small table for coffee and cakes, be admired by all who come across your path!' of course the bongo drum agreed and so I took him to a little shop where three old Italian men, fumbled around their workshop, managing to create a small circular top and attach it to the top of the drum. I then used old magazines and PVA glue to design the ying yang. Not only was the little bongo happy about the big change in his life but my friends also really loved it :D happy happy happy.

This took up most of my day along with the preparations of a buon estate (happy holidays) dinner and so the bicycle was happy to have a day off!

~ Friday ~

~ Bye bye bicycle ~

During my working day the anticipation grew, I knew as I lay my head on my pillow this night, the beautiful bicycle that has served me well for the short period of 3 months, will no longer serve me. Reassured that she would be taken care of by a beautiful friend I managed to make it through the day. After work I went for a quick cup of tea before heading to my friends house to bid farewell. Love you training bicycle :*

20 km on the Bicycle

I went to sleep with my room deserted with only my bags packed ready for my departure.

~ Saturday ~

~ Departure ~

Took the metro to work for the first time in a long time today... 'I miss my bike' thought I.

Then worked from 8.30 - 5, walked to termini, where I stopped for my last slice of Italian Pizza and a cup of cappucino (If I'm honest, I think I chose the worst place) then I used Terravision bus lines to arrive at Ciampino for a 10 pm flight. After coming through passport check and then collecting my baggage it was already 1 am so I decided to sleep at Stansted airport until the buses and tube were running and I kind of love sleeping in airports, its quite similar to sleeping in the wild :D

0 km on bicycle

~ Sunday ~

~ A Lazy London Day ~

Today I spent the day with my very good friend, we watched the great Frozen followed by the beautifully scripted series Derek. We ate good food, talked a lot about the past 6 months of our lives and generally spent the day around the house. 

0 km on the bicycle

Bicycles through time

Invented by Baron Von Drais in 1817, the 'Dandy Horse' otherwise known as "The Walking Machine." This machine offers support to your behind as well as your chest allowing you to relax in a forward slant position, whilst propelling yourself forward with a gliding motion of the feet. Some may say "it eases walking" 

~

Willard Sawyer was the first to mass produce velocipede's of varying designs from lightweight racers to 6 seater family machines. His factory opened in 1840, in Dover, Kent, UK which is just a short distance from my home town. Wonderful news!

  

~

The Velocipede (fast foot) was invented in 1865. Known as the Boneshaker, for it was originally made entirely of wood and later the wheels were upgraded to metal rims! This bicycle was available only to those with a posh jacket, beard and or bowlers hat.

~

Then in 1870 there was 'The high Wheel' Bicycle, more commonly known as the Penny Farthing. 

A great bicycle, fit for all cycling fanatics! 

Juuuuussst gotta watch out! any lumps in your path may leave you face down!

~

The 1884 Plectocycle or High Wheel Tricycle

~

1886 The Rover safety bike changed the image of the bicycle from that of a man's sporting machine to an everyday vehicle available even for women. This new vision for the bicycle was inspired by previous bicycle features such as a smaller front wheel, rear wheel chain drive, pneumatic tires and diamond frame, the bicycle became lighter and easier to ride, with less accidents and more female riders, it also became a huge part of female independence...

Bike POWER!    

Since this invention the popularity and diversity has only grown. 

Information gathered from the following sites:
Willard Sawyer
History of the bicycle
Wiki bike History

~ Preparations ~ Week 4 ~

~ Monday ~

~ Life Love ~

Well if you haven't already guessed from the picture today I made a number plate for my Bicycle (which is yet to be confirmed) After a long day at work I needed to get a little creative and this is how it turned out :D Keep your eyes open this summer, maybe you'll see me zooming slowly around the streets of Spain, Portugal or Italy! 

My thoughts have also been a little consumed with dates for travel, I have to return to Rome by the 7th September for work! sooooooo ... As it stands I have decided to cut out the ride from Portugal to Madrid and just get the train straight to Barcelona, where I'll start the return journey to Rome. I'll be heading to the UK on the 28th, where i'll decide which bike to use, then travel by train to Toulouse and start the first part of the trip :D happppppyyyyy happppyyyyy happpppyyyyy! As ever the universe will play a big part in the journey and I'll do my best-est to keep going.   

18 km on the Bicycle!

~ Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday ~ 

~ WORKING! ~

Lots of work in these days, perfect for pre-travel savings and preparations. I have heard from the guy I met at Critical mass and he will no longer be travelling due to back trouble... Lots of love and healing energy for you ((*)) 

Roughly 17.5 km on the bicycle each day!

~ Friday ~

 ~ Love Handmade ~

The afternoon and evening was spent with my friend with a ride along the River Tevere to Trastevere. We went to the caffe where we met only 7 months ago and have since become great friends. Whilst reminiscing we decided to take the rest of the day as it came... 

Try to take Life as it comes, sometimes you may have to consciously remind yourself, as regular daily tasks can lead to rushing around and forgetting to just breathe.

... Alas after a decaf coffee and a little sugary snack we went for a ride, leading us through the old and windy streets of Trastevere. Buzzing with creative people; musicians, fire dancers, comedians, godly preachers and a huge range of handmade market stalls. Contacts collected and inspiration gained, not to mention my new travel companion... A summer hat made from recycled newspapers L.O.V.E!

If you want to see more of Alessio Palma's wonderful creations you can visit his facebook page  I have to also mention that his little handmade market stall moves with a bicycle :D more and more inspiration every day!!

We then returned via the river markets, stopped for a toilet and dance break and continued to the house full of positive energy and happy thoughts! Love to live in the moment! 

Uncountable km on Bicycle more than 20 I'd guess. 

~ Saturday ~

~ Ancora Lavoro (more work) ~

Working today 10 km on the bicycle.

~ Sunday ~

~ Summer Solstice ~

A beautiful day starting with a sun salutation and continuing with a beautifully fresh organic lunch and a wonderful acoustic sound... (not to self :- Always take peoples details) ... I'm afraid I can't offer much more information than that about the where's and who's as I was completely engulfed in the day and forgat all about blog writing. ButI know the Agricultora Sociale is located on Via della Mistica  and is next to a large childrens playground. We arrived on bicycle in 1 hour from Termini station, Rome central. 

~ Preparations ~ Week two ~

~ Monday ~

~ A Play Day ~

After a brief 10 km cycle to my friends house, I went for a day of fun at the lake. With poi, uno (card game), balls of all sizes, the bongo, a little guitar and a bag packed with a variety of delicious healthy food, we were prepared for our Play day! 

Lake Martignano is just a short drive from Rome and is set in a beautiful natural location. The crowd includes people from all walks of Life; hippies, young people, families and the sporty types :D 

We played and ate and played again; football, UNO, bongos, volleyball, poi. 

Play is so important in Life, many people don't make time for it. As you grow up the belief that you should act responsibly and no longer play silly games may also grow. This is fatal for your heart. Playing takes us to the present moment, whether your chasing a ball or awaiting your turn in a game of cards, in the moment you feel free, happy and light. It helps to mould better relationships by encouraging different methods of communication as well as giving you a little insight to yourself, maybe your a little competitive or a bad looser. Maybe your ego gets a little too big when you win, thinking your as the big dog of the game. To play is to create and to let your inner self express. It teaches you to let go! Letting go is so powerful! So my advise to you is if you haven't played for a while, start now!   

As the evening approached we were informed of an open yoga session which was a great end to the day and perfect preparation for the week ahead. 

~ Tuesday ~

~ Pannier bags ~

As you already know, I am preparing for a 3000 km cycle around Europe to raise funds for my Life project. You can imagine, I don't have a great deal of funds at this current moment. But what I do have is creativity, ideas and determination to complete the challenge / journey and to continue towards my goal for Project Life. In my preparations I have been wondering how I may be able to carry my belongings on the bike, "I don't have those nifty little bags" I thought. After scrawling through ebay and amazon, then listing up what it is that I need, I figured that the money I would spend on buying the stuff would probably be better spent on building the shop. So I said to myself "you will have to make do with what you have" and as always I quickly realised that I had a bag with a broken zip, "That's perfect!" I continued to think and so the creating began.   

With 30 km on the bike and these handmade beauties, I was pretty chuffed by nightfall <3 p="">

~Wednesday ~

~ The hitch hiking butterfly ~

The morning started with my usual routine before heading to volunteer on the farm. Always wonderfully tranquil planting and picking. On my way home I noticed I had a little company, it was just a couple of km into the trip that I noticed it and I stuck in there the whole way home! It was great company, "where is it your headed?" I asked the little butterfly, 

"my journey, is my journey" the little butterfly replied, " I am with you now, after, I am not yet sure, the heart has not spoken and the feeling has not come."

"I like your style little butterfly, you are very free" I replied.

"find your heart, follow it and you to will be free." stated this wise little creature. 

We were silent and I pondered these words as I continued the journey home. When I parked my bike outside the house and left, the butterfly simply sat. 

The butterfly was not the only lesson to come across today, I see how the weather will effect my journey. The heat has risen in Rome and summer is creeping in. A new factor when riding the bike as the heat doesn't help my low blood pressure, luckily a friend advised me on the use of licorice, which has been added to the list of necessaries. The temperature is only going to rise so it's a handy lesson to learn.   

After my working day had finished I joined my friend in the park, we joined in with a lesson of African dance, whilst stretching and awaiting other friends who gave us a lesson in Thai Chi (my first). The thing that stood out in this lesson for me was how to keep your back aligned and always to move with your core, from your centre. By relaxing your hips, shoulders and belly and letting all tension go into the earth and following this by an extension of the neck, it releases everything and takes the awareness of your mind to remain concious of your position. This is a great way to stay in the present moment.

 "As strong as a mountain, as fluid as water" ~ Lorenzo!

I look forward to more of this practice <3 p="">

After this lesson I really took my time to ride home, being aware of every movement of my body and trying to keep the hips loose and the stomach relaxed through every push, using my centre. Watch this space! 

A total of 44.6 km and many beautiful experiences ~ Thankyou for my Life ~   

~ Thursday ~

~ Park Life ~

Between the 40.9 km today, I worked and continued to travel slowly, acknowledging my centre (as learned in Thai Chi) It really helps to stay relaxed and is a powerful meditation. I also found myself with slots of time to lay in the park, slowly stretching the body. From the feet to the neck and all the places in between. A great pace and a relaxed me! <3 nbsp="" p="">

~ Friday ~

~ Handmade ~

Today I spent the day collecting all the ingredients needed to make my own sunscreen, I found it very exciting and have been waiting since last summer to make some. I had all the ingredients I needed except beeswax. "Ah, there is a party on the farm tonight" I thought "I should be able to get it there." 

The farm isn't only a farm it is the centre for a bigger project which supports young people in rejoining society and building a better future for themselves. There are 3 homes around Rome with people aged between 14 and 21, who have been in trouble with the law and requested to live in supported housing. The project is called il Fiore del deserto, they also have a project in Kenya housing orphans of aids. The party was to raise funds for the projects and to show the local community, different things these young people have been doing. Some DJ's, some creating art, others selling products of the farm and Kenyan project and another which caught my eye, was a group of young girls, who have designed and handmade beautiful notepads, branding themselves as Blah Blah. It was beautiful to see them following their dream and creating a beautiful event together. I plan to continue with my voluntary involvement in this project and I hope to purchase some items from them for resale in the Life travelling shop. 

Luckily enough they had some beeswax for sale and I had completed my check list of ingredients. The day ended with 27.6 km and a warm jar of sunscreen setting on my shelf <3 nbsp="" p="">

~ Saturday ~

~ Kids know love ~

Today I spent the day with a recently turned four year old, she has a great, stubborn and fierce personality! Throughout my Life children have been my greatest teachers and they continue to this day. Today as we walked home from the park, a homeless man began to speak with her. It was a strange situation for me, as I know many parents fear the homeless, so at first I was wanting to avoid the situation. But as I let go of the fear I saw love, openness and honesty from both of them. She did not judge his ratty clothes, turn her nose up or tell him to go away! She listened to him, laughed with him and seemed to bring a smile to his face. It was beautiful reminder that no matter who you are, how old you are, where your from or how much stuff you have or haven't got, you can find a connection, maybe just for a few moments, but a connection of love and purity. 

By the end of my day, I had completed 28.6 km and opened my heart a little more <3 p="">

~ Sunday ~

~ Follow your Dreams ~ 

Sunday has been a day of rest, with 14 km to the market and back, the purchase of a few little bits, including, camera bag, puncture repair kit and charms for my current bracelet project. A grounded feeling as the day draws to and end. As I write this weekly summary, I see how everything fits together so well when you just follow your dreams. The time has passed that I give up, no longer, disheartened as old things stop. Moving forward, letting go, dreaming bigger, but moving slow. I love my Life!      

  

#5 Life is a lesson ~ Licorice for low blood pressure

During a meal with friends, I mentioned that when I ride for to long in the sun I get a head ache, which I feel is due to my low blood pressure. One of them advised me to eat licorice! 'Strange' I thought, so I did a little research and found many articles stating that this is in fact true. 

Apparently low blood pressure can be a sign of abnormal adrenal gland function, leading to symptoms of fatigue and dizziness. Licorice improves the glands function and helps raise blood pressure in time. Licorice can be taken in the form of dried root, tincture or concentrated powder. Licorice is also used as a medicine for heartburn, stomach ulcers, coughs, bronchitis, osteoarthritis, eczema, prostate cancer, polycycstic ovary syndrome, malaria, food poisoning and many more.

What I thought was most interesting about this new information, is that I have always LOVED liquorice in sweet form and often craved it! 

As always your body is your guide <3 div="" nbsp="">

If you have serious medical conditions, consult your doctor before self subscribing. Remember to much of anything can become toxic for your body, so use in moderation, following the experience and advise of others.

Relevant links:-

Medline plus - Licorice

Daily mail UK - Is there a natural cure for low blood pressure?

Make your own Licorice sweets

#4 Life is a lesson ~ Home made natural sunscreen

Today I decided it was time to make my sunscreen. Last year I decided I would no longer use store bought sunscreen as there are so many chemicals in the bottle! Not only that but they block the process of absorption for vitamin D. Reducing chemicals on, in and around my body has been a big focus for me over the past 2 years, through stopping smoking, massively reducing alcohol intake, using natural soaps and shampoos, limiting my chemical cleaning warfare to washing up liquid and cutting out make-up.
Now is the start of my home-made era <3 p="">
For this recipe and a lot of useful information regarding the use of sunscreen I visited wellnessmama.com.The site is packed with recipes, advice and information about a natural, home-made lifestyle for you, your family and your home.

Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup of beeswax
1/4 cup of coconut oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil
2 spoons of Zinc oxide powder     

Directions
Put all ingredients, except Zinc oxide into a jar. Put the lid on your jar loosely and place in a saucepan with approx 2 inches of water. Heat the water and stir your ingredients regularly until they have melted and blended together. Remove from the heat and stir in the Zinc oxide. Leave your Jar in a cool dry place to cool and use as you would regular sunscreen. Use within 6 months.

You can purchase all the ingredients from your local pharmacy or herbal store.

Look after your body and <3 life="" p="" your="">

#2 Life is a lesson ~ How much can you really plan?!

Preparing for this trip is not so easy, I'm a little unsure how to proceed. I have a rough idea of the route I'll be taking and a rough idea of how many kilometres I can complete per hour. What I've also learnt from Life experience is that planning to much is generally not worth it. Things happen day to day that are unexpected and from this week of training I can see that each day is very different, from 51 km Monday to 20 km yesterday. Temperature, sleep, water and food all make such a difference to how much I can move in one day. Should I ditch the planning and just do it?! mmmmm...

~ Preparations ~ Week 1 ~

~ Monday ~ 
~ Remember water ~

I woke at 6.30 for my regular 30 minute meditation, followed by the healthy home made yoghurt, fruit and cereal... Best start to the day, a clear mind and happy stomach :D

My day on the road started at 9:30, I arrived back home at 12:45 in time for lunch. During that time I made several stops the first at the post office, second for a toilet and tea break, third to buy more water (note: should carry a minimum of 2 litres) and the fourth started as a quick stop to buy some 'miele' (honey) and ended in agreeing that I would come to help out for a few hours when I am free... Great opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills of self sufficiency!

After a stretching and lunch break, my journey continued in the form of my regular daily ride to and from work 1 hour and 10 km each way. Apart from the short section of full on heat and no water, the day was pretty good. A total of 5 hours pedalling, 51 km covered, a fresh pot of honey and an enhanced tan, I feel this week has started well...

Averaging 10 km per hour, my end of day analysis is that I can complete 60 km per day over 6 hours. Lets see if I feel the same by the end of the week <3 nbsp="">

~ Tuesday ~

~ Life on the edge ~

Who knew that on the edge of Rome, just at the end of my very long street, you can find a beautifully secluded, quiet and natural area to cycle through!? I did not ... Now gladly knowing this road, I will for sure be taking it more often. For anyone else who likes cycling or nature walks this is one to try, I'm sure you could even find a nice spot for a picnic! What a perfect place to take a break from the busy city centre. So from leaving my house at 8:10 and arriving at 9:45 on the farm for my first morning of volunteering, I had discovered this street, been offered pizza and a beer by a passing driver - gratefully declined, and travelled 13 km at a pace a little slower than yesterday ... there was so much to take in and my legs are a little tender from all these km's! By this evening though, between jobs, I have completed a total of 47.1 km in all of 5 hours cycle time and taken home a few little goodies from the farm ... Not bad.  

~ Wednesday ~

~ Listen to your body ~

Today my body is crying "what are you doing!? This is too much for me!" and so I've had to admit to myself that I have been overdoing it, after all it is only week 1. Riding between work and pushing myself to do the kilometres as fast as possible is only going to end in injury. Not only that but I was convinced I had to complete the blog daily, share everything on facebook, have the plan all mapped out all at once! Wow, I love when I see myself ... this people, is the ego, say "hello ego!" 

Note to self ~ Remember to stay present and relaxed in everything you do!

More specifically my knees and and lower back have been aching, so I'll be eating more of the foods that help bones and muscles, Iron, protein and calcium rich food. As well as focusing my stretches on the lower back and knees. 24 km in 3 hours today spread out between work on the farm and babysitting.    

~ Thursday ~

~ No pressure ~

After letting go of the need to have everything under my control and done to the highest possible standard! I have had a lovely day, my lower back was really feeling it this morning, so I took more time stretching and less time on the bike. I spent half an hour in the park, then half an hour on the bike along the River Tiber, Rome before stopping to do my morning meditation, then riding for another half an hour to joining my friend for a fruit filled breakfast :D Yummy! 

After breakfast, I received a Shiatsu massage, which released all the tension in my spine, ready for the ride to work and home after work. So I spent a total of 3 hours on the bike today completing 24 km.

The cycle route along River Tiber goes all the way through Rome starting from Viale Guglielmo Marconi. I haven't reached the other end yet, I'll add it to my list of routes (unfortunately I can't get the route on google maps) 

~ Friday ~

~ A day of rest ~ 

Today I have taken a break from the Bike and focused my energy on the route planning for the trip, I have sent messages through couchsurfing. This is what the first part of the trip looks like ... 

Cycle for a cycle journey plan.

Times are calculated at 8 km per hour...

Toulouse, France -> 33.6 km / 4.2 hrs -> Poucharramet, France

Couchsurfing EVTYCIA – Call Eva 1 week before arrival and inform them of anything I may need (water). Food and bed included.

Poucharramet, France -> 141 km -> Pau, France -> 164km -> Pamplona, Iruna, Spain -> 194 km -> Burgos, Spain -> 96.5 km -> Palencia, Spain -> 47.6 km -> Valladolid, Spain -> 116 km -> Salamanca, Spain -> 121 km -> Almeida, Portugal -> 110 km -> Idahna a Nova

To keep me motivated and inspired I've been listening to the Life you tube channel Inspirational music soundtrack :D 

When you start a project, there are so many things to be discovered, the idea is just the start. As you move through each step the details come to the surface ... Life is a lesson <3 comment-3--="" nbsp="">

~ Saturday ~

~ A work day ~

Today there was a lack of preparations, I worked pretty much all day, cycled there and back which was approximately 14 km in total ... Still bike <3 p="">

~ Sunday ~

~ Critical Mass Rome ~

I woke up this morning with an urge to go to the beach on the bike. I called my friend to see what she was up to and she informed me that the Critical Mass event was taking place today from Piramide to Ostia ... AWESOME! I packed my bag with food and water and set off on my merry way, completing 10 km before reaching the starting point, I then met a few thousand people ready for the cycle <3 a="" about="" battery="" borrowed="" but="" camera="" died="" event="" facebook="" follow="" for="" from="" group="" guys="" href="http://www.tmcrew.org/cm/" i="" if="" information="" more="" my="" nbsp="" page="" photo="" see.="" some="" the="" then="" to="" unfortunately="" want="" you="">this link

 which should lead you to the website. You can also check out the Facebook group page Critical Mass Roma where there should soon be a load of pics and videos <3 1="" 80="" :d="" a="" also="" and="" any="" are="" be="" best="" better="" boom="" bucket="" couldn="" couple="" day="" end="" enough="" festival="" from="" going="" got="" have="" i="" in="" it="" km="" lucky="" meet="" nbsp="" of="" p="" people="" s="" say="" t="" that="" the="" thought="" to="" toulouse="" travelling="" was="" week="" when="" who="" with="">

#1 Life is a lesson ~ Fixing a puncture!

Well it's good to get some practice in I guess...

Yesterday my bike received a puncture! Usually I would go straight to the shop instead of tackling the problem by myself, however as we all know its not long until I'll be off on the road all by my little old self! What an opportunity to get me prepared <3 nbsp="" p="">
In the moments leading up to the repair, my heart was racing, "can I do this all by myself" I thought, "what if it all goes wrong, I might create another hole or maybe tear the inner tube and not be able to find a new one". As despair set in I gently reminded myself that with love comes knowledge, then poof out of nowhere I realised I've seen how to do this many times before, "Dad fixed mine loads of times and I got to watch!". The calm of my breath returned as I slowly opened the tyre. As soon as I pulled the first part of the inner tube out, the hole revealed itself and I had need not go further. Unsure which side of the inner tube plaster to face down and which side to face up, I tried both and it became clear which wanted to be closer to the tyre. With a couple of minutes and a lot of tyre glue, it was a success :D