Off to Shanghai

---

12.5.2014:



Today was the start of an adventure like none I have undertaken previously. The extent of the challenge I have set myself has started to seep into my brain. 12,160 kilometres over 131 days of consistent daily cycling with the occasional rest day. It seems that the rest days maybe a misnomer, as I understand these days are occupied with sight seeing, washing, bike maintenance, sleeping and eating. Time will tell



My day started at 2 am, airport departure at 2.45, then 70 minutes of highway driving, 2 hours of airport waiting before the first flight departure from Brisbane to Sydney. Thankfully checkin with the bike was a smooth process. After waving farewell to Mem I boarded the Sydney flight. It took 70 minutes to traverse the arrival and departure terminals at Sydney airport, arriving at the Shanghai departure gate 25 minutes before boarding. Seated comfortably, the pilot then announced that departure would be delayed due to late arrival of 30 passengers from Melbourne. We finally departed 1 hour late, with the promise of catch up. It had taken 8.5 hours to travel 1000kms by car and plane. I am wondering whether cycling will be as arduous!, although to travel that distance will take me about 8 days.



Arrived Shanghai Pudong Airport, very large and efficient. All luggage arrived, seemingly in good shape. Will tackle the bike tomorrow. Smooth transfer to hotel along a super highway, 6 lanes each direction that passed numerous neon lit high rise buildings, which looked beautiful in the night sky. Hotel room tight but clean and bed comfortable. Ate my first Chinese meal, an inspiring prawn egg fried rice and a cleansing Tsingtao beer, 25 yuan ($5).

---

Comments

[Georgie]

Wow you must be tired! Glad to hear arrived safe and sound! xx