Somehow, I breezed through check-in, security, and immigration - timing is everything, I guess. It’s a full flight, so the joys of economy class await (just psyching myself up!).

I still have a couple of hours before boarding, so there’s time for a G&T (Gin and Tonic!) and some contemplation about the reality of what I’m about to do (yes, more psyching myself up!).

The first leg of my journey takes me to Dubai, where I’ll have a 3.5-hour stopover - just enough time for another G&T and to check if my Tile luggage trackers actually work. Hopefully, my bike and bags keep up with me; if not, it’ll make for an even tougher ride along the Rhine!

After Dubai, it’s on to Zurich!

While this is a solo ride, I do have a couple of 'friends' with me. The first is Bluey. Bluey is the official mascot of the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation and has been my travelling companion on all my fundraising rides for Blue Dragon, usually strapped to the front of a motorcycle. This time, although he’s still strapped on, it’ll be at a slower pace on a push bike!

I’ll introduce my second travelling companion in due course, but for now, I’m off to the lounge for dinner, dessert, and maybe one last G&T.