Time for a bit of an upgrade!

Obviously I've been a good lad this year, cause whilst there's no way I'd ever have suggested it as a Christmas present, someone must have taken a peek at my "Shopping Wishlist" or had Santa whisper something in her shell like......

For guess what I received as a present today. 

My current Garmin 500, which is now close to six years old is dropping out from time to time, corrupting the data which and whilst is sometimes salvageable, but also has also resulted in my losing an entire ride's history being scrubbed will now find a home permanently on the Surly Troll (unless I heading on an international trip of one form or another) or am doing something particularly notable! Now if only I knew how to:

• Install my new toy on the roadie! What's that you say - Read the instructions - Can't! 

          I am a typical Aussie bloke and will only read them if I can't figure it out for myself after several hours or days of trying

• Do a Restore Factory Settings to my old Garmin so that I can properly set it up for the Troll

          Who knows that may even get rid of the little glitches I was having!

Either way though, given the nature of this wonderful gift, I am going to have to get on my bike and pedal myself silly, to ensure that it's really utilised during 2016 and beyond. I just wonder where it will end up seeing me go?! 

My 500 having been through Europe & Sth America....

With 2015 drawing to a close.....

Having not exactly been on the bike much this year, primarily because I didn't draw up any grand schemes, as far as international destinations are concerned or what have you, I've been somewhat quiet as far as my activities / blog is concerned. That said however my Garmin does tell me I've ridden in excess of 2000KM - so I shouldn't complain too greatly!

I am however going to have to refocus and set a few goals for 2016. There are numerous options and it's a bit hard to know where to begin but you have to start somewhere. 

One of my dilemmas is that having loved elements of both of my international cycling oriented jaunts (despite how they may have concluded), I am tempted to once again jet off to parts unknown. That said, I have seen so little of Australia on the saddle of a bike.... 

Hmm decisions, decisions. I suppose that's one of the blessings of being somewhat footloose & fancy free. The world is your oyster! 

Whilst I wish on the one hand that I'd had the opportunity to live "the normal life" with a 9-5 job, family and so on.... It wasn't to be other issues / responsibilities came up! Now I don't know that "normal" is something I can / want to aspire too any longer.....

I mean if you'd meet my family (well my siblings at least) you'd understand why I wished them good riddance. I'm free of them and their stupidity now and  forever more! Of course there's no rear vision mirror's on a bike and I'm too too busy pedaling and doing my own thing, as to glance backwards! 

Seriously and to anyone who says that blood is thicker than water I can only say "You've obviously never owned or operated a Karcher Pressure Washer", cause the clean all sorts of stains in next to no time.

So the big question I suppose is whether I set some or at least my major yearly goal for here in OZ or somewhere overseas????

I'm thinking Europe, Holland, into The Baltic States, then on to Germany before concluding in Switzerland cause that would give me the opportunity to catch up with numerous friends as well as providing a bit of "normality" as far as my travels are concerned, but by the same token am also drawn to the idea of exploring India thanks to comments made by a cycling colleague who navigated his way around the country on a bike a couple of years ago..... I mean it's a country I've yet to visit, one that appeals from a cultural & scenic perspective and so his stories of what he'd seen & done, opened a whole Pandora's Box in terms of what's possible! 

Something that wasn't helped recently as a result of seeing photos / hearing stories from another friend who visited India this year! 

Choosing to do a supported or self-supported ride.

There are so many factors which come in to play when trying to determine whether to do a self-supported or supported bike ride and whilst some people may say I'm jumping the gun a little, having only done two supported rides with the one company, I'll let you know my thoughts on the issue in the hope it'll help you decide how you might what to proceed.

Supported

• Camaraderie - It's a great opportunity to develop new & lasting friendships. There really is something to be said for chatting with others, both at the dinner table or whilst out on the open road as you ride along, about your cycling experiences to date, and sharing in the sights & sounds your witnessing as you ride along.

• Educational - Hopefully your organiser will have incorporated some interesting sights into your route, as well as providing a bit of information about the region in which you are traveling. There's also typically a greater opportunity to partake in cultural, historical or winery tours by being in a group particularly at end of or rest day destinations.

• Mechanical Support - Sure you may still need to know how to repair a puncture, however in a group environment, there's always someone to give you hand (assuming there isn't a bike mechanic in the organiser's team) to help keep the wheels turning. This is a biggie, as being unable to ride because of mechanical issues is going to sour your holiday.

• Navigation - With a predetermined route (and achievable) daily destination in mind, you won't get lost, with the organiser hopefully having provided GPS routes for upload into your bike computer along with paper maps.

• Security - There's a lot to be said for having the peace of mind in knowing that there is a sweep rider and/or SAG wagon ensuring you reach your night's destination. Having someone there to assist medically or mechanically is invaluable. 

• Camaraderie - Given the likely the age & cultural mix of the group, you may not get along with everyone, though to an extent this may be offset depending on the size of the group.

• Price - In addition to the obvious cost of providing tour group facilities, there may be a compromise necessary in terms of matching one's budget, with an interesting tour route and the type of accommodation & level of services being provided.

Self-Supported

• Flexibility - You can ride at your own pace, stopping where you like, when you like and for as long as you like...
• Price - It's typically cheaper! 
• Independence - You have to maintain your own momentum, regardless of weather or physical ability / desire to carry on, as well as being required to undertake any and all repairs yourself.
• Key Highlights - You may miss some of the best sights / experiences of the region depending on how much research your able to undertake before setting off...