The flight

We had a nice leisurely start to the day, down for breakfast at 8 o'clock and then off to the bus for the airport.  There was a very kind American Airlines lady who helped Mrs Pakes print off the boarding passes and then go to the baggage drop off.  We then went through to the departure lounge and noticed other people carrying crash helmets, so struck up a conversation and yes they are on the same tour as us.  Then we got the call for boarding and when we got through the gate we found more people on the tour.  We walked on the plane and thought how comfy the seating looked but as we made our way to our number we walked on by and oh dear it was a little more cramped. 

 We were served two meals on the plane and watched a movie and a little television.  Once more Mr and Mrs Pakes caught up with some sleep.  When we arrived in Chicago 8 hours later, guess what, it was raining.  We went through the airport really quickly and outside into the cold and rain and no transport.  One of our party phoned the tour people and before too long a bus appeared and drove us to our hotel.

Looking out over rainy Chicago airport

After a quick bite to eat we had to go and meet the tour guide and the other members of our group for a quick chat about what we are doing in the morning. Up for breakfast at 7 (poor Mrs Pakes) and bus to Chicago city to pick up our motorbikes.

Off we go!

Off we go!  Got up nice and early and Mr Pakes went shopping for a new suitcase.  Grandma Richards came and picked us up and took us to Ryde pier to get the catamaran. 



 Next onto the coach and a very long trip to Heathrow. Mr and Mrs Pakes had a little sleep on the way while I watched the world go by.

  Three hours later we arrive at the central bus station at Heathrow.  We didn't know how to get to the hotel so Mrs Pakes phoned them up and they told us to go back to terminal 5 and get a bus from there.  We then went on some travellators and a train and eventually found the right bus.  Glad I wasn't having to lug the suitcases, Mrs Pakes looked like she was getting a bit cranky by now, but we soon arrived at the hotel and of course we are on the top floor and furthest from the lift. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come!  After a nice dinner and a shower I had an early night as we have to be up a bit earlier in the morning because apparently the online check in wouldn't work for some reason. Hey ho, that means queues in the morning.

'All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go' One more sleep and off in the morning. Grandma is coming through to pick us up and run us down the pier then onto the coach and up to Heathrow for the night. Still can't quite believe that we're going!  Did have some good news before we leave though, no. 1 daughter moves into her new flat tomorrow so we can jet away with easy minds that she is settled again. Yeh. Barton bear is packed so we won't be leaving him behind. One small hiccup is the case that hubby was going to use decided to break it's zip today so it's an early start tomorrow to buy a new one! Hey ho. Right off to bed now to try and get some sleep. Barton will continue with the blog from tomorrow. Bye for now.

Well here we are with only 4 sleeps left to go.  We are now getting very excited and nervous as the great adventure inches closer.  Off to do shopping today for important items such as sun cream and Optrex. Also a hand luggage bag for me to put my crash helmet in. Think everyone at school will be glad when I've gone.  Also charging up the netbook ready to take with us to continue the blog. Barton Bear has arrived at our house and is also excited about the adventure.  When we start the trip it will be Barton who will take over writing the blog so the children back at school can join in with the trip.  When we get to America he will meet the tour guide's bear, Bernard. Apparently they might travel together in the support vehicle. Oh well off to the shops.

Well here we are and there are 16 days to go.  The travel firm have sent us our air tickets and a very comprehensive itinery for the trip. I took that into school and have been driving everyone up the wall with my constant wittering and my building excitement.  We went out on Andrew's Suzuki on Sunday, over to Freshwater Bay, for a cup of coffee.  All I can say is that I am glad we are not going across America on that!  I sincerely hope the Harley Davidson is as comfortable as it looks or I will be needing very large soft cushions to sit on when we get back.  Here is a picture of the bike we will be riding, looks great. Don't think Andrew's seat will be as comfortable as mine!

Countdown

Right, this time in four weeks time I will be in Chicago so thought perhaps I should start a count down to the big trip.  Passports ready,estas in place, dollars ordered and coaches booked to the airport. I am getting very excited now and am mentally planning what to pack. The weather is going to be warm but still need to wear the biking gear, but what about the evenings? Do I need something dressy for Las Vegas? What to wear for a birthday in Santa Fe? Or do I just go with what the husband says and we just buy stuff when we get there? Hey ho, sure I'll decide soon. Mean while here is a little map of the route and I will keep you up to date with all pre trip plans.