I've taken the bike in for a service today. The brakes need checking out, and also, I have given them a new cassette and chain to put on it for me. They are also going to let me have a bike box for free, which means that i now have the option of packing my bike in a cardboard box, or the soft bag, or possibly both.

I've turned my thoughts more and more towards packing my gear and bike ready for the flight. Seems I will have to reduce the length of the box to put my trailer in by 5 cm's, but width and height I still have plenty to play with. That box will have to weigh in at 23kgs or lower. Luckily we have a set of scales at work, so i'll be able to sort that out. The bike, by itself, weighs in at 13 kg's (give or take a kilo or two), so plenty to play with there in terms of splitting the weight between the boxes. 

The only slight concern I have now, is how its going to fit in my brothers car, who has kindly volunteered to take me to the airport. It just will have to fit somehow i guess!!

On ebay, I have bought a bulk lot of 10 British Army ration packs, which should provide enough food for the Dalton Highway section of my trip. If they arrive in time, and if they taste any good are two completely different matters of course !!!!