Stage one is my British Airways flight from Heathrow to Frankfurt on the 15th of July. The reason I chose British Airways for this leg of the journey, is that they have a policy which, although worded in a way to keep people confused, allows people to carry bicycles on flights for free. I'm sure that there will be plenty of initial confusion at the check in, so I'll arrive with plenty of time to spare.

When I land at Frankfurt at around 18.15, I'll make my way to the Condor Airways desks. According to the ticket I have, which again is worded in a way to keep people confused, it seems to indicate that I will be able to check my baggage in for my onwards flight to Alaska between 18.30 and 22.00, even though my flight is not due to leave until the next day.

Hopefully, I will be able to check the bicycle and all luggage in, and then find myself a nice quiet corner of the airport to sleep for the night. If I can't check it in, I'll still have to find myself a nice, quiet corner of the airport to sleep in... I'll just have considerably more bags around me !!