Month: February 2009

It appears that the bike is finally on its way here and my belongings should be unloaded tomorrow. Now don’t think that’s the end of things, because it’s not.

Due to the shipper changing all the details, I’m still trying to work out how I can pay them from over here. Credit card is limited as I have no UK credit. An attempt at an online transfer just ended up costing me fees to send my money to the USA and then having it returned.

In addition, I’ve been told there’s about $800 handling fee to be added at this end and that’s if I go and pick it up myself. 

The bike is being delivered to the other end of the country and it’s not as simple as picking it up and riding it back. It’s got to be collected in a van, go to a dealer who will change the lights and supply an official note. This can then be taken to the Govt Department, where they will take money off me to stamp a bit of paper. I then take it to a vehicle test centre to have it checked, for which I pay again, then back to the Govt Department to pay road tax, then get it insured, and then I can ride it.

Gee thanks Karen. You’ve just made life one long giggle.

So we are into February and all my belongings are still in Seattle. How come you may ask. Well between the Banks and the Shippers, every conceivable obstacle must have been put in the way. 

I’ve heard that Tom made it all the way to Tierra Del Fuego and has flown home, no doubt to be welcomed by his Wife and family. So it seems one of us fulfilled the aims of the adventure, just not with the Three Teas charity element being supported.

Strange how these things turn out, because his wife was the one who wasn’t keen on him going.

Doubt I’ll be in touch with Tom other than to send him congratulations.

It may seem petty but I don’t want to hear about what I should have done, second hand.