I have been carrying this idea in my head around for a long time now, precisely since January 2008, when I first thought what it would be like to cycle the Alpine Pacific Triangle in New Zealand in the mid of winter. Cycling through snow capped mountains is one of the greatest pictures I could imagine since then, but I never really got myself to do it. Things have changed ever since, I am now based in the beautiful place called Edinburgh in Scotland, whilst working in Stirling, which is another 65km away. 2010 has been an interesting year for me so far, but ever since I left New Zealand in May 2009 I wasn’t able to squeeze any longer trips on the bike in. Which doesn’t mean I am not fit any more, quite the opposite is the case, I am enjoying the best form I ever had. After finally tackling the 300km mark by cycling from Edinburgh to Newtonmore in a single day, I am up for new challenges, and my first longer ride in Winter. Nothing seemed more obvious than combining the visit to Germany with a bike tour, and so here I am, in the middle of planning a new adventure. I am cycling for the fun and joy of being on two wheels, not restrained by any means. The closest you can get to total freedom is cycling to remote areas, pitch your tent wherever you want, and just enjoy being out of your own comfort zone. To experience stunning places, beautiful people and keep that curiosity up that made my travel to a lot of places so far, whilst trying to have something like a career as well. This new trip is different though. It will take me back to places that shaped my life and surely prove a different challenge from the stuff I have done so far, but the sheer thought of having a nice warm mulled wine back in the place that was home to me for so many years is quite a good thing to look forward to. Follow this blog if you are interested in planning the trip, finding sponsorship, the right cause/charity to support and whatever happens in between. My aim is to head off mid December, to be there in time for Christmas eve, but there will be lots of things happening in between.