19 days to go - bike modifications

Today was a day off from cycling because the bike's wheels were being serviced. They're the old fashioned size of 27 inches in diameter. The tyres are 1 1/4 inches wide. The bike shop said they were in good shape apart from a few missing bearings in the back wheel - a previous owner must have taken it apart to service and lost a few in the process. The tyres were replaced with new Schwalbe Marathon tyres with a Kevlar lining to prevent punctures. These are the tyres of choice for long distance cycling, apparently.

After hearing about the 1,200 mile journey these wheels would have to endure, the bike shop kindly taped some spare spokes to the inside of the rear pannier rack so should one break for any reason, I wouldn't be delayed further by waiting for the local bike shop to order them in, wherever that might be.

I also got fed up of the awkward upwrite-with-wrists-bent-the-wrong-way posture the handlesbars dictate, and got some ergonomically designed 'trekking' bars - that is, handlebars designed to provide several hand positions to prevent fatigue. Getting them on the bike was a faff, and they don't match the silver chrome. I placed purpose-made gel patches on the bars before wrapping in soft handlebar tape, so they are now ultra comfortable to grip. I'll find out tomorrow if the posture is improved. On a quick ride to the shops, I'm relieved to report they feel comfortable, but will obviously take some getting used to.

Changing the handlebars: before, in progress, after