Bigman baffled by Bike Box

Today was one of the toughest challenges to date. You take one bike, one bike box, and Bigman and it should be straight forward for Bigman to fit the bike in the bike box. After all the trades description act indicated products have to be sold fit for purpose.

So first you remove the seat post. Still it does not fit.

Then you remove the handle bars. Still it does not fit.

Then you remove the forks. Now it begins to look as if it will fit.

It is a bit like one of those puzzles you see in Christmas Crackers. All the bits fit in the box. You just have to work out which way. Eventually you get so far, that the final strategy of sitting on the lid makes it shut.

There have been many reviews about bike boxes and they all carry a common theme. You know it should fit , It is just a matter of how! .......... and time ....... and patience!

Bill Hardie of Hardie Bikes has been very generous in supplying many parts sales or return which at least defers any further spending (wwww.hardiebikes.co.uk). Really helpful.

Spokes, gear cables outer and inner, tubes, patches, spare chain links, chains, patches, you name it was in the kit box.

The SIS energy bars and powder will keep Bigman motoring on the toughest of days. Passing through the airport security check may be a hoot and resemble a trip to Slovenia when ooodles of mini mars bars spilled across the conveyor belt when the eagle eyed 'observer' asked Bigman to empty his bag!

Four days left until we fly out to Cape Town and the nerves are growing. Loads of people wishing the Posse Ecosse all the best as they will not meet again until the duo return just re-inforces how close the starting line is. This time next week day 1 will be all over!

And teh Suacream will be in overdrive. Hold that thought!