Day 249
Miami
We spent what seemed like forever packing up the bags and bikes. I popped a post and a photo on a few cycle touring Facebook pages and the response was awesome. Some believers, some doubters, and most eager for the results.
Well our day started early, up at 4am and picked up by British Airport Transfers. It wasn’t a cheap taxi at £109, but the service was top class and I would recommend them 100%. We were updated about the trip a few days before, then the day before and then an hour or so before pick up. We could even track the driver via the app. Needless to say he was on time and had our bikes, bags and boxes loaded in a jiffy. Check-in wasn’t quite so smooth. We were flying with BA, plenty of helpful staff, but although Tom had followed the instructions of BA’s website to the letter, our cleaned petrol canister was not allowed on board. Not happy bunnies. We had taken some tape just in case thank goodness. The bikes and bags caused no problems thankfully.
After a slightly late departure caused by seven people getting lost in the airport (seriously, how?) we finally took off. Tired and very hungry we arrived at Miami Airport. We were soon through Customs and onto baggage claim where we literally fell over two of our bags. A few minutes later we had our bikes and the last pack of bags. At first glance all seemed fine, the bags were as-packed and the tape had held up. Further checks revealed a slightly bent front pannier frame on Tom’s bike, and a split Tupperware box we keep battery chargers etc in. The gamble had work though. Two bikes in pretty much perfect condition. We had them stripped of packaging and rebuilt in just over an hour. We had a fair few admirers too. Now just the not-so-small task of cycling to our hotel along a six-lane highway from the airport. Well we were in luck, the highway was quiet and we soon got off onto side roads. At the hotel whilst Tom checked in I got chatting to a wonderful couple, Andrew and Cerieta, who were full of admiration when hearing about our trip. Fortunately the hotel has the biggest lift I have ever soon so there was plenty of room for me and my big head. Tomorrow we head into the Everglades.
