Hi from Jonny

Hi everyone. Thanks to Rick for the splendid introduction. Rick has been kind enough to do all the 'computery things' for JBF over the last couple of years and now he has agreed to help me with the technical side of keeping in touch with people while I am away on my epic ride.

The idea of the trip is to raise funds for JBF and hopefully have 'an experience' at the same time. I chose an XS850 for the journey because that's what I own and ride - oh, and I don't have ten grand or whatever it is for a purpose built Paris-Dakar lookalike. And anyway, I know my machine is more than capable of this little jaunt East, so why leave her at home when she is obviously bursting with enthusiasm to have a go?

The bike will have a few modifications, such as a single seat, metal panniers etc, but basically it will remain standard (standard exhausts, shocks, tyres etc).

I am away for the weekend - at my big planning meeting with Rick (Technical) and Gary (Route Planning/Paperworks)- so I will post a few pictures of what I have done to the XS so far when I return next week.

Please contribute with your comments and suggestions - this is my first time trying something like this, so constructive contribution will be gratefully received.

Thanks, Jonny.