Finally, the time has come.

After far too many weeks of anticipation, the time has finally come, and this is my last night at home before my flight to Faro and 2000KM across a country I absolutely adore.

Of course, the night before a trip always means packing. In this case, i need to fit everything i will need for a 10 day trip into the paniers and topcase of the NC750X i have rented for the trip.

I like to pack light, but this may be a record for an 11 day trip.

I am trying hard to keep it to only carry-on. My wife treated me to a Club seat for my flight to Faro, so with no checked luggage, being at the very front of the plane, i can be off the plane, through customs and out of the airport on my way to the bike in less than 30 minutes if all goes well.

Riding gear takes far more space than everything else i have packed, but this stuff is what makes or breaks the trip. Warm, dry and armored up makes for a good day in the saddle.

The weather forecast looks absolutely perfect. No rain in the forecast for my trip at all. Temperatures are cool in the morning but rise to between 17 and 20 degrees in the afternoon each day, which makes for perfect riding conditions.

Good to go!!