The Budget

Update time!

It's on! Essentially I've put a bit more of a plan together regarding savings, flights and pennies out on the road. Kit is together apart from my maps and SPOT device but I'm confident of hitting the trail late May 2016. 

Details to follow! 



The road so far...

Not great if I'm honest. 

If you're here, you've probably read the post on the main blog. The money that was on track for a TD '15 Grand Depart took a massive hit getting me out of my mundane job.

I drew this tracker to help muster some motivation. Now I look at it properly, I actually quite like the idea!

Pride of place on my fridge, I see it in the morning when I get up, when I come through the door after work. It is my inspiration and guide for the road ahead. 

A big thing to remember folks; a little in the savings each month is better than nothing. Time to start watching the bar on the right fill steadily....

You may have also noticed that the total is a touch higher than the breakdown below. I must also note that the above figure doesn't take flights into account. This is due to the plan of them going on a  credit card nearer to a departure date and have 18-24 months to pay it off. 
 


Lets get some numbers together! 

One of the main reasons I've opted for a 2015 TD trip is that it will give me enough time to save. Initial numbers are below. 

Flights - To Vancouver, return from Phoenix: £1000.00
Luggage (bike) - Worse case scenario charge: £250.00

Ride fund - Motels, food, etc for 3 weeks riding: £750.00
Pre/post ride - For Banff/Phoenix respectively: £200.00

Repairs - Bike parts & kit repairs: £200.00

Total: £2400.00

As well as the above fund I will also be taking a credit card as an emergency option.

I've rounded up the flights & luggage charges. This is due to me having found return flights from/to Heathrow, UK for as little as £700.00 but I like to have a bit extra in the bank. 

A breakdown of the savings then....

£2400.00 saved over 15 months (starting from March for arguments sake) is £160.00 per month. 

I'll update my savings along the way.