danozi

I can speak personally on this one. Late 1990's (East Timor) and early 2000's (Afghanistan and Iraq first couple of rotations, Solomon Islands first rotation) the psych support was pretty woeful. Very much a box ticking exercise, just checking you weren't getting too pissed (drunk) or going to do anything stupid which would embarrass the ADF, an admin exercise basically.

Later on in the decade things improved, with much more recognition of possible problems and better screening after deployment, but many of us were already out of the system and in civvy street by then, so didn't get direct access to this.

I ended up ringing VVCS, and they were brilliant. Did all the debriefing I needed which had been missed 10 years prior, and gave me tools to help me in normal life. For any other Aussie Veterans out there who might need a chat, pick up the phone and call them, it will be worth it.

Hi Derek,

Good on you! Will be adding you to the touring blogs I live vicariously through, hopefully doing my own journey in the next couple of years.

Had a very brief look at the website but I couldn't see what kit you're using, would you mind giving a quick run down on what you have and pros/cons to date?

I noticed that you said you had no cycling experience prior to this, what has been the most difficult part of the trip to date? Best part?

Thanks for doing the IAma and hope your trip goes brilliantly!

Cheers, Dan

Your grandfather sounds like a fantastic candidate for an AMA if he'd be interested.

Glad to read you're carrying quite a bit of water, especially in summer. 75kg of kit is a bit! Hope your bike holds up ok under that load, should do if you keep an eye on things.

I'm thinking of a 3-6 month trip, probably America's. Start in Canada and go south down the west coast through the US, Mexico, Central America into South America and see how far I get. I live in Australia so may do some shorter trips in the interim. Got a few weeks off work coming up so will probably squeeze a small trip in over the break.

Great that you're keeping your spirits up, long days alone on the road give you plenty of time to contemplate. Make sure you grab that shade when you see it!

On a more practical note, have you checked out crazyguyonabike.com or warmshowers org? Good bike touring site and bike touring place to stay site respectively. Could be handy for any help while you're on the road if needed. If you head east towards Kenya I've got a good contact in Nairobi (ex work colleague and friend) who could be of assistance if needed, just drop me a line here.

Thanks for your service Norm! Fellow Aussie veteran here (Iraq).

I'll have a read and see what has been asked so far, will probably be back to ask something.