We’re sitting in the Qantas 747 “City of Hobart” at gate 10, waiting for everything to be finalised for takeoff. It all feels very real now, and the excitement should help keep me awake till Singapore.

The trikes didn’t end up giving any trouble. We didn’t even need to fold them; with pedals and chain and mudguards removed the baggage staff were happy to take them. Actually, the friendly Oversized Luggage staff were thoroughly intrigued with them, and thought they were some of the best-built trikes they’d ever seen. I suppose they get to see quite a few interesting objects!

Wheeling recumbent trikes around an airport is not a way to stay inconspicuous, and we got plenty of smiles from fellow travellers and staff.