Comms Equipment:

It is important that my communication system is as light and compact as possible. After much consideration I chose a Psion Series 5, recently updated to the more powerful MX version. This excellent palmtop, running off just two AA batteries, is linked by infra red to an Ericsson SH-888 mobile GSM phone with built in modem. With the Psion I write the web site journal, articles for Cycling Plus and travelogues for Rough Guide.

As a back up to the mobile communications unit and more cost effective to access, I am using a Web mail account: cassgilbert@yahoo.co.uk. This allows me to update the site from areas beyond mobile phone roaming agreements and remote servers. Files from the Psion can be downloaded to most desktops via the Windows installed Hyperterminal application, to be cut and pasted into the 'Hotmail' account. I will pick up my messages from the various cybercafes along the route. Apologies now if I'm late in replying!

I also carry a Garmin III GPS (satellite global positioning system), that pinpoints my position to within 35 ft! Finally, I have a Canon EOS 50 camera and send back pictures for the web site by that old fashioned institution: The Post!