We are Jean-Michel Massey from Devon, England and Mike Pierce from Sydney, Australia. This August we will be cycling from Berlin to Croatia, crossing through 6 countries and over the alps. The trip will surely be a personal challenge for both of us — both physically and mentally, so we’re asking our friends to help us out. Annie Peacock was the mother of three incredible young men (James, Tim and Jonny Rowden) who sadly lost her battle with cancer just a few short weeks ago. In memoriam to her, we plan to raise money for the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre who provided care and support for her and her boys throughout her illness. The route will start in Berlin, Germany on the 4th of August. We’ll head south to Prague, then across to Munich, we’ll then head over the alps — taking the highest possible road — and toward the northern coast of Italy, heading south east toward to Croatia, ending up in Petrcane, Croatia about a month after starting. Sourcing local saplings on our route, our aim to is to plant a tree every 100km of the trip. We’ll take pictures and GPS locations of each sapling so we can follow the progress of their growth in years to come. In fact, we’ll be documenting the entire journey right here on this blog, uploading photos, videos and stories as we go. So we ask of you just a couple of things. Visit the site, leave comments and tips as we travel. We’ll be relying on kind words and encouragement from you to keep us going. More importantly, if you can spare even a little bit, we’d love for you to make a donation here to the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre to help us reach our target.Tumblr (3.0; @plantingourwaytocroatia)http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8a4t9l0Ru1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We rented a couple of kayaks today and paddled around the corner from Petrcane to plant the final tree of the trip. Tim and James handled the digging duties on a rocky little point over looking the Adriatic sea.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1069938835http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1069938835Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:10:21 +0200<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l812023lf31qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We did it.</p> <p>27 days (three of which were rest days). 1880 kilometres. 106 hours and 55 minutes in the saddle. 17.57 km/h average speed. 72.99 km/h (Mike) and 73.67 km/h (Jean-Michel) top speed. ~15000 metres climbed. ~150000 calories burned. One puncture. One crash (Mike) and two unintentional dismounts (also Mike). Lots of rain. Lots of wind. Some camping. Some hotels. Two guys (plus James for the last four days). One amazing adventure.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1043219592http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1043219592Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:31:14 +0200<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l80x7wfIlM1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’ve arrived! What an amazing feeling- an incredible achievement, don’t know what to say- will update again later, for now, we’re having a beer by the sea.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1042844749http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1042844749Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:46:11 +0200<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l80t7cksOF1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Here is Mike on a hill climb…</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1042562368http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1042562368Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:17:25 +0200<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l80sacaDsN1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The 16th tree has the most beautiful view of all the trees so far, our ride today has been breathtaking, we’ve had the sun in our faces, and the wind on our back…</p> <p>N 44’20.779 E 015’12.683</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1042492151http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1042492151Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:59:02 +0200<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l80gj8pTfH1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Early lunch in Pag… Super hot and windy today… Making good progress.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1041659989http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1041659989Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:46:24 +0200<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l80ayt6gky1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Liveblog. We’re on the peninsula north of petrecane. It’s looking pretty baron, and pretty hot.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1041329052http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1041329052Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:46:06 +0200<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7z8gxXvr71qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Today was incredible. An insane water taxi ride, a turbo roll over hills and around cliff tops, and an insane storm with wind gusts that sent us two metres sideways, threatening to send us off the edge of said cliff. Not to mention the trouble we had trying to find a room in this tiny ferry stop town we’re now in.</p> <p>But it’s all worth it for that incredible sunset. Pictures simply do not do it justice. Plus it’s only around 85kms to our destination. Amazing.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1037769431http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1037769431Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:55:45 +0200<img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7yt1qsn2G1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>An hour or so ago, James planted the 15th tree, one of two Ginkgos we bought in Umag a few days ago. It has a wonderful view over to the island of Krk where we stayed last night.</p> <p>The weather today in Croatia is truly wet! We’re all soaked to the bone, but pushing on all the same.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1036577770http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1036577770Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:21:15 +0200<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7ylupTuJV1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Liveblog. Rib from Krk to mainland.</p> <p>50+kmph. Lol.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1036095931http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1036095931Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:46:12 +0200<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7xhl8iZdD1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Tough, long day today. Croatia has thrown over 1000m alt. of climbs at us, with a stiff wind most of the time, we took a few hours respite in Krk town, and now have made it to Baska, where tomorrow we’re hoping to find a boat over to Senj. Painful though each climb is, we’re consistently rewarded with the most amazing views.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1032433320http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1032433320Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:16:53 +0200<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7wrraxH7u1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’re on an island.</p> <p>We got stuck in a storm last night, then accidentally got on a ferry. We luckily found somewhere to stay, had a good eat, and sleep. Island threw a 400+m ascent on us, then rewarded us with this incredible 350degree vista. Fans of James will be pleased to know he’s doing really well…</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1030319863http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1030319863Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:56:52 +0200<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7vf8jOwjl1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We went to a town where the ferry to an island went to, but there wasn’t a town, so we’re boarding a ferry and going to an island. We hope there is a town on the other side…</p> <p>Sky is properly threatening to thunder on us…</p> <p>Oh boy.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1025847375http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1025847375Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:30:04 +0200<img src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7uzfpkAW91qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’ve been joined at Pula airport by Annie’s eldest son, James, he’s coming along till our final destination of Petrcane. It’s baking hot outside, he’s in at the deep end… Wish him luck!!</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1024740801http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1024740801Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:49:18 +0200<img src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7uz6oqZnc1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Tree number 14 a Eucalyptus tree has been planted just by an inlet near Pula. We wish he grows big and strong. He’s here! 44’54.858 013’48.871</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1024727748http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1024727748Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:43:59 +0200<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7tmylXv351qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’ve made it to Pula, or just north of Pula… We’re 10km away from the airport, primed to pick up James in the morning. Looking forward to having James with us!!</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1020574847http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1020574847Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:21:09 +0200<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7t5lttkuo1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Imagine having four lanes of fresh bitumen to yourself on a bicycle.</p> <p>We took a chance, and joined the second half built road of the trip… It had a horrid head wind, but we still clocked up good speeds, and wore a smile. 35degree heat today! Time to plant a tree now…</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1019266514http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1019266514Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:06:46 +0200<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7rqvsENJZ1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Liveblog. Back on the road with two big ginkgos and three eucalyptus trees.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1014982025http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1014982025Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:52:04 +0200<img src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7rml425DE1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’re having a cool drink and escaping the sun while we wait for a garden centre to re-open to pick up more trees, having run out of our original batch from Berlin.</p> <p>It’s so hot that most businesses close during the middle of the day to avoid the heat. It also makes it hard to cycle, so were planning on riding later in the day to be able to cover some miles in less intense weather.</p> <p>We’re both pretty tired today, both because of the heat and some loud teenagers that set up camp next to us and talked loudly all night. Hopefully we can make it in to Pula tomorrow and find a little more energy for the final leg of the trip, down the coast to Petrcane.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1014647816http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1014647816Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:19:52 +0200<img src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7plvyAnDy1qcg1dco1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>We’ve just cleared Trieste. Stopping for lunch in a funny little town called Muggio. Heat is hot today, and motivation low… Luckily we have 3 days to get to Pula to meet James Rowden, one of Annie’s great sons who’ll be joining us for the last leg to Petrcane.</p>http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1008777210http://plantingourwaytocroatia.co.uk/post/1008777210Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:09:00 +0200