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discussed what sort of stories we should cover and put out messages to his contacts in Lviv to start researching for us . My time went into some sort of new dimension ; obtaining the correct press credentials , heading deep into rural Georgia for Combat Life Saver training with the American military , purchasing a bullet proof vest and other gear needed for the trip . Revit jumped in with adventure riding suits , Arai with helmets , and BMW lined up a couple of F850GS Adventures in Munich .
After the training I felt vaguely confident I could pack a bullet wound , or deal with a missing limb , I promptly crashed my bicycle at speed in Georgia riding with ex World Superbike champion Scott Russell . Arriving home full of oozing , weeping holes I then caught Covid . Kiran was back in Ukraine photographing for the Daily Mail about a massive food aid delivery , and he also came
across a story at the Children ’ s Hospital in Lviv .
I remember the feeling I got opening his pictures of nine-year-old Sophia , the front of her head blown open by shrapnel which travelled through her brain , hit the back of her skull , and took off down into her spinal cord . A once vibrant TikTok dancer , her condition just tore a hole in my heart . Unbeknown to us , this would be the connection for our fundraising efforts during our time in Ukraine together .
Back in Paris , Kiran called to check on my injuries , which were healing , but unfortunately Covid had delayed my departure and once more we waited . He had some work in Paris so was ok with the delay and I checked and rechecked my gear . The Universe was dictating the pace , and we were being forced into obedience .
Stepping out of the Charles De Gaul airport into a hazy Paris day , Kiran ’ s welcoming “ Hello Mate ” was soon in my ear as I jumped in his car , and we headed across Paris . Weaving through cars , bicycles , scooters , and pedestrians , while making a loop around the Arc de Triumph , it suddenly started to feel real .
Boarding a train for Munich early the following morning with all our luggage just reinforced the feeling , as two guys with riding gear , camera gear , laptops , bullet proof vests and helmets attempted to get on and off a number of trains throughout the day .
The Press bike pick up in Munich was BMW efficient , and the staff helpful as we tried to figure out attaching the gear on our machines .
Germany soon became the Czech Republic , then
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