Two reviews and a sad goodbye, from ADAM HARVEY
The Gocycleis an electric-assisted folding bicycle that was built with appearance and comfort, not just compactness, in mind. The bike is made of moulded magnesium, there's front and rear suspension, the small motor is hidden in the hub of the front wheel, and the little wheels and folding fork help the bike pack down into a small suitcase (an extra £90/€100). It's more difficult to dismantle than most collapsible bikes (you'll need a couple of minutes), but the greasy parts are covered, so riders shouldn't arrive at work covered in chain lubricant. They certainly won't arrive dripping in sweat, as the bike's batteries will give an assisted ride of about 30km (£1,158/€1,285, gocycle.com)
I've been struck at by a brown snake and had plenty of close encounters with red-back spiders, but my scariest camping encounter involves an onion, a plastic plate and a folding Swiss army knife. An immovable cutting surface and a fixed-blade knife would have saved me a lot of pain. The Gerber Metoliuswould have been perfect: a 10cm blade and a glass-and-nylon nonslip handle can handle anything a campsite throws at you, whether it's a tied-up knot or an unsliced tomato. €55; see gerberuk.com for Gerber's Irish stockists.
And, finally, a fond farewellto intrepid Go readers and to Ireland, as I'm returning down under – where the only essential accessories are a tube of sunblock, a can of fly spray and a stubbie holder. My family and I will deeply miss this place and its people. Our final weeks here showed us at least one benefit to all the rain: it helps wash away the tears.