So how much stuff do I need to take on a bicycle tour. The simple question is, as little as possible. On my last trip I took too much and regretted it, and on this trip  i’ve done it again. I really didn’t plan this well. I’ve take stuff that I wont even use. The only things that I find a must is electronics. Stuff like laptops or iPads and a mobile phone. With these simple tools you can plan stuff ahead and I feel safe knowing that I can make a call for help. Other stuff like clothing can be purchased on route.

The other question you need to ask is what is the terrain going to be like. Hilly, gravel roads and weather conditions. All these things play a part in working out what you need to take. I think I would of taken 50% less and saved my self and of heavy hauling.  We’re learn from our mistakes and I learning fast now.

Camping or staying in Hotels / hostels. This trip in the south of France, camping is proving to be a problem. There are limited places to tent camp and the cost is about 20 euros per night. If you consider that you first have to find a place to camp, which might be hit or miss and when you do find a place. You will need about an hour to set your self up. This all means that you have to start looking for a place at around mid afternoon.

If on the other hand you want to stay in hostels or hotels, you can travel lighter which means faster, or high climbs and travel for longer because there is very little setting up. The cost is about double or triple than camping but at least you get a warm shower and a soft bed at night. Next time I’m going to travel light and see how that works out. Also if you are in main land Europe hotels . Hostels are a lot easier to find than camp site especially in city’s.