What’s Missing?

We are getting ready to set off.  Here’s a photo of the van parked outside......what important item have I forgotten?

I better check what we have packed.  I think I have all the important items.  Gin, Tonic, Beer, Wine, Chocolate, yes that’s everything!

Whoops, I forgot to put the bikes on the back.  That might be a good idea!

There is a two stage logic to pack for the whole trip....firstly, we have to pack up for the motorhome trip but secondly we need to pack separately for the cycle tour and whilst we try not to take too much stuff in the van under normal circumstances the packing for the cycling needs to be.....how shall I put it......minimal!  To get the ideal amount the best tactic is to put everything that you want to take with you out on the bed and then remove half of it and voila, you have just the right amount.  I was worried that Janice might want to bring too much stuff but in actual fact she is cutting it right down to keep the weight down.

This is a picture of my clothing.  Not too bad.  I have even found room for my flannel!  For those people that are not aware of the significance of a flannel....I use it in place of a towel.  It’s amazing how dry one can get with a flannel.  I have moved onto a new microfibre flannel which dries out quicker than an old fashioned towelling flannel.  

It is tricky to decide what to pack but we have got a waterproof jacket, a warm shirt, two cycling T shirts, two pairs of shorts, one pair of light trousers and as few pairs of undies and socks as we can manage.  There is also a range of extras like leg warmers, buff, first aid kit, basic tools and toiletries.  Whilst we hope for good weather in Central Europe we are cycling progressively north and into October which means we could get any type of weather.

We will set off in the morning but will stay at St Albans visiting our grandchild over the weekend.  We actually get the Eurotunnel next Thursday.  I will resume the blog as we travel south through France before cutting eastwards to Basel.