Putting some meat on the bones

Sorry, not the most appealing title, but as a public servant we use that term all the time. Idioms have a purpose.

Months are rolling by and the trip is getting closer. There is so much to research and plan.

You may be wondering what our skeleton looks like - well, it is pretty sturdy - good enough to do a jig.

Back in January we had enough of an outline to book the start and end date (and locations). That would be the skeleton's head and feet?

And by May, the skeleton pretty much had its shape:

This France cycling site was great:  https://en.francevelotourisme.com/ 

- 1 day in Frankfurt

- train transit day

- 3 days cycling the Strasbourg to Basel leg (part of the EuroVelo 15 cycle route) (129.9km)

- 1 day in Dijon (with train transit to and from) 

- 3-4 days in Paris

- 9 days cycling the Loire Valley (383.7km) from Orleans to Nantes

- 4 days cycling from Nantes to Mont Saint Michel (Regalante cycle route) (250.1km)

- train transit day

- 7 days cycling Bordeaux to Carcassonne (Atlantic/Mediterranean cycle route) (391km)

- transit day

- 3 days cycling Sete to Cavaillon (Mediterranean cycle route) (165km)

- transit day

- 1 day in Marseilles

Now time to get some meat on these bones.

What's keeping me awake at night?

It may be odd to some, but as the trip gets closer and planning is progressing, one thing that keeps coming to my mind (strangely, at night) is security of the gear on our bikes.

Damien seem much more relaxed about this that I am. 

And its probably the detail and logistics arising from the planning process that is highlighting travel  touring security as a key issue. There is a definite lack of peace of mind!

Balancing convenience, trust and risk management.

Unattended panniers: visual temptation for thieves (even if we are just ducking into a cafe), easy quick grab theft (special pannier cable locks needed), valuables at risk (even if panniers are locked onto the bike, someone can grab stuff out of them).

Locations: there may be no secure infrastructure to lock the bike up to. Even where there is secure infrastructure, do we need multiple locks (eg D Lock for the frame and a cable lock for wheels and panniers).  Overnight - assuming we will be able to take the bikes into our room (what if this is not allowed somewhere?)

What to do with our panniers/gear: will attractions have coat rooms?  if not, do we have to lug our panniers around with us (a) panniers are not backpacks and are not ideal for carrying around, (b) even travelling light, the load will still be heavy over time, (c) what about when walking up to a lookout or such, seems an inconvenience to have to take our gear.  

Research has some suggestions, although not enough to address all the above concerns.

- Leave gear at the accommodation. 

- Use multiple locks.

- Be more cautious in cities than in regions.

- Always keep key essential (passport, wallet, phone) on your person.

If anyone has been in this situation and has suggestions, please share your ideas in the Comments.