Proposed cycling route:

We had learned from other touring cyclists the existence of well defined European cycling routes promoted under the EuroVelo(EV) website. After reviewing the dozen or more lengthy cycling routes, we were quickly attracted by the EV Route #6 which crosses much of Europe from East to West along some well-known Loire and Danube rivers. Our planned route would initially follow EV Route #2 out of London going west and then connecting to EV Route #1 at Bristol and then going south across the English Channel to eventually lead us to the most eastern part of EV Route #6. The overall expected cycling distance from London (UK) to Bucharest (Romania) should be around 4,800 kms. We plan to cycle a modest 60 kms per day with at least one day of rest every 5 cycling days or so.

Preparation:

Beyond planning out our cycling route, we focused on the following areas as part of our trip preparation.

1) seeking experiences from other touring cyclists
2) repairing the tandem
3) reviewing our list of equipment and packing it

During our trip research, we stumbled on a travelogue from a BC couple who cycled much of EV Route #6 on a recumbent bicycle in 2012. Jenny read very intently the couple’s blogs from seven different cycling trips to Europe since 2012.

A key element for this trip was the replacement of tandem’s rear wheel cog components which had failed on us last fall in the early days of an inter-province two week cycling trip. We had been waiting since October for some specialized parts and tools from Germany. The long delay was naturally attributed to the broken supply chain as result of the pandemic. Nonetheless, we finally managed to get our hands on the parts and tools in early March.

We reviewed meticulously and weighted every items we planned to bring along with us. As we preferred to avoid bringing out tandem trailer, we bought a rack trunk to provide a bit more storage space beyond our four panniers. Our updated equipment list is here.