Frequently Asked Questions.

When do I start?

I have now booked my outward flight and downloaded my route….the problem is I don’t fly out till 27th August.

I have to contain myself so I am not too ready weeks before I set off.

Do I train for the challenge?

I have been out on my bike and cycling up hills that I had no need to cycle up, just to prove to myself that I can still do it (only just)! My normal cycling range is usually below 50km but I do cycle regularly so I don’t intend to do much extra training….when I get on my route the riding each day is its own preparation as I expect to build up some fitness whilst I cycle. It’s probably more important that I don’t injure myself by overdoing it (at my age).

What bike will I take?

I have decided to take my old trusty Marin bike. Mainly because it is less likely to be stolen and if it is it isn’t worth much anyway. Also, it is easier to repair if it breaks down. It has travelled around many miles with me over the last 15 years or so. It has a rack fitted at the back for panniers and I take a top box for more personal and valuable items….like my iPad.

What other preparations do I make?

Normally I pack as light as I can manage. I only stay in hostels and B&B’s if possible. It’s amazing how little I need. Cycle clothing and lightweight non-cycle clothing of course, first aid kit, some bike tools and….most importantly, a flannel! I always joke about my flannel but I use it as a towel. It works better than you would think and its small size and lack of weight is beneficial. I still possess the same cycle tops I used on the Eurovelo 6 trip, 11 years ago, I could be reported to the police for a fashion crime!

What’s the biggest problem?

Dismantling and packing the bike into a cardboard bike box and getting it to the airport! Then collecting and reassembling the bike at the destination airport and dumping the empty bike box at the airport before riding off as quick as I can!

What’s so enjoyable about cycle touring?

I enjoy the bike as a method of travel. I am not making any environmental statement. The speed of cycling makes it so easy to stop and have a look at anything that attracts my interest. I don’t book accommodation more than two or three days ahead and if I want to stay somewhere a little longer I can. I try to stay in cheaper places if possible, just to eek the money out. However, the two biggest attractions are meeting people along the way and eating as much as I want without putting on weight. Big breakfasts are absolutely essential….I notice a lack of energy otherwise. Surprisingly, solo cycling is an activity that seems to make it easier to strike up conversations with strangers, especially other cyclists. I meet lots of interesting people.

Why have I chosen this route?

I have been hankering for a long European ride for a while and I have wanted to complete the section of Eurovelo 6 that I didn’t do in 2013, ie the bit between Budapest and Constanta (on the Black Sea coast). I almost committed to doing it but decided against it for logistical reasons. The problems of cycling on an unfinished cycle route with very mixed surfaces and busy roads didn’t appeal, additionally much of the route is very rural with limited tourism infrastructure. These were the reasons I chose not to do it last time.

I wanted somewhere I could fly out to and cycle back. I thought of Spain but it might be very hot in September, I thought of Italy but wouldn’t get home from there in the timescale. I remembered Bratislava and its central European position near Eurovelo routes in all directions. I had never been to Prague or the eastern side of Germany. Hopefully, I will have no logistical problems. All countries use the Euro currency, there are no borders to cross, I expect plenty of cultural posibilities and good cycle routes. There is a particularly hilly section in the Czech Republic but I will just need to tough it out.

Am I doing it for charity?

No. I did initially ride for Breast Cancer charity but I don’t like constantly asking people for money.

Why do I blog?

….because I’m too ugly for video and my voice is too boring for audio! Well, actually, I do it for my own satisfaction. I enjoy the writing process and I like to keep the blogs as a way of refreshing my memory. I travel to so many places it’s easy to forget! I don’t seek to publicise the blog by social media but I welcome anyone who finds it and is silly enough to enjoy reading my story. Also, family and friends who like to keep tabs on me. I apologise in advance for my silly anecdotes….I think I am regressing to adolescence!

Have I got a theme for this blog?

In the past I have linked the blog to another theme or event, like the football or rugby World Cup but I haven’t got one in mind at the moment. I could use the Olympics which will have just finished in France by the time I set off. Any suggestions are welcome….no, I am not doing a ‘grumpy old man’ theme….again!

Will Janice miss me?

Yes/Probably not/Not one little bit (*delete as appropriate). It is rather worrying that she has been encouraging me to go. She will be very busy without me and she might even fly out to meet me in Berlin. The blog will be full of typos and bad grammar because Janice won’t be around to proof-read it before I press the ‘publish’ button. Janice can delete the appropriate part of this answer….I think I know which she will select!

She said ‘Yes’ she will miss me!