Touring - Anyone ever tour the North Sea Cycle Route?

I am planning my first tour, which vaguely follows the North Sea Cycle Route (minus Scotland).

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=928017

The tour will start mid-august and i estimate that it will take about two months. I will be touring with a trailer and (stealth) camping most of the way. My route is open to suggestions as it is only a rough draft.

The problem is i don't know wether to take the route clock-wise or anti-clockwise, as i would prefer to leave Norway until last, but aren't sure if it would be too cold and therfore do it the other way around.

I also heard it is legal to camp anywhere in Norway, so would it be wise to began my stealth camping days there, with me being a stealth camping virgin.

Any help appreciated.

I have done bits of the North Sea Route, the netherlands part and some touring in Norway.
In the netherlands the prevailing winds are from the southwest which suggests a counterclockwise route, but I can't speak for the other countries.

You can camp anywhere in Norway as long as it is on un cultivated land and at least 150 metres from the nearest building, for no more than two nights. I found that along the coast much of the land is occupied and around the fjords level ground is scarce. Nevertheless you should be okay if you are discreet, there is lots of forest cover.

I don't know about stealth camping in Holland its pretty crowded country , however anything is possible. I suspect you may have to search hard for campsites.

After talking to people in Norway I headed North to the fjords and the Lofoten islands, most Norwegians recommended that part of the country as opposed to the North Sea route. I still would like to complete the North Sea route some day.

I would go counter-clockwise (don't they say 'anti-clockwise' in England?). The prevailing winds are generally from the west in this part of the world.

Let the ferry do the work.

Erik (http://www.challengebikes.com/html/index.php?taal=en&selectie=5000kmrecumbent) rode the route when it first opened and has a detailed report here (http://www.challengebikes.com/documents/rondomdenoordzee2005-high.pdf).

Thanks for the advice, i'm pretty sure i will be going counter(anti)-clockwise.

Another thing, i have been looking at ordering a bob yak trailer online but from what i've read they
require 'professional' fitting. How much truth is in that statement?
Could your average man on the street fit one without much trouble?

i would prefer to leave Norway until last, but aren't sure if it would be too cold...it be wise to began my stealth camping days there, with me being a stealth camping virgin.

Mid October Norway is starting to get a bit chilly, but nothing too serious. Camping is easy, especially if you camp inland, away from the more densely populated coast line.

Another thing, i have been looking at ordering a bob yak trailer online but from what i've read they
require 'professional' fitting. How much truth is in that statement?
Could your average man on the street fit one without much trouble?

It's pretty simple as long as you have a little mechanical aptitude. If I remember correctly, the spacing of the skewer is set up for 135mm dropouts. If you have mountain bike then you are good to go. If not, then it might require reversing the bobbins and cutting the skewer. Here are the instructions. A lot of print which can be overwheliming but don't let it be. If you run into trouble, there are plenty of current Bob owners who will help you out. You would be wise to order a spare skewer since they are known to break.

http://www.bobtrailers.com/manuals/OMT01A.pdf

Are you local to the N sea. Part of the UK route goes close to me in East Anglia. The official route is well selected using a lot of local knowledge.
For the UK part, note that Sept is excellent touring weather but the conditions can break in Oct with gusty Westerly winds and heavy rain , worse the further N and W you go.
Wild camping is possible but is not strictly legal. You can camp in YHA grounds and many farms let you have a patch.

Thanks for the advice, i'm pretty sure i will be going counter(anti)-clockwise.

Another thing, i have been looking at ordering a bob yak trailer online but from what i've read they
require 'professional' fitting. How much truth is in that statement?
Could your average man on the street fit one without much trouble?

They require no mechanical aptitude. Your granny could install one on her bike if she takes the time to read the instructions.