I almost spend as much time planning the where/how/tools/gear side of the tour from my sofa as the actual riding! I know the road numbers, towns I'd like to pass through etc. I over-plan. I like to know as much as possible about the roads, weather, language etc. of where I intend to ride; and approximately how long the tour will take. To me, the planning is almost as enjoyable as the actual tour.

I think bicycle touring is/can be a lifestyle. Planning, for those with some types of personality, is essential in order to feel a closer connection with that lifestyle.

But I hate to book accommodation and hate to have daily mileage schedules. Once the riding starts, I have a compass/bell on my bike and a map with me and roughly follow the direction I planned to travel in. If I end-up on a different road than intended or travel faster/slower than I thought, I'm not bothered at all -- that is what touring is to me. I just play it by ear. I would hate to participate on an organised tour where I couldn't change my plans depending on how I felt.