I'll be studying abroad in Italy in a year and a half and i want to bike across the country during my semester...and then I want to spend the entire following summer biking around Italy and seeing everything there is.

So, has anyone biked across Italy or plan on doing so? Or if anyone can tell me where I can find info concerning this topic, that'd be awesome.

The following are general concerns/questions I have about a potential trip:
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-How do you carry all your clothes/stuff?
I've only heard panniers mentioned, but I believe they are just bags that hang on the back (and front sometimes) of the bike like this ...or a more extreme version here
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-How do you know which roads are safe and capable of being ridden on a road bike?
I've heard books are made specifically for this, but is that the best way to go?
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Any advice concerning touring (hostiles vs. camping, places in Italy to visit, biking tips, etc.) would be SUPER APPRECIATES.

Thanks.

**How much does the average 'tourer' get slowed down by a full pannier??