stuff gets knocked off, derailleurs.. are vulnerable
mind where you go. and paved roads reduce that . to rare.

run an IG hub instead perhaps?

Your tire bursts out the side, bring out tire #3, and be on your way.



the spoke thing has been done over.

Do a full maintenance , and replace questionable parts before you leave. ?

or just let fate tell you where things need replacement. and bring spares..

how do you favor crossing the channel ?

doesn't have to be a pedaling the alps, kind of big deal,
like starting riding from Calais, to Warsaw,
You could take a ferry
from the northern British port ,
to one on the Danish coast, Esbjerg, take another ferry from Copenhagen.
to Swinoujscie, or Gdansk, and be there in no time at all,
cycling from one port to another..

then say Ride to Krakow, , take the train back to Gdansk , and make the return trips ..

FWIW, its all got paved roads to ride on.. over there ..
they all went in for metaled roads,, pavement abounds..