Pepsi-stove! Great idea. I'll have to give it a shot.

Akarius, what a story! I've been camping in bear territory for many years, and I've never had an incident, but I try to always be extra paranoid. For example if I cook something smelly, or spill ~anything~ on my clothing, I don't sleep with the same clothing.

Stokell: My advice is to take a sleeping bag. Even fully clothed in 15C weather you get cold overnight. Your body really shuts down sleeping after a long day on the bike, and without proper insulation even in warm weather you'd have to get up every couple of hours to do some physical activity and raise your metabolism. A sleeping mat is important too, since you'll likely lose more heat to the ground than you will to the air. I guess if you don't mind wearing all the clothing you brought while you sleep, you could probably get away with just a ground mat and a tarp.

My two cents.

Good luck with your tour.