Originally Posted by texduck88
I was afraid that might be the answer. This will be my first touring ride and the camping thing takes it to a whole new level, doesn't it? My goal is to have so little on the bikes that we can lock or check-in the bikes and be able to tote our stuff while enjoying local sightseeing opportunities. Without the camping gear, all my stuff fits in one small Arkel GT-18 pannier that converts to a daypack.
I plan to do some camping touring trips in the future but hadn't thought much about doing it this time. I guess it could be fun to see how minimalist a camping setup we could put together. There are some really good camping discussions and checklists on this touring forum I was looking at yesterday, some ultralight, some not. At the very least I would think emergency camping stuff would include shelter, a thermarest type foam pad and sleeping bag?
Thanks!
I hear you.
I did a couple of trips in Europe credit card touring and now take a Hennessy hammock and a sleeping bag. That opens up several options:
- Making internet reservations every night ties you down to a rigid schedule
- Finding a B&B each night allows you to travel at a pace most comfortable to you and stay extra time in a place you have discovered
- Camping gives you a third option, but campsites can be full in August too
I have some suggestions. Do you HAVE to go in August? I travel on the shoulders (spring and autumn) when the weather is better than summer, but I have the place to myself as all the tourists have gone home.
Holland is a marvelous place to bike. I'm going back for a third time next autumn. If you must go in August consider taking the train at least some of the time. They welcome bikes but you will need a ticket for your bike too!
The VVV (tourist offices) are nation-wide but independently run. All will find you a reservation (locally only) and some charge you up to 10%
Prices of guest houses and B&Bs vary greatly from town to town. I've paid 21 to 45 Euros a night for a room with a toilet down the hall.
I stealth camp and travel very lightly, but stealth camping is a solitary occupation.
Good luck!