I didn't do a shakedown before last years tour, wish I had though. I had no camping experience whatsoever and had not ridden a bike since early May (tour was in August). Needless to say it didn't start well.

The first 3 days were hell, I think I covered around 160 miles and I spent alot of time cursing and pushing the bike up steepish hills, which was far from fun.

The first nights camping was a disaster, I couldn't get my stove to work so I ended up just eating a bag of peanuts. I then managed to set my tent up backwards and naturally being England it rained during the night and I woke up with my feet in a puddle of water. I nearly threw in the towel there and then, I even started to cycle back towards home.

Anyway long story short I toured for 3 weeks (made it to Denmark) and it got alot easier, the aches and pains dissapeared and the miles rolled on by, I even learned to set my tent up correctly.
I came home earlier than planned though (aiming for Norway) and I still dont know why because I had a great time and on what was to be my last day, I felt like I could of just kept on pedalling forever.

I am touring again this year and I fully intend to last the distance this time as I learned alot from the last tour and if it taught me anything at all it was that what is hard to endure is sweet to remember.

Shakedown tour this weekend, only an overnighter but still I can't wait.