It is under one month before we leave and boy how time flys. We are doing about four rides a week, some short and hard (20-30km) some longer, one was 110km. Fitness is not a problem with either of us, however the fitter one is the easier the rides on tour will be. As our daily distances on the tour are relatively short, 35 to 80km, and as there will be no rush, we don't need to be super fit.
While Greg has completed many unsupported bicycle tours both in Australia and overseas, this is Wendy's first. Greg has looked forward to this tour for a long time. He feels it's the only way to really visit a country and wants to share that wonderful experience with the one he loves. It is hoped that this tour will be the first of many.
We've each pondered over what to take on tour as weight is so critical when you are carrying everything in two panniers and a handlebar bag. Greg is pretty well set on what to take, although during every tour he keeps a list on his iPhone and makes little adjustments as he realizes he needs/doesn't need something. In the vast majority of cases leaving something out or substituting an item for a lighter one. Electronic kitchen scales are great; each item is weighted to check that it's not heavier than another similar item. Wendy found some really light undies in Woolies (only 20gm lighter but it all adds up) so Greg will be searching the men's dept for a similar item next shopping trip, despite the fact that he had purchased some supposedly "lighter & fast drying" ones from Kathmandu. He doesn't want to be discovered wearing girly stuff, however light they may be! Whatever you end up taking you've got to be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you, it can be rather cool in Switzerland in June but June/July in Europe can also be very hot so clothing is light-weight in the main with layers when the wet and/or cold sets in.
We'll pack in the next week or so and weight it to see how much we have to haul up those hills.

OUR WORLDLY POSSESSIONS FOR SEVEN WEEKS (Greg's list - Wendy has some "extras", girls stuff.
Wear or carry onto the plane>.
Long sleeve shirt, trousers with belt, handkerchief, socks, singlet, undies, walking shoes, (going out gear) phone, charger, earphones, lipeze, hand sterilizer, copy flight booking, copy hotel bookings, floss & toothpicks, handle-bar bag, battery shaver, travel pillow, water bottle, chewing gum, books (on iPhone), glasses, passport, spare credit and cash in security wallet, disposal toothbrush and paste for plane, ziplock bag for liquids, & jumper.
LUGGAGE
Toiletries, shaver's recharge cord, deodorant, small first aid kit, small soap, toothpaste & brush. Most toiletries will be supplied in motels.
Riding gear: shy pants with inner, long sleeved riding shirt, hi-vis vest, rain jacket, pants & shoe covers, helmet, gloves & cap.
EXTRAS> 1 pair spare socks, 1 pair spare undies, hat, shorts for motel and PJs, T shirt for motel and PJs, sandals to ride in, light thermals, (just in case) string backpack for shopping & walking, knife/fork/spoon, can opener & plate.
BIKES> flat-bar 27 speed Trek 7.4 (Greg) Merida T3 (Wendy), fitted with touring rack, two water bottles, trip computer, Ortlieb panniers, under-seat tool bag with Allen keys, repair kit, tube, cleaning rag & lube, pump, bike lock & chain.
Note: Every single items is as light-weight as possible. Small electronic kitchen scales used to weigh everything if comparing items. All clothing is adventure type clothing, light and quick drying, normally from Kathmandu.