Having traveled over 3,150 miles (5,070 kilometers), it’s time to streamline the packing list. I’ve taken a strict need versus want approach based on past trips, cutting out all unnecessary items.

Self-supported means there’s no guide or group. You carry everything you need and want. You decide where to stop and for how long. You are in charge of your entire trip!

Our past self-guided tours included a remarkable journey from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Athens, Greece in 2022, and another enjoyable expedition from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Rochefort, France in 2023.

In 2024, we will ride from Rochefort, France to Geneva, Switzerland, first along Le Canal des Deux Mers (which includes the Canal de la Garonne and the Canal du Midi), and then on the ViaRhôna which follows the Rhône River from the Mediterranean Sea to Geneva, Switzerland.

We plan to depart from Rochefort, France on the 17th of August and arrive in Geneva, Switzerland on the 19th of September.

Adding in some planned off-route excursions and visits, the total mileage should be about 900 miles. Based on actual experience, I’m sure we will hit the 1,000-mile mark (probably more) (there’s always wrong turns).

Simple Math:

• Estimated total miles = 1,000 / 34 days available to ride = 29.41 miles per day.
• We plan to ride for 23 or 24 days, due to planned stops in Bordeaux, Toulouse, Sète, Arles, Avignon, Pont Du Gard, and Lyon, accounting for the weather.
  • 1,000/23 = 43.47 miles per day
  • 1,000/24 = 41.66 miles per day
• This mileage breakdown will help us plan our stops & accommodations.

This year, our goal is to slow down, appreciate the little things, and have ample energy at the end of the day to laugh and count our blessings.

Meanwhile, the packing has begun.

We intentionally left our bikes in France last year, so there’s no need to transport them by plane this year. Nonetheless, we must ensure we have all the necessary equipment for our four to five-week self-supported bike trip.

All of these items will fit into our Ortlieb brand panniers. We each carry two large (Back-Roller Classic 40L) and two small (Back-Roller Classic 20L) and a Ortlieb handlebar bag each. In addition, the stronger of us will carry the tent in his Ortlieb duffle which attaches to his rear panniers.

Disclaimer: This is our list. it’s not intended to be foolproof – it’s just our list.

Packing Notes:

• Make a list of your wants and needs and customize the list for your tour’s location, length, and weather.
• Use packing cubes inside the panniers.
• 0rganize your panniers, for example camping gear in rear panniers, food in front panniers.
• Label your panniers (e.g. food, clothes, sleeping bags, first-aid kit).
• Distribute the weight across the panniers / across the riders.
• Don’t pack your passport in the bottom of a pannier.
• Keep all camera gear in a safe location to avoid damage / not at the bottom of a pannier.
• Keep charging cords close / on hand at the top of a pannier.

Bonus Notes:

If you’ve made it as far as packing the bags, you’re almost there. No matter where your bike trip takes you, it’s important to remember to go with the flow. Something will go wrong – that’s life. Try to be prepared and prioritize safety and shelter.

Believe me when I say you may never use some of the items on your packing list, but it’s better to have them and not use them than to not have them when you need them. But really explore your need versus want.

You cannot predict the weather. However, normally there are stores along the way if you need to purchase a forgotten item such as rain gear, and if needed there are laundry mats.

When buying food, keep it simple. For breakfast and lunch, we live off coffee, water, coke, baguettes, cheese, ham, fruit, and chocolate. Dinners are a mix of local fare and campsite jet-boil meals. Beer, wine, and ice-cream are our rewards. Always be prepared for store closures on Sundays, and often Mondays (plan ahead for shopping).

Redundancy is key! For navigation and mapping, we always use at least two sources; our favorites are Komoot and Google Maps for planning and exploring routes. Having a local paper map is beneficial too; many Velo routes in France offer maps that guide you from one town to another, highlighting landmarks and points of interest. In France, we rely on the French IGN map, a comprehensive road map that includes railway details and succinct descriptions of Euro Velo routes and select National Trails.

When looking for and booking accommodations be sure they meet your expectations. We prefer to camp when the weather is good. Whether you are camping or staying in a hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or a home, if possible, reserve your space two days out. This helps to keep you on track mileage-wise, otherwise, it’s very easy to get lazy and shorten your day’s ride.

While it’s enjoyable to be spontaneous, it’s wise to have some knowledge about your day’s destination.

Don’t rush through the day. Enjoy the beginning, the middle, and the end.

The ride is always longer than you planned.

Sleep, hydration and good nutrition are key to staying healthy on the bike.

Padded seats will bring you much joy.

When you’re tired – bite your tongue. Your partner is probably tired too.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), including shipping bikes, please click below to visit our FAQ page:

Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for our packing list.

Enjoy your tour!

Bon Voyage –