The first problem facing the cycle tourist is how to accommodate one's bicycle when using public transportation; airlines, trains and buses each have unique rules and challenges. Once that has been resolved, the next problem is what to do with everything else. In our case, we each have four panniers, a sleeping bag and a helmet; add a repair kit and a set of tent poles, and we have way more things than hands.
Our solution was a pair of 'Asian suitcases' from the local dollar store. These fine $5 plastic bags will fit all of our gear and are airline-compatible. Unfortunately, we had to carry them with us for the entire trip, in the event that we had to de-rig the bikes for transport; this turned out to be the case for each train journey to date (we are still hoping for a roll-on roll-off).
These humble bags ended up being invaluable. Among their many uses:
1. As a floor for the gear shed. Most of our campsites were surfaced in one of three ways: wet grass, dust or mud.
2. As a place to sit for meals, when we were unable to score a table
3. As a place to put things down when rigging or de-rigging on wet grass, dust or mud
They may even have a potential use as emergency shelters, but thankfully we have not had the need!
The chef, reposing on bag
Securely stored under the tent poles
The striped bag visiting Amsterdam
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