Detailed planning...

As I say in the "Gear" section of the blog, I'm not a "Touring cyclist". I'm a cyclist on Tour. The former (according to my definition) rides a specific, probably heavy steel framed, touring cycle with both front and rear panniers, loads up with all shapes and sizes of luggage and is pretty self-sufficient on their trip. They carry a tent, sleeping gear and cooking equipment. Distance per day may be around 100 kms and pretty much the whole day is invested in getting from A to B. Often touring cyclists would camp in the same location for a couple of nights if they want to explore.

In my case I travel as light as I can. I either pack lunch or buy on the way and I stay in hostels or cheap hotels. Mostly I eat in restaurants though I also cook evening meals or breakfast in the hostels. Daily riding distance varies more - from 60 kms up to 260 kms and on average I can get the cycling over by early afternoon and have the rest of the day to explore my new destination.

Most important for me in coming to this chosen form of cycling is the comfort of a real bed every night. Then I'm not choosy so I'm very happy to sleep in shared dorm rooms in hostels to keep the cost down. New Zealand has many BBH and IYHA hostels but it's a big country with many small communities and I'm travelling there as they enter the peak season. So I decided to book ahead all of my accommodation. Otherwise, I'm quite lazy so I don't want to load myself down with too much gear and I like riding my bike fast sometimes (depending on definition of fast of course), so the less weight the better - except on the downhills!

I've made a separate page here on the blog covering "gear" for anyone who's interested in recommendations on the best clothing or equipment to choose when you're "travelling light". There are also other blogs you can find where real enthusiasts go into this area in minute detail.

In summary though - small backpack, wash everything regularly, buy replacement items if I use my spares, pack a credit card and keep my expenditure under check though don't skimp on the necessities.