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Lorien Anderson
Tucson, AZ
lla@rincon.com

�����ԹϺ��� Adviser: Before you start pedaling make sure you are comfortable with bike touring. I hate to be the bad guy and bring up all the unpleasantries, but keep in mind you’ll have to constantly keep an eye on your bike, and battle foreign drivers, unknown roads, and a variety of weather conditions. If you’re used to bike
touring, none of these will pose a problem, but if this is your first major venture on two wheels, I’d seriously consider leaving your bike at home and investing in a Eurail pass instead. Actually, even if you do bring your bike, invest in a Eurail pass anyway. Most trains allow bikes on board and if you get tired of that 7,000-foot mountain pass or extra-wicked
headwind, all you have to do is hop aboard. Buy a pass before you leave the U.S. through a local travel agent.

The most inexpensive lodging you’ll find is through Hostelling International (202-783-6161), whose room rates throughout the world range from approximately $9 to $23 per night. Your Hostelling International membership also will entitle you to discounts on air fares, railway tickets, ferry tickets, car rentals, museum admissions, and much more. Hostels can be found
throughout Europe and are regulated to meet certain quality standards. They aren’t the Ritz, but you’ll be guaranteed a roof over your head and run-ins with some colorful characters. For other ideas on pleasant inexpensive hotels/inns, take a peek through the Lonely Planet guidebook series at a local bookstore. Lonely Planets are written for the budget-minded and
always have accurate, realistic descriptions of lodging written by well-worn travelers.

A few publications to peruse before you go: �����ԹϺ��� Cycling Association’s The Cyclist’s Yellow Pages ($9.95; 406-721-1776). This catalog-style directory will give you up-to-date information on maps, books, routes, and rides throughout Europe. You may also want to check out Europe by Bike, by Karen and
Terry Whitehill (Mountaineers Press) and Cycling Europe: Budget Bike Touring in the Old World, by Nadine Slavinski (Bicycle Books). Michelin Guides and Maps’ ($10-$26; 800-423-0485) 1:200,000 series is detailed enough to reveal the most scenic and traffic-free backroads.