I'm quitting my job next spring (woo hoo!) and taking my road bike into europe for a 4-5 month trek. I want to try and follow the Giro and the TDF (and maybe the Veulta) and in between try and catch some racing in the likes of Belgium (and probably get my butt kicked).
I'm planning on taking my road bike as opposed to a dedicated touring bike since I want to give myself every chance of tackling the mountains on the days I'm not lugging clothing and equipment about, plus it's the only kind of bike to race with.
So I guess the question is has anyone been touring on a road bike and if so can you offer any advice (do's and don'ts and in particular the best way to carry baggage - panniers, trailers etc.)? Anyone who's toured and has any useful advice - feel free to dispense!
I'm planning on taking my road bike as opposed to a dedicated touring bike since I want to give myself every chance of tackling the mountains on the days I'm not lugging clothing and equipment about, plus it's the only kind of bike to race with.
So I guess the question is has anyone been touring on a road bike and if so can you offer any advice (do's and don'ts and in particular the best way to carry baggage - panniers, trailers etc.)? Anyone who's toured and has any useful advice - feel free to dispense!