Luggage

 Now that we know that we will be hiring bikes in Roma, I can plan what luggage I will take. This is based on the entire ride being unsupported.

On the plane

I will check through one bag with wheels which contains:

• two Ortlieb panniers
• the lightweight bike bag
• all the items that we will take on the ride including helmet
• the Ortlieb handlebar bag
• top tube bag

I will take as carry-on a Pacsafe  shoulder bag with all valuables.

The plan will be to leave the checked luggage bag and anything we don't want to take on the bikes in Roma. I have negotiated this with the hotel and we can leave the bag there.

Packing

The Supplied U-lock, spare tubes, battery charger etc. supplied by the bike shop will have to go into one of the panniers. 

On the train platform

• Take off the panniers
• Take off the handlebar bag with valuables
• Take out the bike bag
• The top tube bag can stay on.

On the train

The bike needs to be "bag ready" but if possible we will wheel the bikes on. If we have problems with railway staff, put the bag on upside down so it will still roll! Once onboard it will be possible to turn the bag the other way up and then maybe U-lock the bike to the train or lock the bikes together.

Riding

• Valuables in the handlebar bag.
• Other small stuff in the top tube bag.
• Everything else in the two panniers. Keep the U-lock accessible!
• Rack-top space reserved for extras (I will take a couple of grunt straps).