The beginning was tough. Munich to Cologne, Germany was +1 and raining...for 500km. I was frozen solid. But the further south I went, the daytime riding temps have been mostly been around +10. Which for me is fine, I prefer the cooler days. I'll take +10 or +30 any day.

For accommodations I have been mostly couchsurfing. And when I couldn't find a couch, I would hit a hostel. My camping gear is with me, but I didn't bring a winter bag so the colder nights would be hell for me. I figure by April I'll be mostly camping. The lack of daylight hasn't been an issue. I actually get more daylight than I would this time of year in NY, so to me it's a bonus.

Hi wile e. Thumbs up for the nice tour you're having.
As I will be going through Europe this year as well, please enlighten me on what you mean by "couch-surfing". As I will leave in late spring and travel trough the summer, although I am heading north (Scandinavian peninsula), I will probably be able to camp most of the time. Nonetheless I am very interested about finding out other alternative means for accommodation.

Thanks a lot and keep on having a great ride. :funmeteryes:

Virgil

couch surfing
 

virco
"As I will be going through Europe this year as well, please enlighten me on what you mean by "couch-surfing""

CouchSurfing

have a look at the link. You fill out a basic profile of yourself, and search for a couch in the area you need accom. look though the list, find someone who seems to be "on your page" or the sort of person you normally get on with, send them an email. they will (or not always) reply if they will be home/have a couch available for you to crash on for a night. easy! free accom and maybe even a local guide!

You get a higher "secuirty rating if an existing member vouches for you.... my user name is stevesawol, look me up, i'll vouch for you - make it easier to get a spare couch!

best of luck!