Our trip started in Amsterdam mainly because that's where my bike, Torres was stored. Last year I ended my five-month cycle trip here before I came back to Australia for what was meant to be a brief three-week stint, which ended up being eight months (where my whole life changed, ergo I am on my honeymoon). Upon returning to Amsterdam I hoped to find Torres (the touring bike) where I left him, in the 24/hr underground bike storage centre Paradiso. He wasn't there...

This is what we came for: riding our bikes. Self-sufficient holidaying. Bliss. I couldn't sleep last night I was so excited. And I was almost overwhelmed when I packed my bags, how did I do this last year? Since when did I need so many toiletries? But it all came together and we were off, following the signs to Den Haag (The Hague). All bike paths lead somewhere in Amsterdam so you can ride for ages only to feel like you've gone no where. But it doesn't matter mu...

We've farwelled the farewells and are on our way. The final weigh-in came to 11kg, which includes two of the following; cycle gear, shorts, singlets, t-shirts, underwear, shoes, long-sleeved shirts, dresses and socks. There's a helmet, cycle shoes, iPad, chargers, first aid kit, spare tubes, tyre levers, pump, spokes, cable ties, suncream, maps of France and Italy, toiletries, towel and laundry wash. Everything is lightweight, quick-dry and can be worn running, r...

The count down for our honeymoon is on. Two months cycling through Europe. Typically we're not organised in anyway. Before I left to cycle through Europe last year I had a long to-do list at least a month out, I meticulously crossed things off, read up on what I was doing, where I was going and what I had to do. I had elaborate tool kits, I commuted to Brisbane and I rode around with bricks in my panniers. But this year, well, it's been a bit more lax.One thing w...