My blogs lately have been all about triathlon. But sometimes I do something other than triathlon training and races. Sometimes I just cycle (without the swimming and running bit). Next week I am off to ride a new cycling touring route in France, from Paris to Mont St Michel.

The Veloscenic Cycle Route is 440km long and offers a fabulous route through the north-west of France. Well, at least it looks fabulous! Alongside my journalist cycling friend Skinny H, I will cycle for six days on signposted cycle trails, greenways and country roads. My previous experience of France’s cycle ways is very good so I have high hopes for this route.

We will cycle through four French regions, 8 départements (or counties) and three regional natural parks. Along the way we will visit castles, museums, gardens and lovely villages and towns.

Our accommodation and evening meals have been booked ahead for us but we still need to carry our luggage. Right now I am considering what to pack in my panniers. Lightweight and minimalist is key. My Pink Panther Planet X racer bike already feels weighed down by the pannier rack, let alone having to cycle with heavy panniers. I have made the mistake before of packing unnecessary kit so this time I am being frugal with the packing. I just hope the weather will be good!

My cycle touring pannier kit list:

1 x bibbed cycle shorts

Tri suit with minimal padding (double as swimming cossie)

1 x cycle vest

1 x cycle shortsleeved top

Arm warmers

2 x socks

Waterproof jacket

Cycle shoes

Buff (maybe)

Gloves

Water bottle

Bike equipment: 

Tyre levers, 2x spare inner tubes, pump, puncture repair kit

For evening wear and off-bike strolling:

Lightweight race trainers (Inov-8 Road X-Lite 155g)

Leggings

Short skirt

2 x t-shirt

2 x pants

2 x bra

Lightweight fleece/or lightweight insulated jacket

Other stuff:

iPad in waterproof case

iPhone in robust case

Toiletries in small bottles

Small pot chamois cream

Sun lotion

Clothes washing liquid (vital!)

Passport

E1 11

Travel insurance

Tickets

Cycle schedule on iPad

Euros

Have I forgotten anything? Or could I shed a few things?