What is the Purpose?

This weekend I am flying off to San Francisco; one of the main reasons being my first trip planning session with Mitchel! It should be very interesting. We haven't had much interaction since conceptualizing the trip, so this is long overdue.

In anticipation of our time together, I have been non-stop brainstorming options, questions, alternatives, etc. Probably the biggest question I've been mulling over is "What is the purpose of the trip?" I think this key to all of our planning. It's rare that you get to spend a month with a great friend abroad; you really want to get all you can out of it.

So what is the purpose? To bike as many miles as possible and see countryside? To bike a fair amount of miles and have more layover time in cities? To bike a respectable amount, but train between cities and see more of Europe? You get the idea.

I am leaning towards the last option, and I bet Mitch will too. I look forward to what we come up with this weekend.

Planning: Safety?

While looking up visa information on the U.S. Department of State website, I looked through their Safety & Security section for each country as well. Naturally I have very little concern about countries like Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, etc. Countries like the Slovak Republic, Hungary, and Croatia did throw up some red flags so, naturally, I researched. Here's what I found:

Slovak Republic: Of the three countries in question, this was the one with the biggest red flag. The State department site simultaneously reinforced and allayed the concern. I don't think bike tourists have much to be concerned about, especially considering that we'll only be in the country for a short distance. I don't think there is really any risk as long as we're smart about storing our stuff and don't offend anyone.

Hungary: Hungary has its stuff together. We have very little to be concerned about. There is a group that targets minorities, including gays, but they are small and mostly just vocal. I might ask Mitch to leave his pink belt at home though :)

Croatia: Despite its history, Croatia actually sounds like a very stable and safe place. There is, however, one concern that will need a wee bit more research. There are areas (Eastern Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, areas around Zadar and in remote areas of the Plitvice Lakes National Park) where mines are still present in the ground. According to the State Department site, we should be fine as long as we avoid "well marked" areas. But I would like to research this more. I would love to see the Croatian coast by bicycle, but it's not THAT worth it. I'm not going to dive in too deep until Mitchel and I decide on a route, then we'll go from there.

Resources:
U.S. Department of State - Country Specific Information
Croatian Mine Action Centre

Planning: Visas?

This weekend I was talking with someone about some of the countries I have considering for this trip. When I mentioned Croatia they asked if visiting Croatia required a visa. I didn't know, so I did a little research.

Croatia is not part of the Schengen agreement, which allows American citizens fairly unrestricted visa-less travel through most of Europe. In fact, every other country I've considered for this trip is part of this agreement. One less thing to worry about. :)

Croatia allows American citizens to visit for up to 90 days on tourism or business without needing a visa so, if we go there, we're good. However, it is required that we register our presence with local officials, which may be interesting if biking through the countryside.

Resources:
U.S. Department of State - Country Specific Information
U.S. Department of State - Schengen Agreement

EuroSchlep 2010

Planning is officially underway for EuroSchlep 2010. Mostly it consists of me being overly ambitious about a route and daily distance. I guess I just want to see as much of Europe as we can.

Here's what I know so far: A month in Europe, with Mitchel, on bicycle. Probably the entire month of May.

Here's what I don't know: The logistics of carrying a bike overseas, the actual route we are going to take, how the f**k to budget accordingly, how to pack properly for bike touring. And much more.

I am going to document this experience as much as resources allow. Hopefully it's not super boring.