Came on exchange to Copenhagen and planned to ride a bike back –
Now here we are. Got the bike used for a great price in Germany. Took a trip to Hamburg to pick it up (which was a traumatic 24h no sleep experience). Been finessing my setup for the past two months.

I am leaving Copenhagen on Thursday 31.07.2025. If anyone is interested in joining along parts, you are very welcome to message me. Link to the route is below.

Gear Setup

My ADD hit hard. Effectively doom-researched a ton about light gravel cycling and trying to stay light. A lot of Inspiration from the Tour Divide. Got a MYOG Apex 3.0 Quilt which I am really happy about as it only weights 412g. Also learned to pack only what I really need and understood that I need way less than I thought. Am quite happy with ca. 23kg base weight for my first trip.

• Bike: Rock Machine CBR 700 with GRX 2×10,
• Pirelli Cinturato 700x45C.
• Profile Design T3+ Aerobars. The rest is stock

Cameras are S5iix with a 16-28 and insta360x4. More details on what I have with me: my lighterpack

Terror Of Tubeless

Took me three days to learn (by trial and error) how to go tubeless. Will never forget the sticky mess that I was. I mainly had tape issues. On my second roll of tape I did it, then it turned out that the punctures that my WTB Riddler 700x45C collected were too big, had to use a bacon strip so I had to switch to new tires.

Route & Camping

Route here: Komoot Link Planning to try off grid a bit, some 1NiteTent.com and crashing at a friends place in Berlin.

My Questions:

1. Would you recommend that I pay ca 50€ to get a 60 or 70mm riser for my aerobars?
2. Any advice on camping along the route? Tips for Germany/Poland/Czechia?
3. Any mistakes I did in my route planning, or must-sees I'm missing?
4. I am only bringing bib shorts and swim shorts – no real long pants except leg warmers. Should I consider bringing the extra weight of rain pants? Mosquito wise I am a bit nervous that they will annoy a lot.
5. Is there any big oversight in my packing list?

Thank you for reading, if you want to watch along I intend to edit reels during the trip Instagram @rafaelstanroman