Step-son (21) just rolled up on his Dad's racer. Since he got back from NZ and has enjoyed part time employment and through necessity, got into cycling to get about, he's lost 2 stone Looks so much better for it.
We saw a Dutch couple at a campsite last week - they were on this http://en.tourdemanche.com/, (shorter Weymouth, CIs- St Malo version)and had the full heavyweight set up- 4 panniers, top-bag on rear and on handlebars. They said the hills in Devon caught them unawares -I thought 'especially with all that lot'.
At our luxury non camping accomodation! (note the technical backpacking clothing)
that caravan was great - our refuge on the last night - which was very wet and windy- result.
We camped 7/10 nights, though only one stealth camp - the rest of the pitches were sites or friends/relatives of relatives/friends gardens. Walked just 3 to 10 miles each day - interspersed with cafes/restaurant/bar and beach sessions - a very relaxing holiday but still managing to squeeze in the lightweight backpacking as the framework