Before you leave, be informed.

Sure, it sounds like a great trip! But it you don\’t want your trip to turn into a big-time jumble or something worse, it\’s wise to learn about local laws and customs before you even apply for a passport.

There are general guidelines, and more specific ones for each location you plan to visit.

In Italy? Pay attention to #6. No matter how hot you are after a day\’s riding, stay out of that fountain! And #8 is something I never would have though of — not that I\’d buy an expensive handbag. As for #10, be sure to pack along the sneakers.

Cycle-touring Belgium? I\’d be in trouble where the beer is concerned, but chocolate? I might find myself wanting to move there!

Don\’t refuse vodka if you\’re in Russia? Good reason for me to stay far away from Russia. Number 15? Where I live, \”cucarachas\” are an unfortunate fact of life, but I wouldn\’t want an onslaught of them swarming all over my bicycles. So maybe it\’s a good thing that I don\’t know how to whistle. Cyclists touring Russia might want to keep a set of fancy duds handy; apparently cycling clothing just won\’t do!

In the Netherlands? Sounds like a cyclist\’s dream! See #7 and #8.

How about der Vaterland? Wow! Cash is still preferred! That would be hard for those from the USA, where debit/credit rules. And another country where \”do not walk in a bike lane\” rules! Where I live, I see people jogging in marked bicycle lanes. If they want to visit Germany, I hope they read up on such things first.

As for those rules about keeping it quiet, better use the bicycle bell judiciously. Remember, be informed.