Most important equipment to carry for UK to Alps

[Oop North John]

As the question of advice for riding in Europe (for novice euro riders) comes up quite regularly across various forums, I'm surprised no one hasn't compiled a crib sheet of up to date advice, with sections inc legal, documentation, cross channel travel, breakdowns & tools, accommodation, tolls, etc. and then that advice stickied at the top of the forum or somewhere else on the website for easy access..

Or a magazine article

And then expand it to Morocco / Asia / Americas etc etc

[Peirre]

After posting that I did have an afterthought it might start a debate,
ie those who think riding 500 mile+ days is ok, those who think wild camping is better than a hotel, prebooking or winging it, Chunnel vs ferries, Autoroutes vs D roads etc. In other words there will be no pleasing everyone, because someone will disagree with something because it's not their way of doing it.

[jackofall]

Spare keys for the bike, panniers, lock. Give them to your travel buddy (if you have one with you)!! Lost keys or keys shut into panniers can end the trip quicker than a ferry workers strike!!!! Like others have said already go on a 3-4 day trip with what you 'think' you need for 2 weeks. Leave behind what you don't use the next time (most of it)!! Boxers/socks/t-shirts etc get washed when i'm taking a shower so only take 2 of each even for 2 weeks in France/Spain. TRY to learn some lingo, goes a LONG way when in trouble/lost. And SMILE, enjoy, relax.