I’m not getting paid to post this by Pannier; I just think it’s a good idea! I don’t have plans for a long-distance cycle myself in 2016 (too busy writing a book!) but perhaps you do…

“Pannier are excited to be offering two travel bursaries to travelling cyclists planning the most interesting unsupported cycle tours during the Spring 2016 touring season.

One bursary will be awarded for the UK & Ireland, and one for the Rest of Europe. The aim? To inspire and enable cyclists to dream-up awesome touring plans and pedal off on their own journeys, in the Pannier spirit of adventure...”

Here’s the link. Good luck!