How many pairs of pants?

One of the cathartic things about cycle touring is that it forces you to consider what you really need to survive and what is just so much fluff of modern day life. Have a think about what you would choose to take if forced to pack it into four little bags and then carry it under your own steam. It's brilliant for purging the dross. Amongst the essentials are of course a cag, sleeping bag, tent, water bottle, cooker, puncture repair stuff, cycling shorts and a shirt. Then there are the things that make one human: kindle, MP3 with downloads of 'In our Time' and 'The Week in Westminster' (I guess this is where you and I may part company?). After that it's basically down to what you REALLY REALLY need: one pair of off-bike shorts and shirt, one pairs of pants ('cos of course one goes commando on the bike so nothing rubs), rain covers for shoes........ And one doesn't really need much more than that really. Besides, I hear that in France they have SHOPS. So, assuming that the Euro is still legal tender in a week's time (not a dead cert I know) then that's all I think I'll need. What with the real Tour starting today it all adds up to an exciting week ahead.