It's always a pain Rob, especially when the bikes are so important and fundamental for us all.
I think that if you are not coming for a long stay, it's not worth bringing the bike. However, the countries up north are way more bike friendly than here.
I just plan to do day rentals when I'm in Europe. I'm only going for two weeks anyway. Plus it's winter.
I believe it's the way to go, there are rentals everywhere.