Riding Requirements

A helmet in good condition

A Well-serviced Bike

More than half the tour is dirt and sand which is sometimes corrugated, so we recommend a bike with front suspension, dual suspension even better. Also the smoother of our dirt roads are on gravel with a pebbly surface so we also recommend knobbly tyres. Due to there limitations we do not recommend touring or hybrid bike.

Rear-View Mirror

A rear view mirror is also highly recommended - as it is in cars. Riders just can't rely on hearing, as wind rush in the ears from downhill speed or head winds will blank out noise. A mirror will help the safe passing of support vehicles and trailers on the narrow dirt roads.

Water Bottles

You'll also need two water bottles on your bike or if there is only one mounting a small back pack to carry extra water. Also check your water bottle brackets are in good order.

Other fairly essential on-bike items include: A bike pump, a basic repair kit, a spare tube, sun protection creams, a couple of first-aid items and perhaps some toilet paper. A mobile phone if you have one.

Bike items in the luggage would include:

• A spare tyre, 2 more tubes, patches and glue, some spare spokes and spoke spanner.
• Some electrical tape, plastic zip ties, bubble wrap for the bike if it goes on the trailer.
• A pocket knife and additional tools to fit your bike.

Luggage Requirements

• A tent, blow up mattress or sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag. (all good quality)
• Good quality clothing for on and off road. Remember, nights can be cold, days can be hot, rain is possible
• A plastic plate, mug and bowl, cutlery, tea towel. (A small drawstring bag, marked with your name, is also essential to keep this together and to put in support cars for lunch, as required.)
• A good torch with new batteries and a spare globe.
• A small camping stool (the small scissor type with canvas on top won't take up much room)
• Toiletries, toilet paper, towels, sunscreen, lip cream, something to protect your neck, sunglasses, personal medical kit.
  Bathers and towel.
• Binoculars? Note-book? Diary? Camera?
• Spending-money on tour (see food and drink item below)
• Other issues regarding luggage:

Do not bring bulky items like swags or very big roll up mattresses

They take up huge areas of space on the trailers.

Pack Light

Lighter bags are easier to load and unload.

Luggage and Dust

Luggage will be going in a covered-in large trailer. This will keep out water if it rains but it is unlikely to keep out fine dust. Therefore, it is advisable to wrap essential items in a plastic bag