Firstly, a big tip for anyone considering an ultra-distance cycling event. Before you do anything and from the very first moment you start thinking about the idea. Build yourself a check list of equipment you plan to use and then refine it with every training ride you do. Why? Because on the day you start packing to leave, you’ll have a million things running through your head. The check list will be your friend and make sure nothing gets left behind. Trust me on this.
The Bike
Right off the bat, my bike set-up is probably a little different to that of the seasoned ultra-distance rider, this is partly driven by cost and part by my race strategy. Firstly I was not willing to fork out for cost of dynohub and wheel building for something I was not likely to use again. Also I’ve read a number of accounts of a dynohub failing leading to the rider to have fall back to charging their devices. So I’ve skipped the failing bit and will look to charge my devices along the way. The downside is I am then forced to find nightly shelters that has power available, so the local toilet block is probably out of question. That said, I don’t plan to ride through the night, so I am carrying enough charge for three day of riding before I need to stop and charge up.
Also the gearing is not standard, no compact crank-set here. My only concession to my standard set-up is an 11-30t cassette versus the normal 11-28t. With a short cage derailleur, the 30t is really pushing the limit, even then back-pedalling while in the 39-30 seems to catch the derailleur. So no back pedalling while climbing up the Great divide, good, got it!
Bike Specifications
- Frame: 2017 Ridley Noah SL
- Group set: 6800 Ultegra Di2 11-30t
- Crank set: Sram Red 175mm 53-39t
- Wheels: Vision Trimax T42 Clinchers
- Tyres: Continental GP4000s II
- Saddle: Brooks Cambium C13 158mm wide
- Handlebars: 3T with aero bars and Di2 controllers
- Stem: 110mm Easton 70
- Bidon cages: Two in the standard location. 2 mounted on the forks. The fork cages will only be used for the longer stints where more is required. Otherwise they will be empty to reduce the aero drag.
Equipment
- Multi-tool
- Vulcan patches and instant stick on
- cable ties (various lengths)
- Chain quick link
- Various Spare bolts
- Tyre levers
- Chain Breaker
- Replacement spokes
- Chain lube
- Brush
- Small rag wipe
- Valve core remover
- Emergency boot
- Pump
- Tape – wrapped around pump
- Tubes x 2
- Presta valve converter – so you can use pump at petrol stations
- Spare Tyre – yes at 240g well worth it, as a discovered on a training ride
- Sealant – applied to the tubes prior to the ride
- Bike lock
- Water bottles 950ml x2
Personal care
- Sunscreen – Seems obvious but remember, this is a check-list
- Lip balm
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-rash cream (Bepathan)
- Insect repellent – in the outback there are lots of things that bite
- Caffeine tablets – where you’re going there won’t always be a post ride coffee available
- Toothpaste & Toothbrush
- Razor and shave oil – personal preference
- First aid kit – basically some band-aids and beta-dine swabs
Electronics
- USB wall charger x 2, one of these is a high speed charger
- Spare 2032 & AAA batteries
- Ay up front light
- Ay Up charger
- Ay Up front spare light
- Ay-up Batteries x 2
- Garmin edge 520
- Garmin varia radar and light – beats having a mirror
- Wired headphones – I’ve got enough things to charge
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Mobile phone
- Phone holder and case – Personal preference as I will be using my phone for navigation and it up front
- Powerbank 20000 mAh Qualcomm quick charge compatible
- Spot tracker Gen 3
- Topeak rear light
- USB cables x 4
- Garmin Vivo Active watch – primarily as an alarm clock
- Charge cable for Vivo Active
- Jersey
- Knicks
- Socks x 2
- Sun Sleeves
- Rain jacket
- Cycling Shoes
- Helmet
- Mitts
- Gloves
- Leg Compression – Personal preference to aid leg recovery at night
- Shorts & T-shirt for off the bike
- Reflective ankle straps
- Hi-vis vest
- Gillet
- Knee Warmers
Other stuff
- Travel towel
- Bivvy bag & Silk sleeping bag liner
- Scrim – A mesh type cloth, useful for many reasons including as a mossie net
- 2 x credit cards
- Backsack
- ID
- Coins for vending machines
Safe travels Mark and enjoy every minute. ?