Equipment List
(VCMB) Southern Africa - Victoria Falls to Cape Town
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for predominantly warm climatic conditions and cooler evenings. Good padded cycling shorts are essential.
Your bike MUST be at least a mid level Mountain Bike such as a Specialized Rockhopper or Trek 6500. Front suspension is essential. It is vital that your bike is THOROUGHLY SERVICED and in perfect working condition before the trip.
PERSONAL CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Feet
Stiff-soled cycling / SPD shoes
Torso
Base layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2)
Mid layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 1)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Lightweight Fleece jacket or jumper
Arm Warmers
Hands
Regular biking gloves
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Cycling tights / tracksters and leg warmers
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet - mandatory
Daypack and contents
A cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 15- 20 litres total capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 2 litres
Lightweight waterproof top
Basic First Aid Kit, including soluble electrolyte sachets/tablets
Multi-tool
Puncture repair kit
Inner tube
Pump
Camera
Small roll of gaffer tape
Lightweight Fleece Jacket or Jumper
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and après biking clothes (with some warmer clothes)
Training/Leisure shoes for après biking
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
Warm hat
Insect repellent (75 - 100% DEET)
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Swimwear
Headtorch/Headlamp
3 season sleeping bag & liner (recommended)
Camping Pillow
Chamois cream (e.g. Assos/Ozone)
PERSONAL TOOLS & SPARES
You should bring the following with you as a minimum. Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs e.g. fixing a puncture, changing an inner tube. Naturally the bike guide will always be happy to assist with any repairs, but due to the often remote nature of our trips, being able to carry out a simple repair can save time and inconvenience waiting for assistance.
Tyres
For this trip you will need: 1 pair of 1.9”semi-slick tyres suitable for predominantly dry dirt road conditions and 1 pair of 2.0”– 2.1” cross-country tyres suitable for mostly dry conditions.
Pump
Plastic tyre levers
Small tube of grease
1 rear brake cable
1 rear gear cable
Spare set of brake blocks / disc pads (front and rear)
2 spare spokes for front and rear wheels
Spoke key
4 x inner tubes
Liquid chain lube (bottle not aerosol)
Multi-tool with allen keys
Chain link extractor (if not on multi-tool)
2x puncture repair kits
A rag and brush for cleaning bike and drive train.
Spare chain links
Spares specific to your bike**
KE tools and spares
On all of our trips we carry a toolkit and a basic range of spares for emergencies. As bikes become increasingly part specific it is impossible to carry a comprehensive range of spares compatible with all makes and models of bike. **Please ensure you bring any bike-specific spares that might be needed - such as disc brake bleed kits (and appropriate fluid), shock pumps etc.
Energy Gels/Sports Drinks/Power Bars
Our back up vehicle will carry ample supplies of water and lunches but if you like a particular energy gel, sports drink or power bar we suggest you bring a selection of your preferred choice along.
Please do not hesitate to call us for further advice about what to bring or any other aspect of this trip. We are more than happy to offer you the benefit of our experience. Further helpful information can also be found in the “Your Bike”, “Baggage Allowances”, “Climate” and “Travelling with Your Bike” sections of the detailed trip dossier.
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