Biking the Annapurna Circuit
ACMB - Biking the Annapurna Circuit
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for predominantly warm days conditions and cooler evenings. Good quality padded cycling shorts are essential.
Your bike should be of good quality, light in weight and robust. Specialized's Rockhopper Pro, or Trek's 6500 Disc are example of 'hardtail' bikes that meet the minimum quality standard necessary for this epic ride. If you propose to take a full suspension bike, you should pay even more attention to its weight. If your bike weighs more than about 13 kg (28 lbs), it is probably too heavy for this trip. Front suspension is essential. It is vital that your bike is THOROUGHLY SERVICED and in perfect working condition before the trip.
PERSONAL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Feet
SPD cycling shoes (which are comfortable for walking in.)
Torso
Base-layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2)
Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 2)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Fleece jacket or jumper
Daypack and contents
Cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 20 litres carrying capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 2 litres water capacity
Lightweight waterproof top
Multi-tool
Puncture repair kit
Inner tube
Pump
Camera
Sun cream (inc. total bloc for lips/nose)
Small roll of gaffer tape
Fleece Jacket or Jumper
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Warmer padded cycling tights or tracksters
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet – mandatory
Hands
Regular biking gloves plus warmer/windproof set
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and apres biking clothes (inc. some warmer clothes for evenings, such as a light-weight down jacket)
Cross-trainers/shoes for apres biking
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial/alcohol handwash
Warm hat/buff
Sleeping Bag (Comfort Rating -10 degrees centigrade)*
Warm jacket (down)*
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Headtorch/Headlamp
Waterproof overtousers (rainpants)
Swimwear
Equipment Hire
Items marked * can be rented through KE Adventure Travel
PERSONAL TOOLS AND 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 2.1 to 2.25 inch knobbly off-road tyres.
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 Spare chain links
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.
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 which might be needed - such as disc brake bleed kits (and appropriate fluid), shock pumps etc).
Energy Gels/Sports Drinks/Power Bars
Supplies of water, snacks and lunches will be provided. 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.
