Bhutan Thunder Dragon Ride
Bhutan & India, Bike - Semi Slick, 12 days - from $4,595 (land only)
(BHMB) Bhutan - Thunder Dragon Ride
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for predominantly cool climatic conditions and cold evenings. Good padded cycling shorts are essential.
YOUR BIKE
Your bike MUST be at least a mid level Mountain Bike such as a Specialized Rockhopper Pro or a Trek 6500 Disc. Front suspension is recommended but not essential. It is vital that your bike is THOROUGHLY SERVICED and in perfect working condition before the trip.
PERSONAL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Feet
Stiff-soled cycling shoes or SPD’s
Neoprene over shoes for extra warmth
Torso
Base-layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2)
Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 2)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Warm Fleece jacket or jumper
Down Jacket (for evenings)
Daypack and contents
A cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 20 litres total capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 2 litres
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
Warm Fleece Jacket or Jumper
Lightweight loose trousers to wear over shorts for modesty
Basic First Aid Kit. Including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
Hands
Regular biking gloves
Winter biking gloves or warm over-gloves
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Warm Cycling tights or tracksters
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet – mandatory
Fleece headband
Buff
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and post biking clothes for predominantly cold conditions
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)
Sleeping bag (Comfort Rating - zero degrees centigrade)*
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Headtorch/Headlamp
Equipment hire
Items marked * can be hired through KE Adventure Travel
Mattresses are provided for the 2 nights camping on this trip, along with blankets and pillows. We would strongly recommend bringing along a sleeping bag, as the temperatures at the campsite on Day 7 can fall below 0C/32F.
PERSONAL TOOLS AND SPARES
Please note: If you are hiring a bike you do not need to bring spares – just a pump, repair kit and a couple of standard 26 x 2 inch inner tubes with Presta valves.
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
You will need fast rolling semi-slick or even slick tyres suitable for mostly dry tarmac conditions. Since the roads are rough in places, we suggest that you don’t opt for a very low volume tyre. Something around 1.9 inches in diameter will work well and provide a measure of comfort.
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)
2 x 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
Our back up vehicle will carry ample supplies of water, snacks 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.
Bike Hire
One option is that you take your own bike on this holiday. After all, it is the bike you know best. However, you can also hire a bike locally. Our local agent can provide imported Trek 4300 Disc bikes with Shimano Acera components, Hayes Dyno Sport hydraulic disc brakes, Suntour 100mm front suspension and Bontrager wheels and tyres. They are available in a range of frame sizes – 17, 18 and 19.5 inches. See trip dossier for bike hire costs, which will be paid locally and which do not cover you if you lose the bike or damage it beyond 'fair wear and tear'. You may need to leave credit card details as security when you pick up the bike. If you want to hire a bike, please contact the KE office and we can reserve one on your behalf. We must stress that your hire contract will be with the local hire company and that KE cannot be held responsible for any issues arising from bike hire. If you do hire a bike, we recommend that you take your own shoes, pedals and possibly even your saddle, which will go a long way towards making it feel like your own bike. You will also need to take your own helmet, which must be worn at all times when riding.
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.
