Mountain Bike Mayhem
(KZMB) Kazakhstan - Mountain Mayhem
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 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 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)
Hands
Regular biking gloves
Winter biking gloves or warm overgloves
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Warm Cycling tights or tracksters
Loose baggy over shorts for modesty
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet – mandatory
Fleece headband
Buff
Daypack and contents
Cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 20 litres total capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 2 litres 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
Warm Fleece Jacket or Jumper
Basic First Aid Kit. Including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and apres biking clothes for predominantly cold conditions
Training/Leisure shoes for apres biking
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
Warm hat
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
4 Season Sleeping Bag
Thermarest/Camping Mattress
Headtorch/Headlamp
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 to 2.25 inch cross-country tyres suitable for mostly dry with occasional wet conditions.
Pump
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 that may be required - 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.
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.
