The Balkans Bash - Montenegro
(MNMB) Montenegro – The Balkans Bash
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for varying climatic conditions. 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 / SPD shoes
Torso
Base layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 2)
Mid layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 1)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Fleece top or jumper
Daypack and contents
A cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 20 litres total capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 2 litre capacity
Lightweight waterproof top
Multi-tool
Puncture repair kit and tyre levers
Inner tube(s)
Pump
Camera
Sun cream
Small roll of gaffer tape
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).
Hands
Regular biking gloves
Legs
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Cycling tights or tracksters
Head
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet - mandatory
Trek Bag Contents
Travel and apres biking clothes
Training/Leisure shoes for apres biking
Wash bag, towel and toiletries
Antibacterial hand wash
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Swimwear
Headtorch
Chamois cream (e.g. Assos/Ozone)
PERSONAL TOOLS AND SPARES
Please note: If you are hiring a bike, you do not need to bring any spares – but you should still take a pump, a puncture repair kit and a couple of 29 x 2 inch standard mountain bike 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. changing an inner tube, fixing a puncture. Naturally our 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: 1.9 to 2.2 cross-county tyres suitable for mostly dry, but occasionally wet, 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
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 that might be needed - such as disc brake bleed kits, appropriate brake fluid, shock pump, etc.
Energy Gels/Sports Drinks/Power Bars
We do provide 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
It is possible to hire bikes for this holiday. Our local agent has a limited number of Specialized Rockhopper 29ers available in several sizes. These are hardtail bikes with 29 inch wheels, Rockshox front forks and hydraulic disc brakes. The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. If you prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, you will need to bring these with you, along with your regular cycling shoes and cleats. Another item which you might choose to take with you on the holiday is your saddle. The hire bikes have standard saddles and anyone requiring more comfort, or a women-specific saddle, should consider taking their own. Helmets are also provided with the hire bikes, but you will probably prefer to take your own. Please refer to Bike Hire in the trip dossier for an indication of hire costs. You will make this payment directly to the local group leader in euros when the bike is delivered to you. This payment does not cover you if you lose the bike or damage it beyond 'fair wear and tear'. You will need to provide a photocopy of your passport information pages and your credit card details, as security against loss of or damage to 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.
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.
