| My Gear Clothing (Good and Bad Weather) 1. Desert Rat Hat: One of the best investments I made was in my hat. It had a cloth attachment to protect my neck, a wide brim for greater shade, and an aluminium reflection material woven inside the top to reflect the sun and heat away from my head. The cloth attachment also had Velcro strips so I could fasten it over my ears and nose to protect myself during sandstorms. I bought this in Toronto for $29.00. 2. Wrinkle-free dress pants and long-sleeve shirt: This was used for visiting churches, mosques, and government buildings and for any formal occasion. They conveniently rolled up in their own little pouch (ideal for saving space.) 3. Four Cycling Tour Promo Shirts (yellow): These shirts were made in the UK to advertise my sponsors and the tour. I chose the colour yellow for two reasons: it was easily identifiable from far distances and the colour was less stressful to the eye. 4. Leggings (for cold weather): These were used for high altitude cycling and occasionally when it was cold at night. 5. Socks (5 pairs) 6. Cycle shorts (2 pairs) 7. Gaiters 8. Cycling jacket 9. Cycling shoes (2 pairs) 10. Underwear (3 pairs) 11. Cycling gloves (2 pairs) Toiletries: Toilet Paper , toothbrush and toothpaste (small carrying case), towel, deodorant, washcloth, soap, shampoo Shelter: 1. Tent: Eureka! Two-person; Self-supporting 2. Sleeping bag: 4 seasons, Polysoft Fibrefill 3. Sleeping mat: Thermarest. This had been the second greatest investment in terms of equipment. I used it daily, even when I had lunch for it made for a great cushion. 4. Mosquito net: In the shape of a bed sheet (third greatest investment). It proved to be priceless when I didn’t need to put up my tent. I used it as a blanket to keep any unwelcome guests out. 5. Pop-up umbrella: Another great investment. It gave me instant protection from sudden downpours and from the scorching sun when I couldn’t find any shade during lunch. Bike Accessories and Spare Parts 1. Water bottles: Two 750 ml bottles plus a 5-litre collapsible reservoir bottle that I kept in my front panniers. 2. Air Pump: Started with only one adapter, but in Scotland, I was given a different one from friends. Since you will find both Schroeder and Presta valved tubes, I recommend that take a good quality pump with adapters for both. 3. Racks (back and front): Steel racks are better for they can easily be welded if they break en route (Usually, the rack is the first to break due to fatigue). My rear rack was aluminium though, but it was double-welded by an aircraft welder in the UK (It never broke.) For longer tours, I recommend you balance the weight up front. Use low-riders for you want the centre of gravity as low as possible but you also need clearance from rocks. Low-riders help in maintaining manoeuvrability and balance. 4. Panniers (front and rear). Please note: When you store your gear, put the heavy stuff at the bottom. Put the stuff you use often at the top. I used large garbage bags to put everything in (it’s just a little added protection in keeping your things dry.) Also, you should be consistent of where you place your stuff, so the next time you look for it you’ll find it right away. Finally spread the weight evenly around your bike. 5. Handle Bar Bag (with easy clip on). I kept my camera here as well as important documents in a secret compartment inside. When I went to buy something from a market, I just clipped the bag off and left the bike. 6. Expandable Saddle Bag (mainly contained a new tube, tube repair kit and levers) 7. Tube Repair Kits (5) The more the better. Keep them handy for the frequency of punctures will increase as your tour unfolds. 8. Bike grease (in a film canister) 9. Spare brake pads (one pair), cables (brake and gear), chain links (several inches in length), crank cartridge (never used it), spokes (double, if not triple check you have the right thickness and length), bearings of various sizes 10. Spare Chain: I didn’t have one but in hindsight I should have. Tools: Learn how to use these tools properly before you set out. 1. Tire levers 2. Multi-purpose Tool (assorted screwdrivers and Allen keys) 3. Chain Rivet Tool 4. Spoke Nipple Wrench 5. Freewheel Removal Tool: Depends on your bike. You need to access the area because most spokes bust on the chain side of the rear wheel. 6. Vice Grips 7. Wire Cutters 8. Cotterless Crank Removal Tool 9. Adjustable Wrench Medical 1. First-aid kit: paper tissues, 3 compressed wound dressings, 1 crepe bandage, 1 triangle bandage, 1 gauze open-weave bandage, 1 tube Savlon (detergent cream), 1 tube calamine cream, soluble Aspirin, I pair of tweezers, I pair small scissors, antiseptic wipes, butterfly closure bandages) 2. Insect Repellent 3. Water Purification Tablets: Silver based 4. Moleskin (for blisters) 5. Sunscreen Miscellaneous 1. Camera and Film: I carried over 30 rolls of 100. I needed more in South Africa. 2. Waterproof Matches 3. Compass and Altimeter 4. Sewing Kit 5. Safety Pins 6. Camping can Opener 7. Candle Lantern and Candles 8. Flashlight (Maglight and spare batteries and bulb) 9. Plate, Cup and Utensils (1 set) 10. Stove: Peak 1 with multi-gas canister and 1 set of camping pots 11. Maps 12. Flexible Camping Handsaw 13. Camping Knife 14. Sunglasses (Bole) Catydenne Water Filter Pump. This was my fourth greatest investment. I used this daily to purify my day’s intake of water. |
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