GEAR
You are out there for five days. Be prepared.
There are no bike shops on the course and shopping options along the trail are extremely limited. Whatever you need, you bring with you. If you suffer a mechanical and do not have the right part, your ride is over. Come prepared and you will not have a problem.
How much gear you pack is up to you. Some people bring everything but the kitchen sink. Others are happy to rough it with the bare minimum. What you carry will depend on what you own, how much space you have in your vehicle and how much you want to spend.
Here is what we recommend for a comfortable trip.
The Non-Negotiables
- First aid kit (we recommend St John's Small or Medium Leisure Kits)
- Flashing amber light, fitted and clearly visible on support vehicle
- UHF radio for support vehicle or hand-held for soloists utilising Event Support
- Water container (20 litres minimum) for support vehicle
- Your bike (we would hate for you to forget it)
- Bicycle helmet (must be Australian standard and approved)
Bike Spares and Maintenance
- CO2 canisters or a small bike pump
- Bike cleaner and a hand pressure washer (garden weed sprayers are perfect)
- Bike stand
- Brake cleaner
- Cable ties (assorted sizes)
- Chain lube
- Duct tape
- Floor pump
- Front and rear lights
- Hangar (unique to each bike)
- Quick link for your chain
- Rags and cleaning cloths
- Slime for your tyres (strongly recommended)
- Spare sealant (if running tubeless)
- Spare tubes and repair kit
- Spare tyre
- Spare wheels (each team should carry a couple)
- Stiff nylon brush and chain cleaner
- Tyre liners (strongly recommended)
- Tyre levers and patch kit
Riding Gear — On the Bike
- Cycling knicks or shorts (you will appreciate the padded protection after five days)
- Bandannas (for dust and sweat)
- Camelbak and drink bottles
- Chamois cream (your body will thank you)
- Cycling shoes or running shoes
- Padded cycling gloves
- Lip balm
- Riding jerseys
- Socks
- Sunglasses
- Sun sleeves and arm warmers
Non-Riding Gear — Off the Bike
- Compression clothing and skins for after-ride recovery
- Hat, cap or beanie
- Jumper or hoodie (it gets cold overnight and early in the morning)
- Sandals, thongs or lightweight shoes
- Shorts
- Tracksuit or trousers
- T-shirts
- Underwear (clean ones)
Miscellaneous
- Bike lock and long cable to secure bike overnight
- Camera
- Clipboard for directions sheet
- Deep Heat or Dencorub
- Insect repellent
- Medication (personal scripts and supplements)
- Multi tool and pocket knife
- Permanent marker to label your clothes
- Rope and pegs
- Rubbish bags (if you take it in, you take it out)
- Sunblock (30+ minimum)
- Toiletries
- Torch (headlamps are ideal)
- Towel and shower chamois (quick drying)
Camping
- Camping chair
- Cutlery and chopping board for pre-dinner snacks (plates, cups and cutlery for main meals provided)
- Insect or fly screen
- Lantern and spare batteries
- Laundry bucket and detergent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat or mattress
- Swag
- Table
- Tarpaulin (great as ground sheet and extra protection if it rains)
- Tent (easy to erect and light to carry)
Support Vehicle
- Air compressor
- Bike rack
- Car seat covers (trust us, you will need them)
- Esky or car fridge
- Hand sanitizer
- Jerry cans
- Roof rack
- Ropes and straps
- Small shovel
- Spare wheel (2 if possible)
- Thermos
- Toilet paper
- Trailer
- Vehicle jack and wheel brace (check suitability)
- Wet ones and wipes
Your Wheels
What you ride and what you drive matters out here. Here is everything you need to know before you load up and head east.
Your Bike
The most common question we get is what bike to bring. The honest answer is that most well maintained mountain or gravel bikes in good condition will do the job if ridden appropriately. A dual suspension bike will be more comfortable over the distance, particularly on rougher surfaces where it helps maintain momentum and reduces fatigue. After a couple of days and a few hundred kilometres, that makes a real difference.
What matters more than the bike is the tyres. Good quality tyres with strong sidewall protection can be the difference between a smooth day and a frustrating one. We recommend running tubeless and using slime to avoid punctures. On longer days, use double the usual amount of slime (approximately 150ml). Bring a hangar specific to your bike and pack spare tubes, chain lube and cable ties in your support vehicle. There are no bike shops on the course.
Trailers and Bike Racks
Most teams will need a trailer to carry bikes and gear. Out here, trailers take more of a beating than the vehicles themselves. Stub axles, wheel bearings, springs and drawbars all come under pressure on this terrain. A well maintained trailer designed for off-road use will handle the trail without issue if driven carefully and not overloaded.
No monster trailers or caravans. They will get stuck and create hazards for riders and other support vehicles trying to pass.
For bike racks, the best setups are purpose built for off-road use with solid tie-down points and easy access during rider transitions. Standard racks that attach to the back of a car tend to scratch bikes and struggle over five days of rough trail. Whatever you use, make sure it can handle the distance.
Your Support Vehicle
The majority of the Big Yellow Pipeline Challenge follows an unsealed access trail maintained by the Water Corporation. A four wheel drive is essential. This is not a route for two wheel drive or low clearance vehicles.
There will be sections where 4WD is required, particularly when towing a trailer or navigating sections with limited ground clearance. We will flag these ahead of time. On particularly rough stretches, your support vehicle may move slower than the rider. Drive carefully and your vehicle will handle the challenge without issue.
Bring a spare tyre and make sure your vehicle is properly serviced before you leave. A breakdown on course is one of the quickest ways to end your ride early.
We are building a brand new Pipeline Challenge website with everything you need for 2027. Watch this space.