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Gear

Gear

You will need to be self-sufficient for the ride. Unfortunately there are no bike shops along the trail so if you suffer a mechanical you will need to make sure you have what you need to keep your two-wheeled friend going for five days. Shopping options are very limited so don’t expect to be able to stop at a local shop and get something you forgot to bring or didn’t think you would need.

The amount of equipment you bring on the Challenge will depend on a number of things such as; what you have, how much room you have in your car/trailer and how much you want to spend. Some people will want to bring the kitchen sink, while others will only take the bare minimum and are happy to rough it. Here’s what we recommend you pack 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’d hate for you to forget it!)
Bicycle helmet (must be Australian standard and approved)

Bike – spares & maintenance

CO² canisters or a small bike pump
Bike cleaner and a hand pressure washer (garden weed sprayers are perfect)
Bike stand (it will make cleaning and maintenance so much easier)
Brake cleaner
Cable ties (assorted sizes)
Chain lube
Duct tape
Floor pump (a good quality pump is a worthwhile investment)
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 & repair kit
Spare tyre(s)
Spare wheels (each team should carry a couple of spare wheels)
Stiff nylon brush/chain cleaner
Tyre liners STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
Tyre levers/patch kit

Riding Gear – on the bike

Cycling kicks or shorts (you will appreciate that padded protection after 5 days, trust us)
Bandannas (for dust and sweat)
Camelbak & drink bottles
Chamois cream (your bum will thank you)
Cycling shoes or running shoes (dependent upon pedal types)
Padded cycling gloves
Lip balm
Riding jerseys
Socks
Sunglasses
Sun sleeves/arm warmers

Non Riding Gear – off the bike

Compression clothing / skins / under armour (for after ride recovery)
Hat/cap/beanie
Jumper / hoodie (it can get cold overnight and early in the morning)
Sandals, thongs or lightweight shoes and socks
Shorts
Tracksuit / trousers / jeans
T-shirts
Underwear (clean ones!)

Miscellaneous

Bike lock and long cable to secure bike overnight
Camera (you will want to remember this epic adventure!)
Clipboard to hold your directions sheet
Deep Heat or Dencorub
Insect repellent
iPod and charger (for relaxing night tunes, not for use on the bike)
Medication (any personal scripts, supplements)
Multi tool/Pocket knife
Permanent marker to label (name) your clothes
Rope and pegs
Rubbish bags (If you take it in, you take it out)
Sewing kit (for running repairs, not for Rambo style medical treatment)
Sunblock (30+ minimum. It does not need to be hot or sunny for you to get burnt)
Toiletries
Torch (headlamps are ideal as they keep your hands free)
Towel/shower chamois (quick drying)

Camping

Camping chair
Cutlery and chopping board for pre-dinner snacks (Plates, cups & cutlery for main meals provided)
Insect/fly screen or mozzie dome
Lantern and spare batteries
Laundry bucket & detergent (bush washing machine)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat/mattress
Swag
Table
Tarpaulin (great as ground sheets and extra protection if it does rain)
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 (to keep your lunches and drinks cold)
Hand sanitizer
Jerry cans
Roof rack
Ropes / straps
Small shovel
Spare wheel (2 if possible)
Thermos
Toilet paper
Trailer
Vehicle jack and wheel brace (check suitability)
Wet ones / wipes (refreshing and keeps your car cleaner)