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Prep for 2015 Freedom Challenge / Race to Rhodes


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Posted

 

lights - i don't think you need to go full monty befok on lighting. i'm actually totally against any rechargeable system for this race - a)you now need to carry a charger b)it's more light than needed.

 

rather use something that takes single use batteries, I much prefer AA as they are more economical both in price and power/size. I would use my black diamond icon(think it's about 200lm max), but did the race with a myo xp, 85lumens max and didn't have issues. tweet won the race with a an even smaller light this year, and did loads of nightriding.

 

 

Graham used the very light weight Ay Up lights, ordered mine already just in case I'm racing next year. If you plan to race at night you will need proper light 250+ lumens or you might just loose the fine track.....

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Posted

sort of. you need one on your head too

 

a)to watch out for zombies on the side of the road

b)to read your map

The Zombies come out of no where! Helmet light essential.
Posted

I'm keen to hear about what needs to be packed for the trail, and what should go into the 2L bliks that get sent to each support station.

 

How many tubs of ice cream are we going to have to buy and eat to have enough of these bliks?

Posted

I'm keen to hear about what needs to be packed for the trail, and what should go into the 2L bliks that get sent to each support station.

 

How many tubs of ice cream are we going to have to buy and eat to have enough of these bliks?

 

Depends what ride youre doing! But its a waste to send to all the stations so just send to the ones where you will overnight.

 

A big No No is any ,soap or detergent it will taint all your food stuff no matter how you seal and wrap it!!

 

For RASA I packed 2 chains and 2 sets of brake pads in my boxes, 1 for Rhodes and One for Willowmore, I used both and had no mechanical problems.

 

Food needs to be varied a lot so you don't get sick of eating the same thing day -in-day-out. Savory stuff works well and a good recovery drink, chocolate milk and ultramel custard are easy to get down.

 

Probiotics and vitamins are a must to keep your system running well!

 

There is so much stuff left behind by riders that you should be able to find bits and pieces that you may have left behind.

Posted

I'm keen to hear about what needs to be packed for the trail, and what should go into the 2L bliks that get sent to each support station.

 

How many tubs of ice cream are we going to have to buy and eat to have enough of these bliks?

 

Feed the family ice cream. Keeps them keen!

Posted

Graham used the very light weight Ay Up lights, ordered mine already just in case I'm racing next year. If you plan to race at night you will need proper light 250+ lumens or you might just loose the fine track.....

ah ok, was under the impression he rode with a lightweight headlamp only. but here you can see the system.

 

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Posted

I'm keen to hear about what needs to be packed for the trail, and what should go into the 2L bliks that get sent to each support station.

 

How many tubs of ice cream are we going to have to buy and eat to have enough of these bliks?

 

Food wise - it depends what you eat during the day. I ate a lot of trail mix, muesli bars (that sort of thing). By the end of the day I was sick of them. Pack your replenishment food for the following day but also pack some 'treats' - chocolates, sweets - whatever you think you may crave after a day of nuts, muesli, fruit, etc... Dry wors and biltong will also be nice.

 

Parts wise - after you've packed the parts that you may need 'at any time' and therefore must carry there really isn't much left. As mentioned a chain isn't a bad idea and some tubes. Spread the parts out. I also stuffed some kit into my boxes so I didn't have to lug kit for X days without wearing it.

 

Remember though, whats left in your box or what you have to take out your bag and leave in the box to replace with new goodies is gone - it's left to riders behind you or SS staff - you won't get anything back.

Posted

Ok Map holder almost finished . Think I will drop it a little bit and make it a bit smaller .

 

Whats do the experts think about putting a bag as per attached pic ? I loaded my 2 man tent in just to give it some volume and get some idea about how the bike handles with the weight on there .

 

 

1. I took a piece of bungi cord, tied a "skuifknoop" and hooked over the board. Nice thing is it can then slide up & down so you can move it out the way to see the map as you move along he route. Two pieces, vertical & horisontal, worked well.

2. DIY map is bullet proof. I had several "fall overs" as well as the 100 km/h wind and it stuck. Even one proper endo, just had to pull the mount back vertical.

3. Stuck my map inside a large ziplock to keep maps dry. May need more than one if you do RASA, they scuffle up over days.

4. Used those big black clips to clip map/ziplock into place. One got lost somewhere but they held up throughout.

5. Try and cover the drilled holes on the bottom to keep moisture & mud coming up from the wheels away from the surface.

Posted

Would there be interest in a quarterly get together of FC/RASA/R2R participants? Maybe a Sat ride & brekkie somewhere central. Can get some of the experiences riders & legends to join & share stories & advice.

Posted

Been looking at tires that I will be using and have decided on the Maxxis Ardent for suspension and durability . But I suppose a spare tire needs to travel with . The Ardent would not be my first choice !! Even when folded as small as I can get it this thing still looks as big as a truck tire . Suggestions please .

Posted

A spare tyre is not neccessary - if you use a UST or decent 'tubeless ready' tyre with strong sidewalls, it will survive the journey. Rather fit a pair of strong 700-800gr+ tyres and carry the required bits to fix them if disaster strikes (glue plus gaiters to fix a bad sidewall cut and the usual selection of plugs and patches). The Crossmark UST is a perennial favourite but many other good options out there: Geax Sagurro, Conti X-King UST etc. The Ardent is availbale in a UST version and would be a good choice which also offers decent volume/cushioning for your rigid SS setup.

Posted

Ja, tubeless, stans sealant, plugs, etc. and old sidewall sections from old tyres in case you have a sidewall cut.

 

Speaking of which, I'm interested in seeing a list of spares/tools that vets see as essentials in the pack.

Posted

Ja, tubeless, stans sealant, plugs, etc. and old sidewall sections from old tyres in case you have a sidewall cut.

 

Speaking of which, I'm interested in seeing a list of spares/tools that vets see as essentials in the pack.

  • Spare rear gear cable and an end housing.
  • Brake pads x 1 pair
  • Chain links x 2
  • Tube
  • Hanger
  • Chain ring bolts x 2
  • Cleat + 2 screws
  • Tube of super glue
  • Duct TapeExtra set of Humor, in case you loose yours.
  • Patch & gaiter kit
  • 2 x co2 bomb's
  • Different size cable ties
  • 1 x Extra set of humor just in case you loose yours on the way

 

Tools

  • Multi tool
  • Spoke spanner
  • Leatherman
  • Small hand pump or bomb connector
  • Nail clipper for grooming in SS
  • Bags of good luck

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