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PREPARATION
This list should give you a good idea of what to bring to ensure that you start with Montcyclingtours Tours fully organized. All you have to do is ride your bike and have fun.
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BIKE AND BIKE HIRE
Your bike is a key component of this whole trip so it’s in your best interests to make sure that it is serviced thoroughly before you leave! Bike hire is also available.
• Check your brakes and gears. If your brake pads are worn, it’s a good time to replace them.
• If your chain is worn or over 12 months old, it is recommended that you get a new chain.
• Check your cleats. If they are worn or damaged, this would be a good time to replace them.
• Inform your local bike shop about what you are about to undertake. Outline that the bike needs to be in perfect working order.
• If your tyres are a little on the worn side it’s a great idea to replace them before the trip.
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WHAT GEARING FOR YOUR BIKE?
We all wish we could push big gears like Lance Armstrong, but so we enjoy our experience and ensure the next day’s climb is even more fun, this is what we recommend:
• as a minimum, your rear cassette should be a 12/25 although a 12/27 is more advisable.
• Compact cranks have become quite standard now. The 50/34 chain ring option will make your life easier.
• If you are currently riding a 53/39 crank set and don’t wish to go with the compact option, just opt for a bigger rear cassette than normal.
• If you are fitting a new rear cassette and it has a bigger ratio, ensure that your rear derailleur is adjusted to suit.
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WHAT TO BRING
Travel light, less is more is the GO ! One soft bike bag and a backpack is all you require. Many airlines have strict weight allowances particularly domestic flights, 20 – 30kgs is standard. Please confirm with your airline before departure.
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ON BIKE REQUIREMENTS
• Cycling knicks x 2, Jersey x 2, Vest and cap (Montcyclingtours provided)
• Undergarments ie. undershirt/singlet
• Cycling shoes (MTB cleats with recessed cleats make walking around more comfortable
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Leg and Arm warmers
• Gloves, fingerless and long fingered for colder areas
• Helmet (Australian design approved) – COMPULSORY WEARING ON ALL TOURS
• Two drink bottles
• Sunglasses
• Saddle bag to store puncture repair repair kit, allen keys, money, camera etc
• Front and rear flashing lights
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OFF BIKE REQUIREMENTS
• Walking shoes and thongs
• 3 changes of light weight clothes
• Sunscreen and hat
• Jacket and/ or jumper
• Towel
• Bathers
• Mobile phone – turn off data roaming as it becomes very expensive. Best buy a local SIM card on arrival to minimize exorbitant phone bills when you return home.
• Mobile phone charger
• Power adaptor
• USB cables for your laptop or Ipad
• Valid Passport
• Valid drivers license
• Credit cards
• Camera
• Toiletries
• Travel insurance – COMPULSORY
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SOFT OR HARD CASE?
We recommend a soft case, they are light and easy to store on our mini bus. All your clothing items can be stored in the bike case along with your bike. Any additional items can be carried with you, including your helmet, in your hand luggage or back pack on the aircraft. Please be advised that weight restrictions do apply to all airlines and further charges will apply for overweight luggage. Additionally, there is limited storage space in both of our vehicles so smaller cases are strongly recommended. Cardboard boxes are also a great idea as they are very light, free and can be stored easily. I use www.pikapackworks.com, very good quality and highly recommended.
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FITNESS LEVELS
We will be riding, on average, 80 – 120km each day so the fitter you are, the more you can ride and the quicker you will recover. There are a number of challenging mountains that we will ride over so it is recommended that you start training in the hills a few months before departure.
But remember, this is your holiday and we will not force you to undertake anything that you are not comfortable with.
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CYCLING ABILITY
We require that all riders are competent enough to ride up and over large mountains. We are not concerned with the speed at which you travel but your cycling capability and confidence. Our mini van will be on standby if anyone gets into difficulty and there will be a number of daily ride options to suit various individuals. If you have any concerns about your fitness level or cycling ability, please book in for a free session at www.ridewiser.com.au with Robert Crowe (OAM ) 1992 Australian Olympian – Road Cycling
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TRAVELING ALONE
We will pair you off with someone of the same sex in a single bed each. If there is no-one of the same sex, you have the option of rooming alone without paying for the single supplement.
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LAUNDRY FACILITIES
All hotels will wash and dry your clothes but at a premium price. We recommend you take advantage of the local laundry mats in the villages we stay in. Alternatively, wash your clothes in the basin or shower in your hotel room and hang them out to dry. A travel clothes line and washing powder can be easily purchased at the local convenience store.
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HOW ARE THE BIKE TRANSPORTED?
Your bike will be transported in an enclosed truck for security and safety
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BIKE STORAGE
Your bike can either be stored in your room or garage facility at the hotels. Bikes will not be permitted to be stored in our truck for security reasons.
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THE LAST WORD
As a small tour group, it is all about you. We are committed to making certain that your Montcyclingtours experience is challenging, safe, enjoyable and exceeds your expectations.
