BASIC EQUIPMENT LIST FOR A LONG-DISTANCE SELF-CONTAINED MOUNTAIN BIKING TRIP

MOUNTAIN BIKE

SPEEDPLAY FROG CLIPLESS PEDALS

I use these easy-entry/easy-exit pedals. They are great, especially if you are prone to knee problems, such as tendonitis. They provide the maximum amount of float available in a clipless pedal so that your knees can move naturally and are not held in a rigid position. Although they are expensive, for a long-distance ride, the extra comfort is well worth the price! I also use them on my mountain bike -- they remain dirt free even in the worst of conditions (you mountain bikers will appreciate that)!

AVOCET CYCLOMETER 35

This battery-operated cyclometer provides current, average, and maximum speed; trip and total odometer; elapsed time; clock. It's waterproof too (a must for those rainy days). In retrospect, I should have used one that also gave the pedal cadence. It's important not to pedal too slowly up the mountains and I just guess at my cadence!

TOPEAK DUAL MASTER BLASTER PUMP

This pump fits both Presta and Schrader Valves, inflates up to 160 PSI, has a built in pressure gauge and has a dual chamber for easy tire inflation. It is lightweight and can be easily mounted.

YAK - BEAST OF BURDEN (BOB)

BLACKBURN AMAZON HYDRAPAK SYSTEM

Water bottles are a thing of the past for long-distance rides. Instead consider a hydrapak system. This is a small back-pack that contains a water bladder. Mine holds 100 ounces. A small tube runs from the pack, over your shoulder and attaches to the front strap. It is always in the perfect spot to take a drink. Studies have found that bikers using hydration systems consume 46% more fluid while riding 100 miles than did bikers using bike-mounted water bottles. They also completed the ride over 90 minutes faster! The beauty of this system is that you can get a drink without removing your hands from the bars. You are more likely to remain adequately hydrated. I definitely recommend one! I used this system last year and it was great.

WATER-PROOF RIVER BAGS

YAKIMA BIKE CARRIER AND ROOF RACK

CYCLING GLOVES

I am using specialized cycling gloves that are designed to have open fingers. They have a large amount of padding to protect your hands from all of the long hours of biking. This is without a doubt a necessity for this length of riding.

SIERRA DESIGN STRETCH DOME TENT

This is a great tent for a family or for expeditions. It is even used on expeditions to Mount Everest. This tent has lots of room inside for a three person tent and has a large vestibule to store extra gear in. One of the special features of this is that it has an optional system of guy wires which can be erected inside the tent to keep the tent from flexing thus ruining the poles in winds up to 100 mph! Overall this is a perfect tent.

THERMA-REST SLEEPING PAD

The pad that I am using is a self inflating air pad which is both light and very compact making it great for both cycling and backpacking. It gives your back a rest at night and makes you feel refreshed in the morning.

THERMA-REST SLING THAT CONVERTS SLEEPING PAD TO A CHAIR

FLASHLIGHT

GORETEX RAIN JACKET

BIKING SHOES

BOOTIES/GORETEX SOCKS

ARM WARMERS

FIRST AID KIT
PERSONAL MEDICATIONS
LIP BALM
ADHESIVE BANDAGES
GAUZE
ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
ANTI-HISTAMINE
TWEEZERS
SCISSORS
ACE BANDAGE
EMERGENCY FOOD (POWER BARS)
SUN BLOCK
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

HEALTH INSURANCE PAPERS

MOUNTAIN BIKE WITH FRONT OR FULL SUSPENSION

WHEELS

RACKS

PANNIERS

EXTRA SPOKES

WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

OAKLEY M-FRAME SUNGLASSES

Be sure to wear glasses while riding. They will protect you from dirt, debris and bugs. Be sure to get UV protection as well. Oakley's are great -- they shed rain as well. Consider carrying an extra clear or persimmon lens for those really cloudy days.
 

TOOL KIT:
TIRE PATCH KIT
3 SPARE TUBES
TIRE LEVERS
EXTRA TIRE
ALLEN WRENCHES
CHAIN LUBE
ASSORTED HOSE CLAMPS
PLAIT ZIP TIES
ASSORTED NUTS AND BOLTS (PARTICULARLY FOR PANNIERS AND RACKS)
LOCKTITE
PHILLIPS AND REGULAR SCREWDRIVER

GROUND CLOTH

SLEEPING BAG (RATED TO 20 DEGREES)

ZIPLOCK PLASTIC BAGS

BUG REPELLENT

SWISS ARMY STYLE KNIFE

FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP

WATERPROOF MATCHES OR LIGHTER

FIRE STARTER

TOILET PAPER

EXTRA BUNGEE CORD

2 SHORT SLEEVE BIKING SHIRTS

LONG SLEEVE SHIRT

FLEECE JACKET OR WOOL SWEATER

2 PAIRS CYCLING SHORTS

1 PAIR CAMP SHORTS

GORETEX RAIN JACKET AND PANTS

LONG BIKING PANTS OR LEG WARMERS

3 OR 4 SETS UNDERWEAR

3 PAIR CYCLING SOCKS

3 PAIR WARM SOCKS

WARM HAT

GORETEX MITTENS

WARM GLOVES

WALKING SHOES FOR CAMP

2 BANDANAS

CYCLING SHOES

TOWEL

SWIMSUIT

BOOK

JOURNAL

BICYCLE LOCK

SEWING KIT

NYLON CORD

DUCT TAPE

EATING UTENSILS

SLEEPING BAG LINER