Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
thinktoughkitforyourcontactpointsonthebike,andbreathablekiteverywhereelse.
The rule to apply for your clothing is 'one set wet, one set dry'. At night consider
a clean T-shirt/vest with a cotton or similar shirt, and lightweight trousers. Your ap-
pearance is always worth considering, as you never know who you are going to meet!
Finally, take a lightweight fleece as it can get cold at night, and some sort of wind
breaker/waterproof shell.
PERSONALHYGIENE
Take a goodfirst-aid kit, and Savlon foryourbackside. My
colleague on our 3,000km Madagascar adventure had golf-ball sized boils on his be-
hindfor3-4weeks asaresult ofa)lots ofsaddle time b)sweat c)lack of'arse discip-
line' (as we called it). Apply Savlon liberally, and if you get the chance to wash, take
your time and be particular down below. Anti-fungal creams are a good idea as well.
Take rehydration salts, Imodium type pills and laxatives. Your body will not know
what's hit it, and you never know how it will react. Salt pills are useful as well. Re-
member to drink as much as you can at night. Take water purifiers.
REMOTE TOWNS
When pulling into a town/village, think of riding right the way
through it first, to select your likely bar/bunkhouse, and then cycle back to it. You
don't want to miss the heavenly spot 500m up the road because you pulled over early.
If in doubt look for a village elder. If you are really remote, the locals will often run
away, but just wait and the relevant person will find you. You may not always be able
tobuyfood.Ifyoudobuyfoodinremotevillagesmakesureyougivethewomen-folk
the money, not the men. Bear in mind villagers will often offer you food, and as result
go without themselves.
RIDE ROUTINE
Be moving before sunrise if you're in the desert: 05.00 is about
right. If you can finish your riding for the day by 11.00-12.00, that's perfect, but be
realistic. Don't ride in the middle hours of the day unless you really have to. Just find
or make some shade and rest. You'll probably be exhausted by then anyway, but after
a short while you should be able to put in 6-8 hours' riding per day. Rest days are
vital, and give you the benefit of time in great places.
FOOD
Carry two days' rations if you can, because you just never know when you
may have to spend a night out. Try peanuts, raisins, dates, processed cheese, salt,
couscous, muesli with powdered milk and boiled sweets. Take some with you or pick
it up in Tana or the larger towns. This food stash will supplement your basic rice diet,
which soon becomes boring, and lacks the calories required for hard riding. Other-
wise, watch where the locals eat and don't be afraid of the road-side stands; they are
fantastic. Carry a lightweight stove that does not rely on gas.
