There's a few of us off to the Alps for few days riding and to ride the PPdS in June. I've only ridden overseas once, in Moab, on hired bikes and I'm wondering what I should take with me and pack in the CamelBak?
So far I've got
A Spesh Pitch with a bashring and a shorter stem (Not tried yet but will do)
4 pairs spare pads
Spare mech hanger
Knee/shin armour
Plenty general riding gear
Flatties and SPDs (I'm fine on both)
A spare pair of chunky wheels with 2.35 Kenda Blue Grooves on them
And right now in my CRC basket are
2 Downhill tubes
Elbow armour
Some wider bars.
(We're driving down, and I'm in charge of the toolkit. I've got pretty much every spare and tool I can think of in my tool box. Put it this way, I could rebuild a shock if I needed to..... 🙂 )
Owt else?
Or is this overkill?
I really do like to be prepared.
kevlar gussetted undercrackers..........just in case like 😉
Fullface helmet
Goggles
Sun cream ;P
4 Pair of spare pads that's rather excessive.
Another downhill tube? I would rather swap a tube than repair a puncture when out on the trail.
Fullface helmet
Now, I've been thinking about this, but I'm scared of looking like 'all the gear and no idea' too easily.
CRC have one in my size on sale though.....
Do most people wear one?
Sun cream ;P
Good call.
🙂
Drac - Yeah but they'll get used at some point.
(Shock - Horror! They're Superstar sintereds, I rate them very highly....)
🙂
Are you going to the Alps to be a rad and gnarly DH god, or are you just going to be riding quite intensively? I never quite understand why riding on holiday requires a whole different set of equipment... 🙂
Are you going to the Alps to be a rad and gnarly DH god, or are you just going to be riding quite intensively? I never quite understand why riding on holiday requires a whole different set of equipment...
I'm going to chuck myself down some big hills, yeah. And I'm hard on equipment in the UK.....
Have you been to the Alps then?
🙂
Most of the gear listed is stuff I already have and use here.
You're taking spare wheels??
Money, lots of it.
Bike specific insurance for riding in the Alps. Getting a helicopter lift off the side of the mountain is not cheap.....
Just take a spare bike. I would if I was driving.
You're taking spare wheels??
Well maybe.
See, we have the space, and I have some spare wheels which will fit any of our bikes. So why not? Saves a days riding and a lot of € if we bust one.
I should make the point that 2 of the other riders are DrP, who can ride a bit....
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And WorldClassAccident, who, like me, busts stuff rather well.
🙂
spare gloves. i dropped one of mine off the chairlift on my first day. DOH!
Your welcolm to take my Coiler if you want a spare bike.
Gear cables & spare cheapo rear mech.
Spare wheels if possible.
I'm going to Verbier for 6 weeks in the summer, and have been wondering what spares to take as well!
people seem to take spare mechs.
i would say take some trail snacks if your fussy, foreign stuff can be a) funny b) difficult to get hold of.
the only thing you *might* want is dual ply tyres
maybe some spare brake hose and olives (etc in case you bust a hose) - dunno how wells tocked the shops are in that area but they can be pants in some locals
Bike specific insurance for riding in the Alps
Good call. Mrs PP has just renewed our yearly insurance and had the presence of mind to check that MTBing is covered. So I am.
🙂
spare chain (and cassette if your chain is old) and rear mech isn't a bad idea
[i]Have you been to the Alps then?[/i]
Yes indeed, I had a fortnight in Les Gets a few years ago. I took my regular bike and rode it as I normally do, just on bigger hills and in the sunshine. I'm sure your extensive list of spares and new equipment will all come in handy, it just always strikes me as a bit wierd that people ride [i]differently[/i] just because they're in some proper mountains. I tend to ride long trailish days with a fairly modest gnarl-quotient in the UK. I do the same abroad, it's just rather better. 🙂
people seem to take spare mechs.
I have a spare SRAM for myself. I'm hoping Shimano will be easy to get, or someone else will bring one.
i would say take some trail snacks if your fussy, foreign stuff can be a) funny b) difficult to get hold of.
Good call. I can get Mule bars very cheap/free.
the only thing you *might* want is dual ply tyres
I'm hoping the DH tubes will cover this. Is it worth it as I might never use them again?
Rich, I reckon the Coiler will put Andy's van over the 3.5 tonne weight limit....
😉
I am taking some spare tubes, spare tyre (around my waist), a pair of crutches and an ankle cast.
The bottle opener is already fitted to the bike
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I'm getting 2.5 dual ply high rollers for doing the Mega, on advice from a mate who has done it a few times. I get punctures easily it seems so it might help with that too.
WCA, for shame that helmet is wrong. Buy a new one!
Dr_P- looks like the earth subsided from under his front wheel 😆
All the things you listed plus...........
A very small first aid kit like a Lifesystems one or something - they're about the same size as a compact camera and well worth it.
emergency whistle
Park tyre boots
Seriously though-
Sunblock (for back of neck)
A different set of tyres (incase it chucks it down or you find your other fav set work better). Tyres are expensive in Les Get etc.
Hangover powder
head ache tablets
Plaster and antiseptic cream (I didnt like the local stuff)
hora - they don't make helmets that look right on my head.
All the things you listed plus...........A very small first aid kit like a Lifesystems one or something - they're about the same size as a compact camera and well worth it.
emergency whistle
Park tyre boots
I've got a first aid kit I regualry carry, and I use toothpaste tube for ripped tyres. It works well.
Whistle - I'll get one. Good Idea.
you forgot spare shorts for when you poo yourself, eh Hora 😉
Join the club. I look like a cross between the school caretaker and a History teacher..
Whistle - Your riding with others not on your own!
**** ME!
I've just been looking at the prices of dual ply tyres. Sod that.
maybe some spare brake hose and olives
I though he was avoiding all that fancy foreign food? 🙂
I would only get a full facer if you're not planning on doing any along or uphill. A Deviant or a Remedy might be tolerable but most of them are very very hot. Try one on, they vary a lot in shape and one manufacturer's design might be torture compared to anothers. I have a Bell Bellistic which are light and silly cheap.
Dual ply tyres are a genius invention and worth the weight penalty IMO. I dented the bejesus out of my rear rim in the Mega last year but didn't pinch flat once. You'll be able to flog them easily when you get back, or keep them for playing.
Some people find two way radios useful but phone coverage out there is surprisingly good.
I've just been looking at the prices of dual ply tyres. Sod that.
I've actually got some spare High Rollers in the shed, you'd be welcome to borrow them if you're in my neck of the woods soon?
I've actually got some spare High Rollers in the shed, you'd be welcome to borrow them if you're in my neck of the woods soon?
You know I might take you up on that. I'll be in Brizzle for Bikefest....
You going?
🙂
Suitable clothing: [url] http://mountainbikerides.spreadshirt.net/en/GB/Shop/Article/Index/article/Morzine-T-6522376 [/url]
😉
Definately get a full face! I wen first year and crashed on my face .... not gone back to Morzine/Les Gets without one ....gives you some extra confidence I think!
Yer passport.
CRC have one in my size on sale though.....
Christ, I bet they can't wait to get rid of it, to make space in the warehouse for loads more stock.. 😉
WCA, for shame that helmet is wrong. Buy a new one!
Everything about him is wrong. You should see the state of his tatty WCA t-shirt. It's a disgrace.
Tell you what, he can't half ride, you know, considering. 😯
Def get a full face and goggles, not too expensive and it could save your face/life.
Full finger gloves a must.
Trackpump for changing tyres.
haven't read all the above so sorry if i am repeating stuff but a few less obvious things:
- more than one pair of shorts and gloves. The alps riding especially DH is very hard on you and you will find gloves and shorts will rub in certain places after a few days. Wearing a different set of gloves/shorts will relieve the pressure on those areas
- some tape for your fingers! I found that the amount of braking I did not only wore out the pads but really hurts those soft little southern office worker sat behind a desk all day hands of mine so I taped up my fingers again to relieve pressure i.e. wind the tape a few times around the top knuckle on first three fingers before inserting fingers into gloves
- gaffa tape, for the use of. multitude of purposes eg fixing stuff, taping rattling/broken bits on, taping your hands, knuckles etc (see above), repairing split tyres
- cheap two way radios are useful in emergencies or just fun on the longer chair lieft sections
Oh yeah, the BIGGEST advice for anyone new to the alps is take it easy on the first day.
i guess you are there for a week and that is plenty for anyone (come Friday you will be aching all over and glad to be going home) so dont go mad on the first day despite the egging on from your mates.
take it all in your stride, get used to the steepness, the acceleration as soon as you let go of the brakes and the need to 'feather' the brakes rather than jamming on all the way down.
that way, you wont break yourself at the start of the week and will enjoy the riding more.
Christ, I bet they can't wait to get rid of it, to make space in the warehouse for loads more stock..
Yeah, it's a whopper alright.
You cheeky little git!
😉
BigDummy - Member
Are you going to the Alps to be a rad and gnarly DH god, or are you just going to be riding quite intensively?
'course he is, he rides a legendary Specialized Pitch.
Good advice there MTB.
We're driving down overnight the previous Tuesday, going back on Monday
'course he is, he rides a legendary Specialized Pitch.
Which I bought partly with this trip in mind....
😀
I'm so stoked to be rad to the power of sick, dude....!
TBH, big dummy has it, it's just the Alps, they're a bit steeper, and a bit longer. My spares went to a specific mech hanger JIC. I've ridden all the PDS with just what I'd ride in the UK. Most of the locals rely on all the protective resistance that thin roadie Lycra offers...
By all means take all that stuff, you won't need any of it, but what the heck?
By all means take all that stuff, you won't need any of it, but what the heck?
You really have no idea how easily I break bikes and how hard I crash, do you?
😉
proper tea bags. can't get them in that france can ya.
Pete, I'm doing the Bike Fest, same category as you I think! (Mixed pairs)
Give me a nudge a day or two beforehand and I'll bring them along.
If crashing alot, some Melonlin dressings and some surgical/zinc oxide tape to stick them down with. Stops the gravel rash sticking to the bed sheets. And some Savlon/antiseptic, stops dressing sticking to wound (the shiny side of dressing is meant to stop sticking: this is a lie!).
I would avoid the adhesive ones, not as big (amazing how big gravel rash can be) , and more pain taking them off than the actual cut.
Pete, I'm doing the Bike Fest, same category as you I think! (Mixed pairs)Give me a nudge a day or two beforehand and I'll bring them along.
Ohh! Rivalry!! Cheesy Riders vs Tunnel Hill Trolls....
😉
Cheers mate, will do, much appreciated!
😀
Take some Arnica cream with you - it does wonders for the inevitable heavy bruising..
track pump!
looking forward to seeing you guys over there!
I remember our first trip to the Alps all them years ago...... XC bikes, XC gear - XC riders in fact! .....the memories come flooding back with the sweet smell of boiled Hope brakes....
Cost me a bloody fortune since! Proper big bikes, full armour, full face, flat pedals.... At least a week somewhere with chair lifts every year... etc etc
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
😉
Big lid & goggles are a good idea. Unless you're desperate to do some, you can get away with very little serious climbing. Strategic lift usage can get you a gentle climb or a traverse away from most trails, at which point the extra bulk/heat of a full face is not a problem, and the DH courses (of which there are a lot)can get bloody quick.
Definitely dual ply tyres, wouldn't bother with the DH tubes then. Low pressures and stiff sidewalls rock.
A good selection of spare brake parts - seals and hose parts especially. Brake bleed kits to match the brakes on offer.
Between the group of you a spare set of wheels is no bad thing.
Spare hangers and a spare mech between the group (or one each of SRAM/SHimano if appropriate)
An IGN map! Lots of trails on them that don't make it onto the bike specific maps.
Gear inners and outers
Other piece of advice is when it comes to the end of the day and you think "Shall I do one last run?" answer is normally NO NO NO NO you are bound to crash wait for another day!
We're actually racing as the Bristol Trails Group Barrow Gurners, a name which is probably inexplicable to non-Bristolians. Drop me an email and I'll send you my mobile number. 🙂
Don't forget your EHIC (a little card that's the equivalent of the old E111 leaflet - get one from a post office) and take it with you if you need to get fixed up. I had one but didn't show it to the doc, and it meant I couldn't claim back a fair bit of the exorbitant fee they charged me for 5 poxy stitches.
Oh and all the "you don't need this" merchants are missing the point in a big way. In the interests of research I took my burly 5" hardtail out last year as well as a 40lb 7" travel monstrosity. The big bike was a complete hoot, the small one was like going over the Niagara Falls in a barrel...
Depends what "the point" is. They are very big hills, so the climbing is fantastic. 😉
I agree with Mr Agreeable! I once lent my SC Bullit to a mate and rode his hardtail down one run and it was so so painful it wasn't even vaguely fun. You need a well built upper body to ride a hardtail well in the PDS!
Seems the general concensus here is "take a spare bike, minus frame and forks". Personally I've only ever taken spare tyres, pads, chain, tubes, a handful of spokes, zipties and flats to change to if I preferred. I'd take a mech hanger too, just in case if I thought about it beforehand. Everything else is buyable when there and depending on where you go its not usually that extortionate.
Big Dummy, I think you live in backwards land, where people wear hats on their feet and hamburgers eat people. That said, if you have a bike that isn't a complete pig to pedal it makes it easier to get to the quieter trails rather than riding the same three ditched out tracks all week.
Mr A - YGM (to the BTG address)
Trip to the Alps - What Should I pack?
The last thing you would ever need to pack would be a familysize packet of Condoms. Drier than the desert out there for skirt
a familysize packet of Condoms
Familysize?
The less I know about your family the happier I think I'll be.
Take a spare bike. .. is that a joke!!!! I just take mine and if I break it that severely you can always hire a whopper for the rest of the week! Definately full face and pads though.
Lots of memory cards.
A spare battery.
A plug adaptor to charge batteries up.
Sealable sandwich bags to keep the above dust/moisture free.
😉
If you don't want a rattling bike driving you nuts, you might want spare bushes for your pivots - people say Specialized don't last two minutes in the Alps.
Doing the PPDS for the first time this year. Seems to be divided opinion on full face helmets for this - most peeps on the photos I've seen seem to be wearing normal lids. Is this overkill?
Also, do you carry maps for the PPDS or is the trail marking sufficient? I've skied there a lot, but it looks different without the snow!!!
"people say Specialized don't last two minutes in the Alps"
Mine did, and a further 6 months after visiting morzine/les gets
It hasn't got any bushings mind, just cartridge bearings
I found maxxis single ply high rollers (in a 2.5") were thick enough to run with normal XC tubes and not puncture all week
If you don't want a rattling bike driving you nuts, you might want spare bushes for your pivots - people say Specialized don't last two minutes in the Alps.
Hmm my mate has taken his SX Trail to do the Mega plus a week's biking for a few years and has never changed the bushes. When I was in Chamonix all the hire bikes in Zero G were Specialized.
well, we go for 2 weeks were having 2 bikes each! cant wait! one for up and down ( a chameleon and a fuel ex) and one for going just dow ( a sx trail and a marin quad thingy). Plus as the van is so big, we'll take whatever is going to be useful... I think i may even take my scott scale as well, just to try one of the big road climbs on. I'd pack my physio if i could as well, seeing as it his apartment, and i'll most likely need him at some point.
King sized Rizla and a bottle opener
I'm only taking a pair of jeans and a t shirt. Maybe some malt loaf. Oh, about thirty quid should be alright for the week shouldn't it.......
DrP
oh so you wont need to take your sisters jeans off then?
...huh??!! Am I being bullied here? MODS!
Did you get my e mail? Phone number won't work!
DrP
Oh and just to re-assure listeners; I fully intend to be the one at the back on this trip "rather mince than wince" I say.
*shuffles off to take furniture out of van so PPs tool box will fit in van....."
Take a full face if nothing else. All this rubbish about it being just like the UK but bigger is ridiculous. If you like to ride fast then a full face makes it much safer.
Clearly those people above must ride with their seat tubes up all the time and on the brakes if they think one isn't needed... you don't see pro's riding the swiss national without one, and they'll be better riders than you.
Dr P; green eggs and ham for tea. YHM
cheap two way radios are useful in emergencies or just fun on the longer chair lieft sections
Radios are a great way to keep in touch with a large group, especially if you have some slower rides who you just want to check on.
We took some friends with us a few years ago to the PdS who were novice bikers, they came out for the easy trails and social stuff. One of them is an electronics geek so he brought a voice-activated headset for his radio. He was well behind us on the descents, but you could still hear his screams/curses/whoops of joy from the radio the whole way down. Flippin' hilarious!
