BalconyBabe: It is said that out of the 10,000 km there are 1,000 km of "destroyed" roads. (Civil war stuff, I guess). Also an unknown amount of dirt track, but I don't expect there will be very much. The pavement will vary greatly, from good quality to very rough. Eastern Turkey and Georgia are very mountainous (up to 4,000 metres), but I don't have any idea of the elevations of the roads. The high stuff will occur in Krygistan, where we will be over 3,000 metres for two weeks, and cross two passes at about 3,600 metres. Later in China we pass through Wu Tai Shan at 3,000 metres. (In winter of course).
Chris: Bike stuff: 6 tires, 9 inner tubes, 5 patch kits, 2 pumps, 2 mirrors, 3 chains, 1 complete free wheel, 1 34 tooth chain ring, cables, spokes, 1 set of brake pads, bottle of concentrated chain cleaner, 2 bottles chain lube, nuts/bolts/tape, tools to effect all repairs etc.
Clothing for 4 seasons: 3 sets of cycling stuff, jerseys, shorts, socks plus 2 UV protective long sleeved shirts; jacket with zip off sleeves; gortex rain gear; helmut and boot covers; off bike: 2 pairs of shorts, 3 t-shirts, trousers, flip flops and crocs in addition to cycling shoes. Winter fleese and gortex coat and winter trousers and long underwear; wool mitts, touque.
Pollution protective face mask; swimming goggles (for eye protection in desert sand storms);2 buckets of sun block; variety of medications ie malaria, dysentery, pain, IBuprofen, skin infection.
Have been vaccinated for the usual stuff plus rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
Have camera, 4 books, MP3 player and travel multiband radio. Scads of documentation and photos for border crossings. Mainly cash in form of US$100, near new condition, as travellers cheques and ATM machines are not too useful.
Tent (plus spare pegs and poles), 3 season sleeping bag and liner, both closed cell and Therm-a-rest mattress (they say thorns in desert will puncture Therm-a-rest, but I brought both for greater comfort). Therm-a-rest chair conversion. Two big packs of "wet-ones" for days in desert when there will not be any water for washing. Battery lamp for tent.
Clothes line, mess kit, hand sanitizer, toiletries, spare glasses, dry bags etc.
My wife has emergency contact info via satellite and cell phones.
We spent some time at the Azerbaijan display at Heritage Days today and noticed with great interest their info on the Silk Road and its historical route through Azerbaijan. Later we enjoyed some Azeri folk dancing and music. You have much to look forward to.
10 comments:
Do you have any info about elevation changes or road surfaces? I'm guessing that this info may not be published, but you never know. Cycle on!
Wow ~ I'm really excited for you! This trip sounds fantastic!~
I'll check google earth to see if I can chart your course on their maps - and get an idea of the distances.
Before you leave, I hope you'll write a list of the things you are taking for the trip and contact info for the support crew.
Oh - and you should post pictures of your lucky cycle tattoos!
Google earth sounds like a great idea Chris. I'll check it too. Cycle on!
BalconyBabe: It is said that out of the 10,000 km there are 1,000 km of "destroyed" roads. (Civil war stuff, I guess). Also an unknown amount of dirt track, but I don't expect there will be very much. The pavement will vary greatly, from good quality to very rough. Eastern Turkey and Georgia are very mountainous (up to 4,000 metres), but I don't have any idea of the elevations of the roads. The high stuff will occur in Krygistan, where we will be over 3,000 metres for two weeks, and cross two passes at about 3,600 metres. Later in China we pass through Wu Tai Shan at 3,000 metres. (In winter of course).
Chris: Bike stuff: 6 tires, 9 inner tubes, 5 patch kits, 2 pumps, 2 mirrors, 3 chains, 1 complete free wheel, 1 34 tooth chain ring, cables, spokes, 1 set of brake pads, bottle of concentrated chain cleaner, 2 bottles chain lube, nuts/bolts/tape, tools to effect all repairs etc.
Clothing for 4 seasons: 3 sets of cycling stuff, jerseys, shorts, socks plus 2 UV protective long sleeved shirts; jacket with zip off sleeves; gortex rain gear; helmut and boot covers; off bike: 2 pairs of shorts, 3 t-shirts, trousers, flip flops and crocs in addition to cycling shoes. Winter fleese and gortex coat and winter trousers and long underwear; wool mitts, touque.
Pollution protective face mask; swimming goggles (for eye protection in desert sand storms);2 buckets of sun block; variety of medications ie malaria, dysentery, pain, IBuprofen, skin infection.
Have been vaccinated for the usual stuff plus rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
Have camera, 4 books, MP3 player and travel multiband radio.
Scads of documentation and photos for border crossings. Mainly cash in form of US$100, near new condition, as travellers cheques and ATM machines are not too useful.
Tent (plus spare pegs and poles), 3 season sleeping bag and liner, both closed cell and Therm-a-rest mattress (they say thorns in desert will puncture Therm-a-rest, but I brought both for greater comfort). Therm-a-rest chair conversion. Two big packs of "wet-ones" for days in desert when there will not be any water for washing. Battery lamp for tent.
Clothes line, mess kit, hand sanitizer, toiletries, spare glasses, dry bags etc.
My wife has emergency contact info via satellite and cell phones.
Chris I have indicated distances on the itinerary but you have to look closely at it to find them.
Today is D-Day minus One, ie: tomorrow you leave for Istanbul, Mr. Potato. Fabulous!! Have the adventure of a lifetime (and remember the silk carpet!)
We spent some time at the Azerbaijan display at Heritage Days today and noticed with great interest their info on the Silk Road and its historical route through Azerbaijan. Later we enjoyed some Azeri folk dancing and music. You have much to look forward to.
Hills and heat you say! 40 degrees by 11:00 am. When is too much, too much? Remember this when you are riding in the cold of a November in China.
Good words.
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