TOUGHEN YOUR BUTT

Even when your legs are tired, they can still keep spinning but a tender bum is not as forgiving. 

If you aren’t a regular rider, sit on a saddle as much as you can leading up the ride. Spin classes, commuting, riding with the kids, it all adds up. 

Wear the chamois shorts, use the creams. I think they are well worth it! 

GET COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR UNCOMFORTABLE

If narrow trails, mud, switch backs, obstacles like roots or rocks make you nervous, seek out some mountain biking workshops or lessons or go riding with a friend. 

There is some open road riding which cannot be avoided on the Rebel Ride North Island Route so best feel okay about this as trucks and cars will be passing you going fast. Get some practice and seek out some advice / best practice on this. 

RIDING WITH A LOADED BIKE….

You don’t need to ride all the time with fully kitted out bike in the lead up but do take your bike for a few spins with the gear on it just to make sure it doesn’t fall off.

Part of the adventure of bike packing is strapping everything to your bike! 

WHICH BIKE?

Almost any bike in good working order will do the trick. You don’t need suspension but don't use a road bike as you run the risk of damaging the bike on the offroad sections and the skinny tyres/wheels will struggle for traction. Other rigid bikes such as steel bikes or gravel bikes will be fine. If you’re spoilt for choice, a hardtail MTB would be a safe bet for this ride.

Whatever bike you choose, please ensure it has appropriate tyres for mountain bike trails / offroad riding - ask your local bike shop to fit you for these. 

THE BAGS

Bike bags are recommended but can be a expensive investment so consider the following hacks. Panniers are fine and many Rebel Rides use this. 

Ask around - do you know anyone that has bags you could borrow?

Strap a dry bag to your handlebar: Bikepacking Hacks: DIY & Budget Handlebar Bags - YouTube

If in doubt, use a backpack. 

SLEEPING OUT

To camp or not to camp, that is the question. What it adds in gear and weight it almost certainly adds in adventure too. Bivvies or light weight solo tents are perfect for bike packing and usually can fit in your front roll (the bag attached to your handle-bar). Squeeze in your sleeping bag and a camping mat and you are good to go. If you already have lightweight gear or know someone who will let you borrow – go for it!

Note: It’s not a requirement for this ride to carry overnight sleepout gear. As long as you’ve booked the accommodation, confirmed it and are prepared to make that distance you can just ride with your clothes, food and bike stuff. You will need to take some emergency supplies and kit in case of … well an emergency.

EXTRA INFORMATION AND INSPIRATION

​The internet is an overwhelming place these days but here a few pieces of information that I think are fun and helpful! 

Bikepacking for beginners - Ground Effect

Tour Aotearoa gear list -  Ground Effect

The Inaugural Rebel Ride Blog - Stealth Adventure Equipment

​The Rebel Ride by Cati Pearson - Ground Effect

Rebel Ride VLOG - Janet Stark Cycle Coach

North Shore Betty - YouTube: If you think you’re too old. You’re not.

​All Bodies on Bikes | SHIMANO - YouTube – If you think you’re too big. You’re not.