RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR STONE KING

ESSENTIAL

GLOVES

Bring two pairs because it might rain. Perhaps 1 thinner and 1 thicker pair.

ESSENTIAL

SPARE BIKE PARTS & COMPONENTS

On our package tours we carry a VERY limited range of generic spare parts. Given the variety of different bikes and components out there, it‘s impossible for us to prepare for every eventuality. Therefore, it’s important that you bring spare parts that are likely to break or wear out. For example :

• • brake pads (at least one fresh set)
  • rear derailleur
  • derailleur hanger
  • other sacrificial parts which may be specific to your bike
  • chain
  • spokes (specific to your wheels!)
  • inner tubes
  • 1-2 tyres (folding)

ESSENTIAL

ON TRAIL REPAIR ESSENTIALS

Carrying your own set of trail essentials maximises your chances of successful self-support, i.e. at times when nobody else is around and you have an urgent bike adjustment or repair to carry out.

In addition to the trail-packable items of the list above:

• • 1 x inner tube;
  • powerlinks and/or spare chain links;
  • hanger;

we would recommend that you also plan for carrying the additional items below whilst riding:

• • multi tool (including/and a chain breaker);
  • Co2 cartridge and dispenser;
  • minipump (consider something like OneUp’s EDC Pump which can either stow a Co2 cartridge or combine with the EDC Tool into one easily portable package);
  • leatherman or other general multi-use tool;
  • tyre plugs and jabber;
  • AXS battery if applicable.

ESSENTIAL

BASIC PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT

Please ensure that you carry a compact first-aid kit with you, containing at least the following items:

• Space blanket;
• Two 4″ crepe bandages with several safety pins or bandage hooks;
• Simple painkillers – Paracetamol and Ibuprofen;
• Blister pads – you will need them!
• Mepore dressings (probably better than band-aids/sticking plasters);
• Good support tape (not micropore, something a little tougher – i.e. climbers’ finger tape)
• Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Oral rehydration sachets;
• Any prescription medication you need for the duration of the event, especially those needing inhalers!

ESSENTIAL

MTB CLOTHES

Bring a full set of on-bike clothes for at least 4 days of riding (there are laundry facilities at 1-2 of the hotels for a charge, but it is often a challenge to get clothes dry in the short time available). It is hard for us to predict temperature precisely, so it is advisable to mix it up and bring a selection of long and short jerseys and pants. Do not forget your waterproofs (WP jacket is essential, WP pants are good to have).

ESSENTIAL

MTB SHOES

A good pair of shoes is essential. Be they clipless or flat pedal shoes, you must be able to walk considerable distances through mountainous terrain in them. Consider bringing a spare set of cleats.

ESSENTIAL

DAY PACK AND HYDRATION

To assist you in transporting your tools, spares, trail snacks, etc on-trail you must use either a backpack or a generously proportioned hip-pack. The choice is yours, and given that there are now several ways to bike-mount your spares and tools, choosing a pack arguably takes more consideration than before. When weighing your options, please bear in mind that there will be occasional long stints between water points, and you should therefore be able to onboard at least 1.5 litres of drinkable fluid.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

GPS DEVICE

(BIKE MOUNTED OR WATCH)

A big phone screen is great for gaining an overview of our route navigation in Komoot, but a GPS device with navigation functionality will connect with Komoot and enable you to follow the itinerary in a battery-efficient manner (e.g. only checking your phone occasionally for map detail).

We recommend the Suunto Vertical which has loads of great features and connects seamlessly with the Komoot navigation app which is used for the Stone King race and tours.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

SMALL POWER BANK

We need to be able to contact you at all times, and you need to be able to navigate autonomously at all times whilst you’re out on the hill. Smartphones can go from 100%-to-empty in well under a day by (e.g.) running GPS-based tools at frequent/permanent screen-on. A small battery pack is a relatively cheap, light and space-economical way of keeping them going.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

SUNSCREEN

Some people need sunscreen more than others. The sun can be pretty intense on those long and elevated ascents through the alpine.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

WHISTLE

If you are injured and lost (or invisible from the trail) and unable to inform anyone of your whereabouts, this could save your life.

WORTH CONSIDERING

Chamois Cream

Several hours multiplied by several days of standing up and sitting back down on an MTB saddle. Enough said.

WORTH CONSIDERING

Towel

All accommodations along the Stone King route provide towels. However, something like a packable microfiber camping towel can often come in handy if you have space.

WORTH CONSIDERING

Tick repellent

Whilst they are not rampant in this part of the Alps, we definitely have some ticks in the forests of Europe. Some people are more affected than others, and tick repellent is never a bad idea.