EQUIPMENT

You'll know most things you need to bring along but here's a few handy hints to make the whole experience a wee bit more comfortable. We've split it into three groups of things to bring - stuff for the truck, stuff for you and stuff for on your bike.

To go in the truck

• Camping equipment - tents (with tent pegs), sleeping mats, sleeping bag and pillow
• Crockery to use at dinner and breakfast - plates, cups, fork etc (We'll have facilities for you to clean them)
• Torch
• Extra snacks for when you arrive at the campsite
• Change of clothes - both a warm set and your togs - we've put in our request for sunshine!
• Shoes - sneakers and comfortable shoes for around the campsite
• Towels for the shower
• Insect repellent
• Some money for the bar

You can leave your equipment at registration on Friday night, or on Saturday morning, and we'll truck it to the campsite. Please only bring one soft bag and ensure nothing breakable is inside. It may pay to pack your clothes into a big plastic bag inside your bag to ensure the clothes remain completely dry.

To go with you

While we've already put in the order for sunshine, it's best to come prepared for all seasons.

We definitely recommend you wear layers of clothing, and be prepared for sunshine, wind and rain.

Ideally you'll have

• A polyprop or quick dry shirt (worn next to the skin)
• Quick dry shirt and shorts - definitely recommend cycling shorts - and it does not have to be lycra, there's a fantastic range of 'baggie shorts' which do much the same job comfort wise. Cotton gets very cold once it's wet and takes a while to dry, so if you can, avoid it where possible
• You might want tights and a beanie (just in case)
• A light weight wet weather jacket
• Cycling gloves make the bumps that wee bit easier to absorb
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Some extra snacks (not forgetting we'll have morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on the ride)
• Some basic first aid bits (we've got first aiders all over the course but wouldn't hurt to carry some in case of wee blisters and scrapes)
• Water bottle or camelbacks (we'll have refill spots for you at the campsites)
• Spare pair of socks – your feet can get very cold even in hot weather

For your bike

• Bike lights & headlights are an essential part of your kit and will help both in the tunnels, but also on the road.
• Make sure you get your bike serviced prior to the ride, especially if you haven't ridden it in a while - AvantiPlus Lower Hutt (44 Bloomfield Tce, Lower Hutt, Phone: 04 560 4719 Email: avantipluslh@xtra.co.nz) would love to see you!
• Basic bike tools - puncture repair kit, tyre levers, spare tubes, pump (we've got AvantiPlus Lower Hutt mechanics on the ride, as well as loads of experienced mountain bikers to help out in case of breakdowns)
• Your helmet is an essential part of your kit - it is compulsory to wear at all times on your bike.

Don't stress if you don't have all the fancy bike/riding equipment - these are really helpful hints! Contact Zoe (zoe.firth@huttcity.govt.nz) if you have any specific queries.