12 June 2008 - Preperation

What is this all about?

Fiona, Mark and I are doing the Ride to Rhodes. It is the first 6 days (600km) of the Freedom Challenge which is is 2300km race from Petermaritsburg to Cape Town. Our 6 days covers some of the most beautiful sceenery in the Natal midlands and Transkei.

Its now 4 days before the start and there is frantic packing, list checking and buying of last minute supplies. What will we need, how cold will it really be, can I fit everything into the allotted space. Its difficult to know what clothing to take for the cold: 2 pairs of gloves (Sealskinz), Sealskinz socks, as well as another 5 pairs, Cape Storm base layers (tops and pants), outer layer jacket, 3 pairs of cycling shorts, leggings, raincoat (top and pants), windjammer sleeveless, Cape Storm windproof top, beanie, Buff, 2 pairs of cycling shoes... and thats just clothing for the ride.


The bike has been ckecked and re-checked, a map board made, lights fitted. A toolbox with bike spares hhas been packed, although a lot of the spares havent arrived yet. We ordered them from Chain Reaction in the UK and ther was a mixup with the order. We hope they arrive tomorrow. I have a sprare chain, rear casette, SRAM X0 rear reralier, hanger, cables, brake pads, spokes, chain links, plus all the tooks for my bike.

My intention is to publish a Blog per day during the event, as an online record of this event. I hope it will convey some of the views, excitement and experiences we undergo.