MTB Raid: The Complete Guide to Flawless Training

Here are some tips for preparing a raid for several hundred kilometers under the following conditions:

• Autonomy for a day
• Overnight nights
• No help
• A modest lunch at noon and a good dinner in the evening in a restaurant or at the layman's.

This formula was successfully tested on the route to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostela and during the Great Passage of the Jura.

Transport equipment

• Slim-fit backpack with a volume of about 30 liters with an integrated water bag (Impetro Gear type) and waterproof protection.

• Waterproof hanger bag: For small, lightweight equipment that needs to be accessed frequently or in an emergency, such as a first aid kit.

Take a model with sturdy mounts!

• Saddle bag for bicycle repair equipment.

Mountain biking equipment

• 1 gearshift lever
• 1 rear derailleur
• 1 derailleur cable
• 1 pair of brake pads / pads
• 1 brush
• 1 Cloth (for wiping and lubricating chain and fork / shock absorber plungers)
• 1 Lubrication in the chain burette throughout the raid
• 3 Cameras of famous brands (avoid low frequencies) depending on the standard of the rims
• 2 Hard plastic tire changer
• 1 set of patches without glue (this avoids the use of glue, which always dries when you need it ...)

• 1 Pump, small and lightweight, but efficient (with a metal valve ring, not plastic, and which pumps in both directions)
• 1 Proven All-In-One Tool (We Love Cranks)

Medicine chest

• 1 Blanket for survival. A blanket of this type is made of a thin film of metallized polyethylene terephthalate, which reflects 90% of the received infrared radiation. A survival blanket can protect from cold or heat, as well as rain. In addition, its shiny appearance makes the wounded more visible.

• Sterile compresses 7.5 × 7.5 cm
• Sterile dressings 10 × 15 cm.
• Kogeban tape (like adhesive plaster)
• Dermal pods of betadine or biseptin (disinfectant)
• Paracetamol is not effervescent (otherwise it is impractical to take)
• Decontractyl for muscle pain or stiffness
• Anti-inflammatory (prescription): Ibuprofen + cream for sprains or tendinitis like Ketum
• Analgesic (prescription) to treat bump (fracture)
• Fucidin Type Antibiotic Wound Cream (Prescription)
• Antalya type disinfecting eye drops
• 1 tube Biafine: in case of sunburn and for the buttocks after a long day in the saddle
• Tiorfan for diarrhea
• Micropur for water purification in case of quality doubts
• Sunscreen
• Possibly a mosquito repellent

Cyclist equipment

Attention : Take nothing cottontakes too long to dry. Give preference to "technical" textiles, breathable, lightweight, comfortable to wear, dries in record time.

• 1 Insulated, breathable jacket protects against wind and rain (usually when it rains and / or cold winds), preferably in Gore-Tex fabric.

• 2 pairs of gloves: one “normal”, one thermal.
• 2 cycling jerseys
• 2 lightweight, breathable technical tees, one more padded than the other (in case of a cold night)
• 1 Microfiber textile sweater (warm, lightweight and compact) that dries quickly
• 2 shorts
• 1 Light technical pants (tourist type)
• 3 pairs of technical cycling socks
• 2 boxers (underwear)
• 1 military poncho for heavy rain (converts into a picnic oilcloth or homemade tent just in case)
• 1 pair of cycling shoes
• 1 pair of lightweight after-cycling shoes
• 1 helmet
• 1 pair of cycling goggles, lightweight, anti-fog and not too dark (category 3 lenses)

Toilet kit

• 1 microfiber towel
• 1 shower gel / shampoo
• 1 travel toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 disposable razor
• Q-tips

different

• 1 Meat sleeping bag in silk or microfiber for comfort, lightness, durability and low volume.
• 1 string (for a tent with a poncho and hanging clothes)
• 1 swiss army knife

• 1 Anti-theft
• 1 handle
• 1 GPS with routes / tracks and correct maps in memory

• 1 charger for on-board electronics (GPS, telephone)
• 1 mobile phone + connector for charging from a charger or a lumtrack marching solar panel
• Use plastic bags (for clothing stores and freezers) to make watertight compartments so that laundry that is not yet dry will not wet all the other items in the bag.

Documents

For protection in plastic sleeves

• Emergency Paper Guide to Scheme and Housing
• Identity card or passport
• credit card
• A document that summarizes: blood type, insurance company name, mutual insurance company and repatriation assistance with contract or police number and phone numbers, people to contact in case of an emergency.
• European Social Security Card (or Form E111), if you are traveling outside the European region, contact your health insurance fund to inquire about the procedure (at least one month before departure).
• Photocopy of driving license
• Some checks
• Contingency cash and some providers still won't accept the card
• Health skip in case of a pandemic

Before leaving

Complete overhaul of the ATV

Change the elements that are "limiting" to the Raid (cables, brake pads, chain, tires) to reduce ride problems, lubricate and lubricate any moving parts that need to be, check spoke tension and potential wheel fender size.

Take a few walks “in the setting” with all the equipment to get used to it, make the necessary adjustments, and make sure that the changed items take effect.

If you are riding tubeless tires, it is wise to use a puncture prevention product to avoid micro-leaks and re-inflate every morning ...