While this list isn’t exhaustive, it will provide a guide and make life more pleasant
1. Bicycle, Helmet, Lights and Cycling Shoes
Your own bicycle is a must, MTB, or Gravel, as there are no bicycles on hire in the area. No helmet, no ride. Lights – Front White and Flashing Red at rear are compulsory. Also remember the socks and cycling shoes. A multitool and spare tubes will also make your ride more pleasant should a mechanical challenge curse your day. Mechanical assistance will be available at registration, but you will have to fix things yourself should you need to en route. Sweeps will be around to assist and get you home in one piece.
2. Water Bottles
We will have well stocked water tables every 25-45 Km. Bring 2 bottles or a hydration pack if you prefer. If you have your own foldable cup for the water tables, it will also help us a lot and reduce the waste that the paper cups produce.
3. GPS and Phone
This is essential as all routes are on GPS with very little marking- this is to leave no footprint and to minimise environmental impact!
Please load the files prior to the event, there will be no one to do this for you at the registration. Cell phone network is good for most of the route, and this will assist should you have a problem, but will also allow you to take those pics to show friends and family when you do the PowerPoint Presentation for them upon your return.
4. Heart Rate Monitor
While not compulsory, this may assist in charting just how fast your heart will beat as you take in the beauty of the area.
5. Warm Clothes and Sunscreen
The Underberg Gran Fondo is a Winter Race, in one of the coldest regions of SA. Day temperatures are fine, but the nights and early mornings are bracing, with temperatures below zero the norm. Remember sunscreen as you are sure to get sunburnt even in Winter. While rain is not the norm, we may have a spell, and this will cause the windchill to make it a very bracing ride – check the weather prior to coming (Yr or Wind Guru should provide a good idea – remember checking more than 3 days prior to the event will not provide an accurate idea)
Come prepared and ready for all conditions.
6. Medication
If you are on and medication or chronic medication, please remember this. Underberg has brilliant doctors and pharmacists in case of any emergencies.
