The list:

Check out this video, it gives you an idea of what the tour will be like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NpubbAzKSY

I can't wait to see the whole film on DVD sometime!

Anyway, i though i would give you a peek at the list of things that i have to bring with me for the trip. I don't like looking at this list, as it reminds me of how few of the things on it that i actually own...

CAMPING GEAR

• 2 person tent – something light, that packs up small

• Sleeping bag rated for 3 seasons (Zero degrees Celsius)

• Sleeping bag liner

• Camping mattress – thorns are plentiful so you may want to bring a cell foam mattress

• Dish kit, mug and cutlery

• Headlamp (with extra batteries)

• Small tarp or groundsheet

• 5m of rope and clothes pegs

• Duct tape

• Repair kits for tent, poles and mattress

CLOTHING

• 3 T-shirts

• 2 long sleeve shirts

• 1 set of thermal under layers

• 1 pair of long pants

• 2 pair of shorts

• 1 Fleece jacket

• 1 Wide brimmed hat

• 1 pair of sandals

• 1 pair of lightweight hiking shoes

• 1 Bathing suit

• 1 towel

• 1 winter hat

• 1 pair of winter gloves

• 1 rain jacket

• 1 pair of rain pants

• 1 set of casual dining wear

CYCLE CLOTHING

• 3-5 pairs of padded cycling shorts (a high quality chamois will be your greatest asset)

• 1 pair of cycling shoes (SPD’s or a rigid walking shoe)

• 4 cycling jerseys or shirts, 1 long sleeved and 3 short sleeved

• 3 pairs of cycling socks

• 2 pairs of cycling gloves, 1 full-finger, 1short

• 1 rain jacket, windbreaker or vest

• 1 cycling helmet with a visor (SNELL, ANSI approved bicycle helmet)

• Sunglasses

• 1 pair of cycling pants (optional)

• Arm and leg warmers (optional)

• Reflective clothing (very important!)

FIRST AID AND TOILETRIES

Antihistamine (e.g. diphenhydramine or other allergy preparation)

• Acetaminophen/paracetamol for minor aches and pains

• Anti-inflammatory (e.g. ibuprofen )

• Anti-spasmodic (e.g. buscopan)

• Pepto-Bismol tablets or similar

• Throat lozenges

• Anti-diarrheal (e.g. Immodium)

• Laxative if prone to constipation

• Rehydration/electrolyte powder

• Antacid (e.g. Tums or Maalox tabs)

• Anti-nauseant (e.g. dimenhydrinate(Gravol), metoclopramide (Maxeran))

• Large tube(s) chamois cream/anti-chafing cream (available at biking/running stores)

• Skin breakdown cream (e.g. Bepanthen)

• Elastic/tensor wrap

• Assorted sizes of band-aids

• Sterile gauze; nu skin/moleskin dressings; blister treatment

• Spray-type wound cleanser

• Lip balm (min SPF 30)

• Zinc cream if prone to sun/cold blisters

• Sunscreen (min SPF 30)

• After sun/sunburn treatment cream

• Insect repellent

• First-aid type tape

• Two instant cold packs

• Hand sanitizer and baby wipes

SPARE PARTS

• 2-3 chains- compatible to your drive train.

• 1 cassette

• 5 patch kits

• Bike lube (dry lube will be provided)

• 5 spare tubes

• Spare bottom bracket

• chain rings- it is only necessary to bring the ones used the most, be sure to match the bolt

pattern

• spokes- you will need 3 lengths; front wheel, rear wheel drive side and rear wheel non-drive

side

• brake and shift cables- make sure to get the proper cables as they differ between mountain

and road bikes

• cable housing- Brake and gear cables pass through different casings make sure you bring

both and the proper fittings

• brake pads

• bar tape/handlebar grips

• seat post with clamp and collar

• saddle

• tires

• collection of nuts and bolts

Preparations

So. I have decided to partake in a trans-continental bike ride that lasts 2 months, crosses 7 african countries and nearly 4,000 miles - a little daunting to say the least! Secondly, this is my first attempt at writing a blog, so i will try to make it as easy to read as possible.

I am taking part in the 'Tour D'Afrique' bike expedition that runs annually from Cairo to Cape Town. The tour is broken up into sections and a rider can choose to do one section or the entire tour. I have chosen to do 5 sections, starting in Nairobi and riding all the way to the finish in Cape Town. I would have loved to do the whole thing but i simply cannot afford to do the entire thing, therefore i decided that if i could only do half then i would do the second half!

If you want to find out some more information about the history of the tour or anything else then check out www.tourdafrique.com

I will be riding for the charity 'WaterAid' which aims to provide clean drinking water and hygiene education in many countries across the world. This charity appealed to me most because it will be helping many of the countries that i will be cycling through and i think the tour is going to make me appreciate just how precious water is to us. If you would like to sponsor me then have a look here: www.justgiving.com/jacobwarner

Hopefully i will get into the swing of this blog thing and post some regular updates for you to read.