What to pack on your cycling adventure with BICYCLE TRAIL TANZANIA

Packing for a cycling trip can be quite the task, especially if packing for a cycling holiday where you may need to remember to carry quite a lot of kit with you. Whether you are planning a day out on your bike or traveling some distance for a multi-day cycling tour, it’s important that you have everything you will need. We at bicycle trail, we’ve put together this handy checklist of what to pack on a cycling trip so you can make sure you have all the essentials and more though we will provide some equipment and all camping gear, it’s highly recommended to have some that you’ll keep with you.

CYCLING SHOES Shoes may seem like an obvious item to wear when cycling, but specialized footwear is a must when riding a long route. You may be able to change and replace some of the kit on this cycling trip checklist, but your shoes will need to be custom to you in terms of the fit, size, the cleat on the sole and its position to attach to your bike’s pedals.

HELMET Safety should remain a priority, whether cycling abroad or at home and according to Tanzania cycling regulations, no cyclist can ride without wearing a helmet. On all of our cycling packages we provide bike with helmet but if you will be comfortable to use yours you’re most welcome, so when packing your kit, remember to check your helmet for any signs of damage and if possible.

SPECIALIZED CLOTHING As well as your essentials of shorts, socks and bicycle gloves when biking you will also need to consider the weather conditions when packing clothing. At a minimum, you may want to pack both a short and long-sleeved jersey and then extra base layers if it is likely to be cold, arm and leg warmers are also a great way to keep warm when riding.

A WATERPROOF JACKET Like with any outdoor activity, you cannot always guarantee sunshine on your cycling trip or duration of your race. Cyclists should pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket in order to keep dry and warm as well as protection against the wind and rain. Over-shoes may also be a good idea if you’re in for particularly wet weather conditions.

A PAIR OF PADDED SHORTS As well as your regular cycling shorts, you may consider packing some padded shorts. This is ideal for cyclists who are taking part in long rides or cycling trips and would like to remain comfortable on the saddle throughout.

SUNGLASSES A pair of sunglasses will also come in handy, especially if cycling in sunny conditions. As well as protecting your eyes from the sun and providing some relief from glare, a pair of sunglasses will also protect you from any grit or insects flying toward your face. SOME BIN LINERS If your kit bag or panniers are not water-tight, it may be a good idea to use bin bags to protect your change of clothes dry. They can also be used to keep your worn items separate from your other possessions. SNACKS PROVISIONS When traveling long distances, make sure you pack snacks items at the top of your kit bag so that your snacks are easy to reach. This is important for when you are running low on glycogen and need an energy boost. CASH AND BANK CARD If you’re embarking on a leisurely cycling trip, you are likely planning to take a few breaks to enjoy the scenery. When visiting rural areas, it is usually a good idea to carry both cash and card so that you can access your money and treat yourself at the local pub or cafe despite there not being an ATM or card machines.

A FIRST AID KIT In case of an incident, try to carry a basic first aid kit with you while out on your bike. It is also a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of first aid too so that you are prepared to handle a situation involving yourself or other rider, though we also provide it. SUN CREAM Cyclists should pack and apply sun cream in all weather conditions, especially if riding in a country with a warm climate as you will be riding out in the sun for a long duration of time. MOBILE PHONE Although you may hope for a break from modern life while on your cycling trip it is still important that you take a mobile phone with you when you go out riding. Access to a phone line is crucial in case of an emergency but you may also use your device for GPS and mapping purposes.

Cycling Activity Level with BICYCLE TRAIL TANZANIA

CYCLING LEVELS When it comes to choosing an adventure, one of the most important things is finding a trip that matches your expectations, achievable and enjoyable. The below grading guidelines have been carefully constructed based on our cycling experience as well as feedback from our past bike travellers. We consider daily distances, duration of trip, number of hills, technical terrain and support vehicle access. If you’re still not sure after reading, that’s okay, give our expert friendly team a call, sms on whatsapp or an email and we will get back to you within or -30 minutes.

VEHICLE SUPPORT / BACK-UP CAR On the majority of our cycling trips, a support vehicle accompanies the riders. This carries tools and spares, refreshments, your luggage and even, on occasion, yourself. If there is a high level of vehicle support you can confidently book a certain grade in the knowledge that there is back-up should you get tired. Equally, this means that friends or couples of different fitness levels can still enjoy the same trip together.

CYCLING GRADING LEVEL If you want to push yourself, we can provide the challenge, but most of our cycling tours are exactly that – holidays. In response to customer feedback, we’ve introduced a new grading system to help you select the perfect trip. The activity level dial offers an immediate illustration of just how challenging the trip will be. Ranging from Leisurely to Tough, the grading takes into account the daily cycling distances and terrain, as well as any technical riding skill required. We also consider the number of cycling days, as there can be a cumulative effect from tiredness on a longer trip, and the type of accommodation used, as this can also influence your day-to-day recovery. The activity levels are equivalent to our previous grading system, so if you’re used to B-grade cycling you’ll be perfectly at home on a Level 3 (Moderate) trip.

EASY Suitable for anyone who enjoys easy and relatively short rides on flat or gently undulating terrain. Ideal if you simply want to explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace. EASY TO MODERATE This grade is ideal if you want to enjoy both easy and moderate rides on the same tour. You’ll cycle through flat or gently undulating terrain, with the occasional more energetic ascent. MODERATE Medium length rides suitable for cyclists who are used to undulating routes with occasional energetic climbs. Mainly on trails and quiet roads and you should have a reasonable level of fitness.

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING Combining moderate grade rides with some challenging days in the saddle, this grade is ideal for reasonably fit cyclists who want to challenge themselves. CHALLENGING Longer and more demanding for cyclists who enjoy hilly terrain with some challenging ascents. The routes require a good level of fitness including some non-technical, off-road riding.

Our Cycling Adventures

IT’S OUR WISH TO SHARE THE JOYS OF OUR COUNTRY AND GIVE YOU A LIFETIME CYCLING EXPERIENCE OUR ADVENTURES

OUR ADVENTURES Having done our fair share of cycling abroad, we understand the details required in planning these types of trips. So, it makes sense that our adventures have the rider in mind from the outset. We create an itinerary for each tour as a rough guide, but we encourage riders to go at their own pace to spend time exploring areas that are of particular interest to them. Our expert guides are always on hand to lead and support their group.

OUR CULTURE Cycle adventures specifically designed to immerse you into the culture and lifestyles of ordinary Tanzanian people. You will get to experience the Masai or Pare cultures, and learn about the tribes’ rich histories. As well as see some of the best things that Tanzania has to offer; for example how Chagga makes the country’s famous brew ‘mbege'

WILDLIFE Our Great Valley and Tanzanian Icons adventures focus on giving you the ultimate safari experience. Tanzania’s 22 national parks are among the oldest, most beautiful and well-known in the world. The diversity of their vast savannah landscapes makes each one unique and you will experience a number of them while seeing Tanzania’s most iconic national attractions. Highlights include Hemingway’s beloved Lake Manyara and your chance to see the ‘Big Five’.

Designed to challenge experienced riders with some long distances and tough inclines. Tanzania is huge and full of so many hidden gems to discover and explore. Our challenging adventures are designed to put you to the test, to get you to see as much as your legs will let you! If you are an individual, group of friends or cycle club looking to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime challenge to raise money for a good cause, our Mount Kilimanjaro cycle route could be just the thing for you!

Ours Cycling for CHARITY Our charity adventures are specifically designed for cyclists seeking a challenge in order to raise money for a cause close to their hearts. In these events, each participant pledges to raise an agreed minimum amount of money for a charity of their choice, to partake in a demanding and gruelling ride. We run our charity adventures for both large organisations as well single-entry participants.

Foods on All cycling tours once you book with BICYCLE TRAIL TANZANIA

MEALS ON THE CYCLING ACTIVITY Our team of experienced chefs take great pride in serving delicious and nutritious meals. All of our menus have been specifically planned to provide you with necessary energy, nutrients and keep you hydrated. Clients often comment that the chef’s ability and standard of food is far above what could have possibly been expected given the logistical limitations of the cycling holiday. We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or requests. If your tour is over a special occasion for a birthday, anniversary or romantic marriage proposal we can also arrange cakes, champagne or something extra special, just let us know. Great food and plenty of fluids are essential ingredients, both physically and psychologically, to make your trip rewarding. (For cycling up Kilimanjaro) At high altitudes, staying properly hydrated is essential for your health and helps prevent altitude sicknesses. Lots of teas and delicious soups will supplement your daily water intake so drink and eat as much as you can, we provide plenty of both.

SAMPLE MENU FOR STANDARD CYCLING TRIP: Breakfast: Fruit juice and fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs prepared at request, breads and toast with jam margarine and honey, French-toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate. Snacks: peanuts, crisp, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, dried fruits Lunch: Sliced vegetables, fruit, boiled egg, meat cutlets, various sandwiches options (egg/ cheese/tomato/tuna/meat/peanut butter), macaroni and meat sauce and breads. Dinner: Soup of the day, breads, salads, rice, pastas, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef or fish, currys, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad, fruit with custard, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate. Summit night we offer a midnight snack with juice, soup, hot chocolate, tea or coffee and biscuits. When you return to base camp a nice meal will be waiting for you to reward all your hard work.

Cycling Tour Packing List (What to bring on your cycling tour with BICYCLE TRAIL TANZANIA)

WHAT TO BRING ON SINGLE OR MULTI DAY TOURS Please follow the list below to ensure your comfort. You will have a better vacation if you are prepared. The items you will want to pack no matter what time of year are warm clothes for cooler evenings, good rain gear that you can ride in, and sunscreen. Avoid cotton clothing while riding. To stay comfortable, layering different weights of polypropylene, fleece, or wool works well. We love our Ibex wool clothing for the wide range of temperatures you are comfortable in.

Standard Packing List Items to bring no matter what tour you are on Bike Gear Socks – enough for each day’s ride Biking tights/equivalent – wool or polypropylene. Biking shorts – for comfortable riding. Riding gloves – bring long fingered gloves for cooler weather. Riding jerseys/T-shirts. Windbreaker/light jacket – for riding.

Camping and Other Gear Warm Sleeping bag and Sleeping pad – may be rented. Pillow – not included in rental gear. Towel, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, contact solution, personal medications, etc. Head lamp, small lamps like the Petzel brand work well, &/or flashlight & spare batteries. Daypack – if you don’t have a hydration pack, for hiking and extra storage. Water bottles – at least 1 for around camp.

Other Clothing Extra pair of shoes – for hiking &/or if others get wet, etc. Sandals – comfortable for around camp. Rain Coat & Pants – should be waterproof. No ponchos. Warm jacket – for camp. Long pants/sweatpants. Long underwear – great to sleep in on cold nights! T-shirts – long and short sleeved. Shorts – for relaxing around camp. Warm hat. Long finger gloves/mittens. Visor/wide brimmed hat – for sun protection. Underwear, socks, & extra clothes – as needed. Swimsuit – optional, some trips have opportunities for swimming &/or for using the solar shower.

Miscellaneous Camera – don’t forget extra batteries. Power stick – For recharging devices. Insect repellent. Binoculars – optional. Cash – if you like your ride, tip your guide. Libations – your favorite beer or wine. We’ll have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. Ear Plugs – optional, can be useful for light sleepers and on breezy nights. Sunglasses Sunscreen and Chap stick Wet wipes

For Desert Tours The lack of shade makes sun protection more important! Lightweight, long sleeve shirt for riding, hiking and camp For Mountain Tours Higher elevations can mean cold temperatures so plenty of layers are important for riding and in camp A larger riding pack may be necessary to carry extra clothing and rain gear each day. Rain pants can be a good idea to supplement a rain coat that you can ride in. Extra set of riding gloves in case one gets wet Wool socks and other clothing Down or puffy coat for cool evenings and mornings. Are you bringing your

Are you bringing your own bike? If you are bringing your own bike it should be tuned and in good working condition before the start of the tour. We strongly recommend you have your bike checked out by a reputable bike shop prior to departure. Have your bike tuned up and any worn-out parts replaced. A mountain bike of good quality and in good operating condition is essential. Our guides carry tools and a supply of spare parts suitable for use on most bikes. If your bike has special features or specifications, then you must supply your own parts and tools. We carry a spare bike on most tours to provide replacement parts but we cannot guarantee that what we have will be compatible with your bike. You may ship your bike ahead of time to Bicycle Trail Tanzania. Please make these arrangements with our office before you arrive. Bicycle Trail Tanzania also do the tune-up. Our assembly fee is free if we disassemble and box it up at the end of the trip as well. The shipping fees will be your responsibility.

Cycling Around Moshi Town

Description

Let our experienced local guides show you the history and intrigue behind some of Tanzania's oldest urban centres. A great way to spend a day after safari or an interesting addition to a weekend exploring the hot springs ,waterfalls, Forest cycle tour or Cycling to TPC Sugar cane plantation.

Things To Consider on Cycling Tour with BICYCLE TRAIL TANZANIA

Bike hire (Self guided tours) As the name says, these tours are self-guided. No guide will be there to show you the way. However, the tour operator will have detailed maps and route instructions for you. You can go as slow or as fast as you like. Stop as much or as little as you like. Meals are typically not included in a self-guided tour so stop and eat where you like, when you want. And, if you ever have any problems or get lost, you can call the local tour operator’s hotline for help. Group Tours & Etiquette

On a guided group tour, you’ll have the added bonus of a knowledgeable guide who will point out sights and landmarks along the route. The guide will also act as a mechanic in case of any bicycle maintenance issues. If you’re riding with a large group with 2 or more guides, you can expect to have one guide in the front and one in the back, riding different speeds to give riders the option to go faster or slower. When riding with a group, we recommend the following etiquette: • Be flexible. You’ll most likely be eating most meals together, so be flexible. • Be social. You’re with a group, so make the most of your new friendships. • Ride safely. If you’re riding in the middle of a group, don’t make sudden stops without letting anyone know. Your health while on tour If you have any health issues, please consult with your physician before taking a bike tour and carry information relative to your condition so that proper care can be provided in case of accident, injury, or illness. Check with your health insurance carrier to see if they extend coverage to Tanzania If not, make sure to get appropriate Travel insuarance Safety equipment The tour operators will always choose the safest possible route and equipment for you during your bike tour. However, it’s always a good idea to brush up on some safety tips and guidelines. Here are a few tips: • Wear a helmet. They might not be required by law in all areas, but it’s a smart idea to protect your head in case of a fall or accident. We recommend that, for safety and hygiene purposes, You can come with your own personal bike helmet with on tour • Ride single file. Avoid blocking sections of the road or path. It’s courteous to other cyclists, and safer if you’re riding with any vehicle traffic. • Avoid wearing headphones.

Sure, we all love a little music to give us our soundtrack of this perfect bicycle tour, but be safe, and save the music for when you’re off the bike path.

Cycling to Maasai Village and Maji Moto

We start our epic ride early in the morning and are accompanied by our English-speaking guide. The road takes us through beautiful landscapes: African bushland where we see dried-up river beds, baobab and acacia trees and sugar cane plantations. Once we arrive in the village, please remember to be a respectful guest and don‘t take pictures of the villagers without asking. During the visit you will have a chance to mingle with the Maasai and chat with them, but your social skills and creativity will determine how much they open up to you. Your English-speaking guide will assist you and translate into Kimaasai, as the Maasai themselves do not speak any other languages. Whilst you walk through the village with your guide, you will learn more about the culture of the Maasai. This will include a lesson on traditional Maasai medicine and the opportunity to taste the local Maasai tea. We will also have the opportunity to visit a Maasai home . you will also get chance to dress like maasai as is the one of the African tribe that's still dress traditional, after dressing maasai shuka (clothes) they will welcome you to their traditional songs and dancing, they will will sing and dance with you After this beautiful day we will have lunch and start to drive back to Arusha /Moshi town.

Cycling to Kibosho Village

This tour will take you through a superb area inhabited by the Chagga tribe located at the base of the mountain Kilimanjaro. On the way, you will experience a real African normal life and the way people here manage their piece of land to grow bananas and coffee for food throughout the year. You will enjoy fascinating green nature on the way as you keep cycling in the shadow of trees.

Cycling from Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro With Safari

This tour takes you through open Savannah, through plantations, you'll stay with the Maasai, ride alongside freeroaming wild animals and ride up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. It's a classic (Zebra, Giraffe, and Wildebeest are all roaming free in the natural migratory corridors). An optional game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater on the final day (requires an extension).

Cycling from Kilimanjaro to Lake Natron

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transferred to your overnight accommodation near Moshi town, situated at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Today you will meet your guide who will brief you about your upcoming tour and together you will do the bike fitting. If you will arriving in the morning or afternoon flight, you will have ample time to go for a quick test ride through the nearby coffee plantation and surrounding villages. Accommodation: Lodging at Weruweru river Lodge(or alternative hotel of the same standard) Meals: Dinner Included Day 2: Weruweru river Lodge to Osiligilai Maasai Lodge 1 55km After breakfast, We will start Our ride, today our ride takes us from the greener southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro towards the more arid western side of the mountain. Your ride today will initially take you through coffee and banana plantations as you cycle through the more fertile areas of southern Kilimanjaro, but as you head west you will cycle through the more arid open plains and acacia woodlands. These plains support a remarkable variety of wildlife and spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. While Moshi is home to the Chagga people, west Kilimanjaro plains are home to the nomadic Maasai people who co-exist with the surrounding wildlife and it is why this area is known as the Maasai Lands. As you reach your overnight stop, you will start to enter the area where wildlife is roaming free. Road Surface: Tarmac, dirt and gravel road Accommodation: Lodging at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included Day 3: Cycling from Osiligilai Masai village to Longido I 55 Km We will begin our journey in the morning through the maasai grazing plains, meet the local Maasai people on the way, enjoy the exciting view of the Sinya Ngasurai plain and Shira plateau; one of the three peaksof Mount Kilimanjaro, Sinya and Ngasurai open plains serve as a wildlife corridor for wild animals moving from Amboseli National Park to these open plains, The route will be completely off-thebeaten-path with no tarmac but with the magnificent views of Mt, Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru and Mt, Longido, on clear skies! We will end our ride on Longido, where we will be spending our night. Accommodation: at longido Lodge Included: Lunch, dinner breakfast Day 4: Cycle Longido to Gelai Bomba | 50 Km Today's landscape consists of dramatic acacia plains and mountain forests with excellent views of Mt, Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and at the end the glorious Mountain of God; Oldoinyo Lengai, Some wildlife can be seen on the way; including giraffes, hyenas, zebras, kudu, impala, ostriches and many other species of birds, The terrain is a bit challenging with ups and downs and as such we should be prepared with our favorite snacks as well as our tropical fruits on our water stops to keep our energy levels up! We will arrive at our Accommodation area exhausted but elated! Day 5: Cycle from Gelai Bomba to Lake Natron 172km We cycle across the low saddle between the mountains of Kitumbeine and Gelai, with the magnificent view of Oldoinyo Lengai, Today we see more of the wildlife that populates the region while on two wheels, We will proceed with our last and the most difficult challenge heading to Lake Natron! It's always very hot and today's terrain of the road is rocky and loose gravel that can spell disaster if we are not careful enough especially on the sharp corners and when crossing seasonal rivers! Lunch will be served half-way before heading to Lake Natron Tented Camp where our cycling tour ends! We wind up our challenge by a memorable Feast Style Celebratory Dinner accompanied by live BBQ. Day 6: Lake Natron Tour and Then Transfer to Serengeti We start our day by nature walk before sunrise right from our Camp through the Maasai villages towards Lake Natron - on the way; we will enjoy wildlife viewing! We Will see giraffes, zebras, some wildebeest and several species of birds before reaching the shores of Lake Natron to view Lesser Flamingos in their breeding habitat, We will spend about half an hour at the lake before jumping into your jeep and drive back to our Camp for proper breakfast! We will then get ready for our transfer to Tanzania's oldest and most famous national park, the Serengeti National Park, You'll be spending a night in a lovely Camp/ Lodge exploring the endless plains and the complex ecosystem of the Serengeti Day 7: Full Day in Serengeti National park Full day will be spent in Serengeti observing the World's greatest wildlife spectacular event — The Great Migration; and spend the rest of the remaining time to discover what the Serengeti's great plain can offer! Return to your Lodge elated; sit for a sundowner drink while contemplating your day's wonderful experience! Day 8: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Conversation Area The day starts with sunrise game drive (before breakfast) - today we'll have high chance of seeing major cat families such as lions, Leopard and cheetahs roaming in the vast plains of the Serengeti, You will transfer back to your Camp for breakfast and then pack ready for your journey to Ngorongoro crater rim where you'll spend a night, Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Tour Leave your Lodge just after breakfast; descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor where you will spend the whole day exploring the memorable Crater to see the large mammals residing there — these includes elephants (mainly bulls), lions, Buffaloes and Black Rhino. Leave after enjoying your picnic lunch and drive slowly to your nice Lodge located in Arusha - on the way you can stop at the curio shop to grab some souvenir to take back home with you Day 10: Departure Day You will be served breakfast at your hotel, Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Int'l Airport (JRO) where you will be able to catch your home flight. Please note that the above Itinerary involves complex logistics and may be subject to slight changes during the execution of the tour

Cycling to Arusha National Park

The starting point will be at Bike2kili Shop in the city center (transfers from your hotel/lodge can be arranged). From our shop, we will organize a car transfer to Arusha National Park. Our 20 km long ride will then start from the gate of the park. Along the way, we will see exotic habitats and wild animals. From the low grassland to the rainforest, we will witness different bird species, and wildlife such as zebras, giraffes and antelopes. The ride bike will be relaxing with the scenic Mount Meru towering in the background. We will rest and have lunch at the lakeside at the perfect picnic spot. On the way back we will drive to the park gate where we will organize a transfer back to your hotel/ lodge.