BIKE NOTES- Which kind is best for the TDA?

There is no perfect bike for the Tour D'afrique.

Tour organizers can change the route at will, so what works well one year may not be the hot set up the next. Facts are facts, however, and we encountered many areas where road work was ongoing, often aided by the Chinese. In 2008, over 80% of the riding was on tarmac (paved roads). Some of the tarmac was very rough. Some stretches were littered with huge, bike eating potholes for kilometers at a time. Pavement is pavement however, and you need a bike that cruises comfortably on pavement for days and weeks on end...

Expedition Riders;

Bring a bike you know, and are very comfortable with.

If you bring a mountain bike-
Pick one that is not too heavy

Pick one that has a 'lockout' feature for the front suspension fork, if yours has front shocks.
Bring a selection of good quality tires, from big wide knobby off road tires to a mid range durable on/off road tire to free rolling slicks.


Consider bringing a 'Cyclocross' type bike, which incorporates a wide range of gears on a 'road bike' type frame, but accepts a very wide range of tires for the rough off road sections- this makes for a good all-around bike. You won't have as much 'fun' on the off road sections as the mountain bikers, but you will be far more efficient and miles ahead, with less energy expended, on the pavement- faster, more comfortable,and more efficient.

The above bike is critical if you are a racer.
One racer utilized a very light,fast carbon fiber mountain bike, with front suspension on the 2008 tour.
While he was a gifted rider and very successful in the race (second place overall), his frame did break, necessitating the shipment in of a new frame3/4 off the way through the tour.

The prefer ed bike for overall use is the Specialized brand Cyclocross bike. This is the bike that has won first place in the tour 2 years running. It is a proven design. Light and strong.
Consider this bike first and foremost.

Only bring a mountain bike if you are used to that type of bike and more comfortable on it.
Remember, you will be on your bike for 4 to 7 or 8 hours, daily, depending on how fast you ride, and how many coke stops you take. So you bike must be comfortable, and in excellent working condition.

TIRES

Cyclocross bikes; one set of strong, wide off road tires
two sets of 700 x 28 tough, puncture resistant tires for all conditions
one set 700 x 23 schwalbe stelvio plus tires for smooth tarmac roads

bring tubes for each size, as well as a well stocked patch kit

The common consensus among 2008 TDA riders is that the Schwalbe brand of tires stood up best, lasted the longest, with the least amount of punctures.

Be very careful riding in and out of campsites/lunch stops There are loads of thorns and other spiky vegetation that easily attaches to the rubber of bike tires & causes flats galore, and frustrated riders.

Consider carrying your bike in/out of camp sites.
CHECK your tires for thorns once you get your bike to the road, BEFORE you start riding.
KEEP your tires inflated to the proper recommended pressures.

KEEP your chain clean and lubed, clean your bike daily and check for wear/tear and loose components.

BRING a camel back, but rear racks and backpacks are unnecessary, add extra weight, and often break or rattle loose.

HAVE a great ride, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

For those contenplating riding in future Tour D'Afriques

Cycling across Africa is an amazing, challenging adventure. Your body, mind & spirit will be put to the test in ways you can not imagine. The rewards are many for those who commit. You will be a better person for the experience. You will see many unique, wonderful, amazing things daily that very few people ever see. But, alas, the Tour d'Afrique is not for everybody.

For those signed up or contemplating taking up the challenge;

YOU WILL HAVE AN AWESOME TIME, IF-

You approach each day with an open mind, ready for each new experience, be it a good or bad one.

You like adventure for adventures sake, and look forward to each days ride, no matter what the distance, terrain or weather conditions.

You are prepared to set up, pull down, and sleep in your tent on all types of ground, in all types of weather conditions, for 120 days straight.

You don't mind going a week or more without a shower (even then its usually a cold one),
even though you sweat buckets each day. (A water bottle shower and baby wipes do the trick)

You don't get flustered when you are setting up your tent in an Ethiopian cow pasture,and suddenly find yourself surrounded by 60 inquisitive, staring children, each one armed with
armed with a long wooden staff.

You are an experienced to hardcore on or off road cyclist, or a seasoned adventure traveller.

You don't expect the service, amenities, or basics to be anything like they are in the western world. You realize and understand that Africa moves to a different beat.

You are happy to overjoyed when you find a shack that sells warm cokes on a very hot day.

You get along well with people, and don't mind if your tent is right next to the other 60 tents,
just hoping that the person next to you doesn't snore.

You realize how truly lucky you are to be in Africa.

You realize how truly lucky you are to ride in the most amazing/wonderful, challenging bike race/expedition in the world.


Don't expect a cushy, glamorous overland truck ride across the continent.

If you are not prepared to ride each day *(barring illness or injury), don't go.