To make sure that you are fully prepared and your holiday goes as smoothly as possible, the following items are a must:
Bike & Spares
Your Bike: The descents and climbs here can be long and continious therefore we recommend a full suspension with 4+ inches of travel or at the very least a hardtail with front suspension. Singlespeeds are not recommended, low gears are needed for the climbs.
Tyres: To reduce the impact of pinch flats and for maximum grip on the trails you will need a minimum of 2.1 inch tyres (we reccommend 2.3) with big knobs on them (no semi slicks). We use and recommend Maxxis highroller of the 2.35 width and double wall variety. We have a selection for sale here at Rivierabike.
Your bike must be in full working order, if you have put any new parts on make sure they function properly.
If you dont have your own bike then we hire good quality full suspension bikes from Giant.
Rear Mech Hangers:
very important especially if you have a rare boutique bike as it can be impossible to find a replacement in Italy. These are designed to bend to protect your frame in the event of an unscheduled dismount.
Other Spares: Spare tubes, tyre levers, cables, multi tool, pump and all the other widgets you carry on your general ride.
Clothing and Kit
A camelback or rucksack with bladder, another essential piece of kit. Not only will they carry all of the spares and water you will need but they provide very good back protection. Preferably a 3 litre bladder sack for plenty of room.
A waterproof or windproof. It may be hot when you start a ride but a storm can brew up surprisingly quickly.
Helmet: No helmet, no riding. That simple.
Full finger gloves and baggy shorts, We always use baggy shorts over lycra shorts, the two layers help protect your skin should you come off. Full finger gloves also provide additional protection.
Elbow and knee/shin guards. The terrain here is bigger and rockier than which you are used to back home. We recommend you wear protection on the descents, as you do not want your holiday ruined by an incident that could have been avoided if protection was worn.
We hire good quality shin and elbow protection from 661 and Mace for £20 (€30) for a week.
Sun protection such as cream and glasses.
A first aid kit wouldn’t go amiss, however your guide will have a first aid kit and is trained to use it.
Smart casual clothing for the casinos and clubs. Italy being the country of fashion therefore to get entry to many places they don’t want you in sandals and shorts.
Camera as you will want to take a lot of pictures.
Beach items such as a trashy novel, towel, bikini etc.. if you want to spend a day on the beach.
Don’t forget insurance giving cover for mountain biking and whatever other activity you wish to partake in. No insurance no riding, we will need documentary proof of this before riding.
