Rule #83

Being self sufficient is a critical part of cycling etiquitte. On the Tour of Arae, its lore.

The very ethos of the race is a intimate understanding of bicycle and rider. That which is required to ensure optimal performance of both must either be administered before the day begins or carried to be used as needed. Under the most extreme and glorious conditions, both bike and rider must be attended to, and for 700km of Karoo rumble, much was expected.

As a self proclaimed newbie to cycling, here are some helpful and amusing insights I gained into preparing for, and surviving this unique multistage race:

Things that Fall Apart

Derailleurs fall apart. Clusters fall apart. Handbars fall apart. These must all be somehow reassembled on the road with what is available and given proper attention back at camp if you make it.
Should you be in the unfortunate position of having a mechanical that involves your derailleur, experience has shown the best solution is to rip it off and convert your bike to a single speed machine [hipsters clap quietly with crocheted woolen gloves]. Remove chain links to ensure correct tension and be on your way.
     Carry a 'chaintoolthingy'. They are very helpful.
     Carry Vaseline, lipice or massage oil. Its terribly awkward to ask passers-by for lubrication.
     Its entirely possible to have 5 punctures on one day #quickrelease
     Always have zipties and duct tape. 

If you have a crash or mechanical issue, be encouraged. It is possible to still win a stage on a buckled frame.

Gone with the Wind

On a multistage race, weather can become somewhat inclement as was experienced on the tour. Rain, sleet, hours of howling headwinds and snow were all the rage this season.
Pack carefully.
Here are some creative suggestions and essentials that proved their worth from last week's race to deal with the worst weather imaginable.

    Buff: Protects your face from bugs, dust, sun, hail and
    pictures taken of your 'effort face'
    Washing gloves: Yeah. In cases of extreme cold and
    circumstance hands can also be warmed
    during a visit to the bushes to relieve oneself. Yeah, that too.
    Layers layers layers. Including wrapping of plastic bags and
    anything waterproof as a top covering.
    Hypothermia is sneaky. Ride together. Look for early
    warming signs
    If you do happen upon a padstal (roadside shop) and take
    refuge there, run a warm footbath, make yourself at home
    with a horde of other plastic bag wrapped cyclists cracking
    jokes and playing sombre Scottish highlands tunes on
    an iphone. Its fun.
    Don't go into barns. 

The Great Gatsby

Eating and staying hydrated over long distances in isolated areas can be tricky. Within hours we had passed out of the winelands cappacino belt with no promise of padstal or farmstead ahead. Here are some useful and creative food and packing ideas for tour riding that I experienced during the week:

Eat a lot. Eat more. On your bike and off your bike.
Snacks, energybars and fruit can be taped to your frame to be ripped off and eaten as required.
Make your own trailmix and decant into packets for the ride.
Gherkins are quite delicious when complimented by a swig of bourbon
Winegums, biltong, raisins and bananas featured on most mobile menus.
Eating while riding one handed on sandy dirt roads is not always wise.

Les Miserables

Possibly the best application of the rule of self sufficiency is about attitude.
The most fun, most adventure and most joy is to be found with those who, in addition to bicycle and legs have prepared their minds. Prepared to win. Prepared to wait. Prepared to listen. Prepared for more of the same dished out after a day that brought many to tears.
And so, my final observation is to always pack a book and stash it in your sleeping bag. Position yourself to be inspired as more will always be required when you wake to do it all again.

My struggle is harsh and I come back
with eyes tired
at times from having seen
the unchanging earth,
but when your laughter enters
it rises to the sky seeking me
and it opens for me all
the doors of life.

[Pablo Neruda]