With GBDuro kicking off from Land’s End at 8am on Saturday morning, it’s time to share my kit list for the 2000km journey. I have listed out everything I will be carrying with me as I pedal to John O’Groats, with the only thing missing being some bits of food (and water) that I will add to my bike and Camelbak before the metaphorical flag drops.

The Bike

  • Salsa Warbird
  • Shimano GRX 800 1x groupset (40T chainring, 11-46T cassette)
  • Redshift ShockStop stem
  • Fabric Line-S saddle
  • Shimano XT Trail pedals
  • Stayer All-Road wheels
  • Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres (700x45c)

Luggage

  • Ortlieb 9L handlebar-pack
  • Ortlieb 11L seat-pack
  • Topeak tool bottle
  • Camelbak Chase vest 4l
  • 2x 950ml water bottles (not shown)

What I’ll Be Wearing

  • Mavic Crossmax Boa shoes
  • Albion socks
  • Pearl Izumi Women’s Pro Bibshorts
  • Under Armour sports bra
  • Craft Coolmesh undershirt
  • Rapha Pro Team Aero Jersey
  • PEdALEd mitts
  • Lazer Genesis helmet
  • Julbo sunglasses

Front Pack Contents

  • 7Mesh Leg warmer
  • 7Mesh Arm warmers
  • Albion Insulated Jacket 3.0
  • OMM waterproof jacket
  • Lifeventure Midge headnet
  • Campsite socks
  • Buff
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • Suntan lotion
  • Travel deodorant
  • Hotel soap bar
  • Imodium
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Chlorine water purification tablets
  • Chammy butter
  • Mini chain lube
  • Anker 20,000 Power bank
  • 2x inner tubes

Rear Pack Contents

  • Outdoor Research Helium 2 hooped bivvy
  • Alpkit Numo sleeping mat
  • Rab down trousers
  • Patagonia Micro Puff jacket
  • Montane Prism booties
  • Rapha t-shirt
  • Adidas running shorts
  • Anker charging Plug

Tool Bottle Contents

  • Zip ties
  • Tyre patches
  • Spare mech hanger
  • Valve extenders
  • Gerber Dime Micro-Tool
  • Topeak Hexus-X multi-tool
  • Spare batteries
  • Spare brake pads
  • Spare dynaplugs
  • Tyre levers
  • Needle + thread
  • Spare chain links
  • Spare cleat

Camelbak Contents

  • Wallet
  • Phone
  • 2nd Anker 20,000 power bank + charging cables
  • Sudocrem
  • Chammy butter
  • Wipes
  • Spare batteries
  • Cable lock
  • Tick tweezers
  • Chlorine tablets
  • Dynaplugs
  • Food

Electricals:

  • Spot tracker
  • Garmin Etrex 32x
  • Garmin Etrex 22x (back up)
  • Cat Eye Viz 450 rechargeable rear light
  • Niterider Cherrybomb 100 battery rear light
  • Fenix head torch
  • Fenix handlebar light

Special Mentions

I’ve gone for a fairly stripped down setup given the distance, and the added component of potentially being stationary at checkpoints for a while, so I don’t really have any ‘luxury’ items to highlight. Instead, here are some of my favourite bits of kit.

First off, the bike. I would say I’ve raved about it enough at this point, but I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of singing the Warbird’s praises. It’s hands down the best bike I have ever ridden; it literally took my breath away from the first pedal stroke, and I’m excited to see what it can do over the rough and tumble 2000 kilometres that lie ahead.

Alongside the bike itself, I’m loving the Stayer All-Road wheels. These were loaned to the shop by Stayer when Epic Cycles began working with them, and I have to admit I’ve not shared them with anyone yet. They are beautifully hand made in the UK: super responsive, roll brilliantly, super fast, strong, and smooth.

In terms of clothing, I have a bit of a mash-up of brands and styles, with most of it being stuff that I’ve had for a while or recently picked up on eBay. The standout item for this kind of event for me is probably the Albion Insulated Jacket 3.0. I got it for my birthday this year, and it was definitely a good present! Packs down really small and light, and provides a warm and comfortable layer for when the classic British weather hits.

Lastly, a slightly unusual choice was not to opt for a dynamo in the end. Instead, I have gone for a Fenix helmet light and Fenix handlebar light. Thanks goes to Epic Cycles’ mechanic Steve for making these available in the UK (Rewild MTB – Fenix). I have tested them out in other long rides and events this year, and they’re perfect for the job. Very bright, run for many hours, and I can carry a directly rechargeable spare battery for each.

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The Road to GBDuro with Molly Weaver.