Ride Setup
Your bike is your partner. Set it up for 200 km of mixed terrain — tarmac, gravel, dirt, and everything in between.
Frame
Gravel or adventure frame recommended. Carbon or alloy both fine. Clearance for min 38mm tyres. Mounts for bags a plus.
MandatoryCockpit
Flared drop bars (12–16°) give better control on rough terrain. Ergonomic grips or bar tape with extra padding.
Lights
Front (min 400 lumen) and rear light required. Race starts before dawn — lights must be switched on.
MandatoryBags
Frame bag, top tube bag, and saddle bag recommended. Carry at least 2L of water, food, and emergency kit.
GPS
A GPS computer is strongly recommended. GPX file provided 7 days pre-race. Download and test your route before race day.
Fenders
Optional but appreciated by the rider behind you. Rainy season — mudguards keep you warmer and save your drivetrain.
Gear Range
3,200m of elevation gain means you need low gears. Don't be a hero — the climb will humble you.
1x Drivetrain
Recommended: 40T front, 10–44T or 10–51T cassette (GRX/Apex/Force). Simple, reliable, fewer things to break.
Recommended2x Drivetrain
34/50T front with 11–34T is fine but consider swapping to a wider cassette. Don't run 11–28 on this course.
Minimum Gear
You need at least 1:1 ratio for the climbs. Ideal is 0.8:1 or lower. If in doubt, go lower.
Cable Tension
Check all derailleur cables and housing before race day. Gravel shakes things loose. A barrel adjuster can save your ride.
PRO TIP
Know Your Bail-Out Gear
Identify your lowest gear and practise spinning at 80+ RPM on climbs. Grinding big gears for 200 km will destroy your knees.
Grip & Roll
Tyres are the single most important equipment decision you will make. Choose wisely.
Tyre Width
Minimum 38mm recommended. 40–45mm is the sweet spot. Wider = more comfort = faster on rough terrain despite what the math says.
Min 38mmTubeless Setup
Run tubeless with at least 40ml of sealant per tyre. Check and top up sealant 3 days before race day.
RecommendedPressure
30–35 PSI front, 32–38 PSI rear (adjust for body weight). Use a tyre pressure calculator. Lower pressure = more grip on gravel.
Tread Pattern
Light/medium knob tread works for this course — mixed gravel and hard-pack dirt. Avoid full slicks.
Repair Kit
Carry: 2 spare tubes, tyre plugs, CO2 cartridges or mini pump, tyre levers. Tubeless failures happen — have a tube as backup.
Mandatory
Race Fueling
200 km burns ~6,000–8,000 calories. Fueling is a skill. Practice your race-day nutrition strategy before the event.
Hydration
Minimum 1.5L capacity on the bike at all times. Refill at all three feed stations. Electrolytes every 45–60 minutes in the heat.
CriticalReal Food
Bananas, rice balls, dates, and boiled potatoes are available at feed stations. Practice eating on the bike in training.
Gels & Bars
Carry 8–12 gels or equivalent. Aim for 60–90g carbohydrates per hour after the first 90 minutes.
Salt & Electrolytes
Salt caps or electrolyte tablets are essential in Indonesian heat. Hyponatremia (low sodium) is real and dangerous.
Don't skipCaffeine Strategy
Save caffeine gels for the final 50 km when fatigue peaks. Don't start with high caffeine — it will wear off too early.
RULE
Eat Before You're Hungry. Drink Before You're Thirsty.
By the time you feel hunger or thirst, you're already behind. Set a timer — eat something every 30 minutes from the gun.
Gravel Shoes
You may need to walk. Gravel shoes with recessed cleats mean you can actually do it without faceplanting.
Gravel-Specific
Recessed SPD-style cleat, walkable sole with rubber lugs. The ability to hike-a-bike without slipping is priceless.
RecommendedAvoid Road Cleats
SPD-SL or Look cleats are terrible on gravel run-ups. If that's all you have, bring cleat covers and extra care.
Socks
Merino wool or moisture-wicking mid-length socks. Change socks at the final feed station if your feet are wet — it prevents blisters.
Waterproofing
Overshoes recommended for early morning cold and morning dew. The first 2 hours before sunrise will be cool and potentially wet.
Ride Essentials
Don't leave the start line without these. Some are mandatory, all are wise.
Helmet
Road, gravel, or MTB helmet. Must meet CE/CPSC certification. Loose or cracked helmets will be refused at inspection.
MandatoryEmergency Whistle
Clip to your jersey or helmet. Used to signal for help if you crash in a remote section of the course.
MandatoryRace Bib
Must be worn visibly on the front of your jersey at all times. Timing chip is inside — do not fold or cover it.
MandatorySun Protection
SPF50 sunscreen applied before start and reapplied at feed stations. Indonesian sun at altitude is brutal.
First Aid
Carry at least 3 plasters, antiseptic wipe, and painkiller of choice. Medical stations at feed points but remote sections are remote.
Cash
Bring at least Rp 200,000 in small bills. Warungs along the route sell coconut water and snacks. They don't take cards.
Phone
Fully charged, in a waterproof case or bag. Race Control number saved. Power bank if your ride is longer than 12 hours.
Bike Maintenance
Your bike must be race-ready. Mechanical failures on remote gravel roads are serious. Don't improvise.
01
1 Week Before
Full clean and degrease. Inspect chain wear (replace if worn). Check all cables and housing. Lube chain with wet lube.
02
3 Days Before
Check tyre sealant (top up to 40ml each). Verify tyre pressure. Check brake pads — minimum 2mm remaining. Test all gears.
03
Day Before
Final test ride (15–20 min). Check all bolts are tight (torque spec). Recheck tyre pressure. Charge all electronics: lights, GPS, Di2/AXS.
04
Race Morning
Pump tyres to target pressure (morning temp affects PSI). Check quick-releases / thru-axles. Ensure lights are fully on and functional.
05
Carry On-Bike
Multi-tool (includes chain breaker), chain quick-link x2, tyre plugs, CO2 x2 + inflator, 2 spare tubes, cable ties x3, small roll of duct tape.
06
At Feed Stations
Mechanic support available at Feed Station 2. Minor issues (derailleur, brake cable) can be fixed there. Major mechanicals may be DNF.
Helmets & Eyewear
Protect your head. Protect your eyes. Racing into sunrise with no eye protection is not romantic — it's dangerous.
Aero Road Helmet
Good for tarmac sections and controlled descents. Less ventilation — gets hot on long climbs in the tropics.
Vented Gravel Helmet
Best all-rounder for this race. Maximum ventilation, often has a peak visor to block sun and debris.
RecommendedMTB Full-Visor Helmet
Overkill for most but perfectly legal. Great if you prefer face/sun coverage on exposed ridge climbs.
Photochromic Lenses
Auto-darkening lenses are ideal — dark at midday, clear at 5am start. Avoid fixed dark lenses at the night/dawn start.
RecommendedClear / Yellow Lenses
Start with clear or yellow-tinted lenses. Swap to dark lenses at Feed Station 1 when the sun is up.
Sealed Frame
Opt for glasses with a sealed or close-fitting frame. Gravel dust particles at speed will find any gap and scratch your corneas.