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Safety

Personal Locator Beacon

Cell service is spotty along large portions of the route and shouldn’t be relied on for navigation or communication. A satellite communication device is a good idea for emergencies, as is a dedicated navigation device in addition to the paper maps and trail app.

In the event of emergency, we may be able to use satellite messaging on our iPhones but this is dependent on environmental factors and the type of emergency.

They can be expensive, but the Bibbulman Track Foundation and Macpac rent PLBs to trail riders. This should be explored.

First-Aid

Build our own, it’s cheaper:

  • Snake bite bandages x 3 (enough to properly do an adult leg)
  • Scissors (will have on camping multi-tool anyway)
  • Bandaids, of various sizes
  • Non-adhesive dressings
  • Leukoplast tape / adhesive fixings
  • Steri strips / wound closures
  • Triangle bandage for sprains or breaks
  • Burn aid gel
  • Splinter probe
  • Antiseptic
  • Antihistamines
  • Sudocrem for chamois rash
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Fine-point tweezers (ticks — standard tweezers are too blunt for clean removal)
  • Mild pain killers: Ibuprofen, Paracetemol
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets (Imodine) — bad tank water or dodgy town takeaway on a bike is miserable