WHAT THEY CARRIED

Food: oats porridge, honey, peanut butter, crackers, pasta, cheese and tomato powder sauces, 5L water each. Gear: stoves (wood and spirit), tents, Thermarest sleeping mats, battery chargers, backup battery packs. Clothes: tops with sleeves, T-shirts, cycling shorts, a waterproof jacket. Toiletries: wet wipes, first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent.

Bike spares: bottom brackets, spokes, inner tubes, puncture repair kit, pump, quick links, multi-tool, tyre levers, chain whip, cable ties.