M A U R I T A N I EL'AVENTURE EN LIBERTÉ

GOING FURTHER

WHAT YOU MUST CARRY WITH YOU :

• A SPOT, inReach, or similar satellite tracker (GPS tracking device)
• A second backup beacon*
• A GPS device to download and follow the GPX route (e.g. COROS DURA for autonomy)
• A bivy shelter to protect against scorpions and horned vipers (very rare in winter, but once is enough)
• A certified helmet
• Powerful lighting, preferably dynamo-powered
• A first-aid kit, + emergency blanket
• A 3-liter CamelBak as emergency reserve (in addition to your main water supply) for the 380 km section without water points
• A phone or GoPro to record your thoughts and emotions at selected checkpoints**

* In particularly exceptional conditions, an adapted solution is required. A second SPOT or inReach device is essential for your safety in case your primary tracker fails, especially in the 236 mi section where you will navigate by heading alone, without a GPX track allowing the organisation to locate you.

If you cannot borrow one, a tracking device costs between €150 and €300 to rent for four weeks.

** As the entry fee is almost symbolic, we ask participants to take a few seconds to record their emotional state at key points along the route, or whenever they feel the need.

WHAT YOU MUST DO DURING THE TRACE NOMADE :

• Drink a minimum of 100 ml per hour. This is an absolute survival minimum under low-intensity effort.
• Take electrolytes to improve water retention in your body.
  
  

USEFUL INFORMATION AND TIPS :

In sandy terrain, always avoid 4x4 tracks: the sand there is often much softer. That’s why the rules allow you to deviate up to 100 meters from the GPX track.

Depending on summer rainfall, it may exceptionally happen that certain areas in the middle of the desert, particularly around Aouker and N’Beika, become flooded. In that case, you will be allowed to move away from the official track to bypass them.

Outside of Atar, Tichit, and N’Beika, there will be no possibility to recharge your devices. Make sure to bring a power bank and a solar charger such as a BigBlue, especially if you are not using a Coros Dura or a dynamo system.

Bring Micropur tablets. Water from wells fed by the groundwater table is generally naturally filtered as it passes through the various geological layers, but it is still not immune to contamination, for example from a small animal that may have fallen into the well.

It is strongly recommended to use tubeless tires with sealant. In some regions, Tribulus terrestris (also known as Maltese cross) can cause dozens of punctures in just a few meters.

If you are using inner tubes, fit them with a 1.6 mm leather protective strip, like those used on electric fat bikes, and add at least 250 ml of puncture sealant per tube. With this setup, I rode 930 mi in the desert without a single puncture, despite removing more than 500 Tribulus terrestris thorns from my tires.

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Very unlikely, of course, but it is always better to prepare for the worst. It may be wise to carry a compass and a paper map. If your bike breaks down and both of your tracking beacons as well as your GPS become inoperative, your compass, your map, and your own two legs will then be your only allies to get you out of the situation. Obviously, if you also break a leg, things will become considerably more complicated.

Upon registration, the organisers will provide you with information about the main landmarks and support points located closest to each section of the route: water points, nomadic camps, palm groves, military bases, and transport routes. Thus, wherever you are along the route, you will have the necessary information to attempt to reach a safe location on your own. A small backpack will be essential to avoid having to carry your water bottles by hand.

In a survival situation and as an exceptional emergency measure, limit your water intake to 100 ml per hour (hydration management strategy to reduce urinary losses). Depending on the temperature, prioritize night travel and remain under your survival blanket during the day to reduce sweating.