A bike! This might sound a bit stupid but you certainly need a reliable bike to cope with the mileage and weight placed on it. I have a Dawes Ultra Galaxy 2006, which is ideal for a long journey like this, especially as it is on tarmac. However, any well made hybrid or even mountain bike will do just as well. I do recommend a drop hadlebar though, as you are able to vary hand positions more frequently.
Spare parts. Inner tube, a pump, puncture repair kit and tools are essentials. A few spare spokes that can be taped to the pannier carrier are a good idea too.
Panniers. I bought some good quality panniers from Creek to Peak. Make sure that yours have rain covers included in the price as the rain seems to find its way into every nook and cranny. Many companies have covers sewn into the pannier and generally are of a flourescent colour that can be seen for miles. However, doing a supported ride, ALL THE LUGGAGE IS CARRIED FOR YOU! How fab is that?
Clothing. I like to wear whatever I am comfortable in, but remember, you are cycling a very long way so quality is the key. I also managed to buy from Lidl some brilliant padded cycling unerpants, which were a real joy and only £2.99 - (talking of quality)!
I decided not to carry the usual mp3 player, torch, radio, clock, video, camera and phone, which we all rely on these days, as I had it all in one. My mobile phone has all these, and with a bit of upgrading of its memory to 1 Gb, it could cope with all that was necessary. I also purchased a Garmin Edge 305, with cadence monitor, to provide me with all my statistics, this was handlebar mounted.
Bike
Lights (small)
Pump
Water bottles 3 X 750ml
Panniers (not necessary for supported ride)
Handlebar bag
Spare brake pads
Spare cables (brake & gear)
Saddle bag
Cargo netting
Elastic holders
Tools
Puncture repair kit, with tyre levers
Multi tool
Pliers
Cloth
Emergency tool box (fixed to bike)
Spare spokes
Spare inner tube
Rear cog remover
Bottom bracket remover
Lubricants
Swiss army knife
Clothing
Waterproof top
Waterproof trousers
Mittens
2 X cycling shirts
2 X shorts
2 X track bottoms
4 X mini socks
Cycling shoes
Trainers
3 X cycling underpants
2 X t-shirts
5 X underpants
Trousers (for evenings)
2 X socks
Zip-up jumper (black)
Personal
First aid kit
Sudacrem
P20
Insect repellent
Sun block (25)
Towel
Toileteries
Sunglasses
Hat/helmet
Camera (thanks Carl)
Other
Mobile phone/charger
Wallet
Fruit bars etc.
Spare batteries
Pencil & paper
Money
Tickets
Book
