What to Buy for an Active Bike Ride

An active bike ride needs more than bikes and refreshments. You will need clear route marking, basic repair equipment, visible safety gear and a simple setup for registration and rest stops. Plan drinks and serving supplies around your final participant count, then add a small buffer for volunteers and unexpected delays. Check the weather before buying or packing items that need to stay dry, and make sure every route and first-aid supply is ready before participants arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Bicycle racksqty 8

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 60
Safety vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 6
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Bike locksqty 8

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6
Reflective route arrowsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 4
Traffic conesqty 12

Signage

Route signsqty 25
Cones for start and finishqty 10
Whiteboard
Waterproof markersqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 60 liters
- Sparkling water - 24 liters
- Apple juice - 10 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Orange lemonade - 6 liters
- Isotonic sports drink - 18 liters
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Energy gels - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 70 pieces
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Yogurt dressing - 2 liters
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Prepare one participant pack per rider, including a bib number and any route information. Print a few extra bibs and keep spare markers at the registration table.
For every group of riders, provide access to pumps, spare inner tubes, tire levers and bike multi-tools. These are easy to overlook and difficult to source once the ride has started.
Use reflective route arrows, signs, cones and barrier tape at turns, crossings, the start and the finish. Pack waterproof markers so signs can be updated on the day.
Count reusable cups, plates and cutlery sets against the confirmed participant list, then add roughly 10% extra. Fill pitchers shortly before the ride and keep drinks chilled until setup.
Give volunteers safety vests and communication equipment before riders leave. Charge walkie-talkies and power banks the night before, and pack flashlights if setup or pack-down may happen in low light.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for an active bike ride?: Plan for route signs and arrows, cones, safety vests, bib numbers, bike pumps, spare inner tubes, tire levers, multi-tools and first aid kits. You will also need drinks, reusable cups, pitchers and registration materials for the confirmed number of riders.
How many drinks should I buy for a bike ride?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, depending on temperature and ride intensity. Add around 10% extra for volunteers, late arrivals and spills, and chill the drinks before setup.
How many spare inner tubes do I need?: A practical starting point is one spare inner tube for every 10 riders, with at least two available for a small group. Buy more if the route is long, remote or includes rough surfaces, and check the common tire sizes beforehand.
When should I prepare the bike ride supplies?: Buy non-perishable safety, signage and repair supplies at least one week before the ride. Check pumps, radios and power banks 24 hours beforehand, and pack drinks and other perishables on the day of the event.

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