What you need for an alleycat race

An alleycat race needs more than bikes and a route map. You will need visible race numbers, checkpoint materials, route markers, repair equipment, timing gear and a way to keep volunteers connected. Plan food and drinks for the full group, plus spare supplies for riders who arrive late or need a quick repair. This list focuses on what to buy or bring so the course, checkpoints and finish area can run without last-minute shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 16
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 80
Checkpoint cardsqty 80
Route mapsqty 80
Traffic conesqty 30
Route arrowsqty 40
Sidewalk chalkqty 10
Bike pumpsqty 3
Tire repair kitsqty 4
Bike tool kitsqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 12

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Decorations

Start/finish banner
Prize ribbonsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 60 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Prepackaged cheese rolls - 30 pieces
- Prepacked ham and cheese sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Energy bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Dark chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Hand brushes and dustpanqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 6

Administration

Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Waterproof markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 8
Cash box

Tips

Prepare one checkpoint pack per checkpoint, plus one spare. Include checkpoint cards, pens, route information and any materials needed for the task so volunteers are not sharing a single kit.
Bring at least one bike pump and one tire repair kit for every 20 riders, with a complete bike tool kit at the start or finish. Test the pumps and tools before race day.
Use one bib number per participant and print a few spare numbers. Keep route maps and checkpoint cards in waterproof sleeves or bags, especially if riders will carry them outdoors.
Allow roughly 1 litre of drinks per participant for a short race, and add 2–3 snacks or pieces of fruit per person. Chill drinks in coolers and put out reusable cups before riders return.
Plan one stopwatch for the finish and a second as backup. Charge walkie-talkies and power banks the day before, and bring extension cords, power strips or battery lanterns if the finish area may be dark.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an alleycat race?: Bring race numbers, checkpoint cards, route maps, cones or arrows, chalk, stopwatches, walkie-talkies and bike repair equipment. For the event area, plan tables, waste bins, reusable cups, drinks and snacks as well.
How many drinks and snacks do I need for an alleycat race?: For a short race, allow about 1 litre of drinks and 2–3 snacks or pieces of fruit per participant. Add 10% extra so late arrivals, volunteers and riders with a mechanical problem are covered.
How many bike repair kits are needed for an alleycat race?: Plan one pump and one tire repair kit for every 20 riders, plus at least one full tool kit at the start or finish. Check all equipment 1–2 days beforehand and replace empty patches or damaged tools.
When should I prepare the alleycat race supplies?: Order prizes, bib numbers and other printed materials at least 2 weeks ahead. Pack checkpoint kits and check timing, radios, lights and repair tools 1 day before the race.

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