What you need for an Audax ride

An Audax ride needs more than bikes and a route file. You need supplies for registration, checkpoints, navigation, rider identification, refreshments and basic roadside repairs. Plan equipment for every staffed checkpoint, then add a small reserve for delays, damaged cards and changing weather. This list covers the practical items to buy or bring, including lighting, power, tables, cups and tools that are easy to arrange too late.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 20
Waste binsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Power banksqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bike pumpsqty 4
Basic bike toolsqty 4

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 120
Conesqty 24
Reflective vestsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 180
Bib holdersqty 180
Control cardsqty 180
Stampsqty 8
Finisher medalsqty 180
Bicycle standsqty 12
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bicycle light setsqty 10
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 220
Mugsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Pitcherqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermal food containersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Paper goods

Route mapsqty 200
Pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Tapeqty 8
Cable tiesqty 300
Clipboardsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cocoa powder - 2 cans
- Still water - 180 liters
- Sparkling water - 60 liters
- Lemon sports drink - 80 liters
- Orange sports drink - 80 liter
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Bananas - 180 pieces
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Oranges - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 15 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Energy gels - 200 pieces
- Raisins - 8 kilograms
- Trail mix - 6 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Pretzels - 8 bags
- Whole wheat bread - 24 loaves
- White Bread - 12 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- Ham - 6 kilograms
- Young cheese - 8 kilograms
- Hummus - 4 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Jam - 6 jars
- Herb cream cheese - 4 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 15 kilograms
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Mayonnaise - 3 liters
- Ketchup - 3 liters
- Mustard - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 20 liters
- Chicken soup - 15 liters
- Croutons - 4 kilogram
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Cake - 8 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 120 pieces
- Ice cubes - 40 kilogram
- Paper napkins - 600 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces

Tips

Prepare one control-card and stamp setup for each checkpoint, plus spare cards and ink in case a rider loses theirs or a stamp runs dry.
Pack at least one pump, a basic bike-tool kit and spare inner tubes at the start or in a support vehicle. Check that the tubes match the tyre sizes used by your riders.
Bring a bicycle light set for every rider who may finish after dark, and pack spare batteries or charged replacements before the start rather than relying on last-minute purchases.
For each checkpoint, allow enough cups, mugs, plates and cutlery for the expected riders and volunteers, then add roughly 10% extra for spills, second servings and late arrivals.
Power is easy to overlook at remote controls: take charged power banks, extension cords and power strips, and test coffee machines and kettles before event morning.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drink do I need for an Audax ride?: Plan refreshments separately for each checkpoint, based on the number of registered riders and volunteers. Buy at least 10% extra cups and serving items, and prepare enough hot-drink capacity for the busiest control rather than the average one.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring on an Audax ride?: Carry at least one spare inner tube for each support point or support vehicle, with extra tubes for common tyre sizes. For a small ride, starting with 4 to 6 tubes gives a useful basic reserve, provided they fit the participating bikes.
What do I need for Audax checkpoints?: Each staffed checkpoint needs control cards, stamps, route information, a table and suitable shelter if the location is exposed. Pack one complete checkpoint package per location and add one spare package before the start.
How early should I buy supplies for an Audax ride?: Buy non-perishable equipment and printed rider materials at least 7 days before the ride. Check drinks, food, batteries and weather protection again 2 to 3 days beforehand, then do the final quantity check after registration closes.

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