What you need for a bike challenge

A bike challenge needs more than bikes and refreshments. You need clear route markers, a way to handle punctures, supplies for registration and enough food and drink at the finish. This shopping list covers the practical equipment for the route, rest area, start and finish. Check quantities against your number of riders, volunteers and stops, and buy or borrow anything with a long lead time before registration opens.

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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 60
High tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Route signsqty 24
Conesqty 20
Bib numbersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 8
Allen key setsqty 3
Bike repair standsqty 2

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Mobile phonesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Pouring jugsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Directional signsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 10 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee cups - 100 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Croissants - 70 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 70 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Raw vegetable salad - 6 kilo
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Potato salad - 5 kilos
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 8 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan route signs and directional signs for every turn, junction and confusing section, then add a few spare signs in case one is damaged or moved. Cones are useful for separating the start area, finish area and any repair point from riders and vehicles.
Prepare one repair point with bike pumps, spare inner tubes, tyre levers, Allen key sets and bike repair stands. Have at least one complete repair setup at the start and finish, plus mobile phones or walkie-talkies so volunteers can report problems on the route.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per rider during the first hour, then add extra for the expected duration and warm weather. Use coolers for chilled drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks; reusable cups reduce the amount of waste at rest and finish areas.
Set aside a separate registration supply: bib numbers, wristbands, pens and a table that is not also used for food service. Keep spare bib numbers and wristbands available for late registrations, replacements and riders whose details change.
Check power and lighting at least one day before setup. Extension cords, power strips, LED lamps and string lights should be suitable for the location, while tents, tables, chairs and waste bins must fit the number of riders and volunteers expected.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a bike challenge?: Plan two to three drinks per rider for the first hour, then add more based on the full ride time and weather. For food, prepare at least one portion per registered rider at the finish, plus 10% extra for volunteers, late additions and second servings.
What bike repair equipment should I buy for a bike challenge?: At minimum, provide one pump, spare inner tubes, tyre levers and an Allen key set for each staffed repair point. Add a bike repair stand where possible, and keep a second set of the small tools at the start or finish as a backup.
How many route signs do I need for a bike challenge?: Use one clear sign at every turn, junction and point where riders could take the wrong route, then buy or prepare roughly 10% extra. Walk or cycle the route before the event and mark any place where a sign may be hidden by traffic, trees or other obstacles.
When should I buy supplies for a bike challenge?: Buy or reserve tents, tables, repair stands, lighting and route signs at least two to four weeks before the event. Buy fresh food and chilled drinks during the final two days, and check all repair equipment and power supplies no later than the day before.

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