What you need for a bike orienteering tour

Use this shopping list to prepare the start, finish and checkpoints for a bike orienteering tour. Bring clear route markers, bib numbers and route card holders so riders can follow the course and record their progress. Repair supplies matter too: pumps, tools, inner tubes and tire levers cover the most common roadside problems. Add tables, shelter, waste bins and reusable serving items if riders will register, wait or eat at the finish.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 20
Beer table setsqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Portable speakersqty 2
Megaphone

Sports equipment

Conesqty 30
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 4
Basic tool kitsqty 3
Inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 12
Bike locksqty 10
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Route signsqty 45
Arrow stickersqty 100
Bib numbersqty 120
Wristbandsqty 120
Clipboard cardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Prizesqty 6
Route card holdersqty 120

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Welcome sign
Route mapsqty 6

Cleaning

Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Hand broomsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole grain buns - 80 pieces
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Mandarins - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Savory nuts - 6 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 shaker
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces

Tips

Prepare one route card holder and one bib number for every registered rider, plus at least 10% extras for late sign-ups or damaged items.
Allow one route sign or arrow sticker for every decision point, then pack 10 spare markers. Markers are easy to miss when the route is checked only from a bicycle.
Take at least one basic tool kit, bike pump, set of tire levers and several inner tubes to the start or a support vehicle. Match the spare tube sizes to the bikes being used.
Give each checkpoint a clipboard card, pens and its puzzle materials in a separate bundle. Pack two pens per checkpoint so a lost or empty pen does not stop the activity.
For a staffed start or finish, plan one folding table for registration, one table for refreshments and enough chairs for volunteers. Add coolers, reusable cups and waste bins before the event week, not on the morning itself.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to a bike orienteering tour?: Bring a bike in working order, a route card holder, water and weather-appropriate clothing. The organiser should also have route markers, registration materials, repair supplies and emergency contact details ready before riders arrive.
How many spare bike parts do I need for a bike orienteering event?: For a small group, prepare at least one pump, one basic tool kit, two sets of tire levers and several inner tubes. Add more tubes when the route is long, remote or used by more than 20 riders.
How many route signs do I need for a bike orienteering tour?: Use at least one sign or arrow sticker at every turn, junction or hazard point. Count the full route after the pre-ride and pack around 10% extra markers for replacements.
When should I buy or pack the event supplies?: Buy durable equipment at least two weeks before the tour and check it during the full route pre-ride. Pack checkpoint bundles, bib numbers and registration materials 1–2 days before the start.

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