What you need for a bike puzzle rally

A bike puzzle rally needs more than bikes and printed clues. You will need clearly marked checkpoints, tools for common punctures, route paperwork, catering supplies and a reliable setup for registration and the finish. Plan quantities around your number of riders and teams, then add a small reserve for damaged signs, missing tools and unexpected delays. Keep checkpoint materials separate from the start-finish supplies so volunteers can load and check them quickly.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee mugsqty 50
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Rechargeable work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Start-finish banner

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 50
Checkpoint signsqty 8
Traffic conesqty 20
Bike pumpsqty 3
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Spare inner tubesqty 10
Tape kitsqty 4
Bicycle light setsqty 20

Paperwork

Route mapsqty 70
Answer formsqty 70
Clipboardsqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 80
Waterproof document sleevesqty 70
Envelopesqty 12
Participant stickersqty 80

Safety

Reflective vestsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dishpanqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still water - 80 bottles
- Sparkling water - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Isotonic sports drink - 40 bottles
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mini currant buns - 30 pieces
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Salty snacks - 8 bags
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces

Tips

Prepare one route map and puzzle pack for every team, plus at least 10% extra copies. Pack each checkpoint’s clues, signs and forms in a labelled envelope before the event.
Take at least one pump, one tool kit, tire levers and spare inner tubes to the start area, and give each checkpoint a way to contact the organisers. A puncture can otherwise stop a team for 30 minutes or more.
Use two or three route arrows for every turn or confusing section, and add traffic cones at the start, finish and any point where riders need to slow down. Check all signs during the test ride.
For the first hour, plan roughly two to three drinks per person, then add water for the cycling route. Chill drinks before participants arrive and keep a separate cooler for unopened supplies.
Set out cups, plates, cutlery and serving trays before registration opens, not when riders return. Allow at least one table for check-in, one for catering and a clear area for returned forms and puzzle materials.

Frequently asked questions

How many route maps do I need for a bike puzzle rally?: Print one complete route map and puzzle pack per team, not per rider. Add at least 10% extra copies, so a rally with 12 teams needs 14 sets.
What bike repair supplies should I bring to a puzzle rally?: Bring at least one bike pump, one bike tool kit, tire levers and spare inner tubes for every main support point. For a group of up to 30 riders, two complete repair sets provide a practical minimum.
How much food and drink do I need for a cycling puzzle event?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, with extra water for the route. For food, prepare at least one snack or sandwich per participant, plus around 10% extra for volunteers and late arrivals.
When should I put up route arrows and checkpoint signs?: Place them after the route and traffic points have been checked, ideally 60 to 90 minutes before the first riders leave. Walk or cycle each checkpoint section once more to confirm that signs are visible from the correct direction.

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