What you need for a bike relay

A bike relay needs more than bikes and bib numbers. Pack repair equipment for common punctures, clear route markers, safety gear, timing tools and enough space for riders to wait between legs. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook, including spare inner tubes, power banks, first aid supplies and equipment for volunteers. Check the route and participant count before buying quantities, then assemble starter packs and coolers close to the event day.

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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 40
High tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Spare bicyclesqty 3
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Inner tubesqty 12
Bike locksqty 3
Chain oilqty 2
Allen key setsqty 3
Wrench setsqty 2
Bicycle standsqty 4
Traffic conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Route arrowsqty 24
Bib numbersqty 120
Safety vestsqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Bike helmetsqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 120
Winner's cupsqty 3

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphonesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Pliersqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Team color stickersqty 120
Wayfinding signsqty 12
Prize tablecloth

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 16 bottles
- Sports drink - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Butter - 4 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilogram
- Aged cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Strawberry jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 24 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Bananas - 10 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Raisins - 40 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Kitchen gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Bread bags - 2 packs
- Herb cheese - 12 tubs
- Vegan toppings - 12 packages
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Lactose-free yogurt - 20 cups
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Herbal tea honey - 2 jars
- Coffee creamer cups - 200 pieces

Tips

Plan one working bike pump, tire-lever set and basic tool set for every exchange point, plus at least two spare inner tubes per expected puncture-prone bike group. Check pumps and tools before loading them.
Prepare one bib number and one safety vest for every participant or course volunteer who needs to be visible. Pack a few spare bib numbers and vests for last-minute changes.
Place route arrows before the first rider arrives and secure them with barrier tape or traffic cones at every hazardous turn. Bring extra markers because wind, traffic or rain can move them.
Keep at least one first aid kit and several ice packs at the start area, and give the route team a way to contact it using walkie-talkies. Confirm medical contact details before the relay begins.
Charge stopwatches, laptops, walkie-talkies and megaphones the day before, then pack power banks and extension cords as backups. Fill coolers shortly before the start so drinks and other chilled supplies remain cold.

Frequently asked questions

How many spare inner tubes do I need for a bike relay?: Start with two spare inner tubes for each group of up to 10 bikes, and add more if the route has rough surfaces or long distances. Bring tire levers and at least one working pump with them.
How many bike helmets should I buy for a relay?: Provide one correctly fitting helmet for every rider who does not bring one, plus two spare helmets in commonly used sizes. Check the fit before the first leg rather than during the handover.
When should I buy and pack bike relay supplies?: Buy non-perishable equipment at least one week before the relay. Check bikes and repair tools 1–2 days before, and assemble bibs, starter packs and coolers on the event day.
How many volunteers need safety vests and walkie-talkies?: Give a safety vest to every route marshal, exchange-point worker and rider-support volunteer. Use at least one walkie-talkie at the start, each exchange point and with the route lead, then test the full set before the briefing.

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