What to Buy and Bring for a Bike Ride

A group bike ride needs more than bicycles and snacks. Plan water at the start and rest stop, food that can be served quickly, and enough repair and safety equipment for the whole group. You will also need practical items for registration, route marking and communication between groups. This shopping list helps you cover the supplies people most often forget until riders are already on the road.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Party tentsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 45
Reusable bowlsqty 45
Reusable cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving utensilsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Large cooking potsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Coolersqty 5
Water jerrycansqty 4

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 3
Power banksqty 4
Phone chargersqty 4
Megaphonesqty 2

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 10
Bike pumpsqty 3
Repair kitsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 10
Bicycle light setsqty 6
Route card holdersqty 6
Route signsqty 20
Conesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2

Lighting

Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Penne - 5 kilogram
- Tomato passata - 8 liters
- Vegetarian mince pieces - 2 kilograms
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Red bell pepper - 2 kilograms
- Zucchini - 2 kilogram
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilograms
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Oregano - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Apples - 45 pieces
- Bananas - 45 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan at least 2 litres of drinking water per rider for a ride of several hours, plus extra water for cooking, washing and unexpected delays. Split it between coolers and water jerrycans rather than relying on one container.
Prepare one repair kit for each riding group, with at least one spare inner tube per bicycle size used on the ride. Add a pump that can be carried on the route, not only one kept at the start.
Give every group a route card holder and a printed route card, then pack spare copies at registration. Route signs, cones and reflective vests are easy to overlook when the ride starts early or ends after dark.
Charge walkie-talkies, phones and power banks the evening before. Bring one phone charger per registration or support point, and keep a first aid kit with the lead group rather than at the food table.
For a rest stop, allow one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per participant, plus serving utensils. Pack food in coolers and bring thermos flasks so drinks remain available while groups arrive at different times.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a group bike ride?: Allow about 2 litres of drinking water per rider for a ride lasting several hours. Add extra water for food preparation, hand cleaning and delays, especially when there is no reliable refill point on the route.
How many bike repair kits should I bring?: Pack at least one repair kit for each riding group, plus one spare kit at the start or rest stop. Include at least one spare inner tube per bicycle size used by the participants and carry a pump with every group.
What food and tableware do I need for a bike ride rest stop?: Plan one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per participant, with a few spares for damage or late additions. Bring coolers for perishable food, thermos flasks for hot drinks and serving utensils for each dish.
When should I charge the communication and lighting equipment?: Charge walkie-talkies, phones, power banks and phone chargers the evening before the ride. Check battery lanterns and bicycle lighting sets again at registration, particularly if any group may return after dark.

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