What to Buy for a Bike Ride

A group bike ride needs more than bicycles and helmets. You’ll need supplies for route marking, minor repairs, first aid, refreshments and a finish area that can work in changing weather. Use the participant count to scale drinks, cups and snacks, then add spare equipment for riders who forget something or arrive with a flat tyre. Buy and test batteries, lights and power banks before the day, because replacing them during the ride is difficult.

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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
Bicycle racksqty 8

Sports equipment

Safety vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike repair kitsqty 3
Inner tubesqty 12
Bike lightsqty 12
Bike helmetsqty 6
Reflective bandsqty 20

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6
Traffic conesqty 12

Route signage

Route arrowsqty 40
Route signsqty 10
Cable tiesqty 100
Barrier tapeqty 4
Waterproof markersqty 6

Equipment

Mobile phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Hand broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 40 pieces
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 70 pieces
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken breast strips - 3 kilos
- Feta cheese - 2 kilos
- Dressing - 3 bottles
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan about 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add roughly 500 ml per rider for each additional hour. Buy extra water for the finish area, especially if the route has no reliable refill point.
For every 10 riders, pack at least 1 bike pump, 1 repair kit and 2 spare inner tubes. Keep these with the group escorts rather than leaving all repair equipment at the start or finish.
Mark the route with arrows and signs at every turn that is not obvious, using cable ties, barrier tape and waterproof markers. Bring about 10% more signs than your route plan requires in case one is damaged or moved.
Prepare one first aid kit and one emergency blanket per riding group, plus flashlights and mobile phones with charged power banks. Give each escort a clear emergency contact list before riders leave.
For the finish area, allow 1 reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per participant, plus 10% extra. Chill drinks in coolers before the start and check that extension cords, LED lamps and string lights can reach the tables safely.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a group bike ride?: Allow at least 500 ml per rider for every hour of cycling, plus 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour. Add 10% extra when the weather is warm or there is no refill station on the route.
How many spare inner tubes should I buy for a bike ride?: Buy at least 2 spare inner tubes for every 10 riders, and more for a long or remote route. Carry them with the repair kits and pumps so a group can handle a puncture without returning to the finish area.
What safety equipment is needed for a group bike ride?: Prepare bike helmets, reflective bands, safety vests, bike lights, first aid kits and emergency blankets. Each riding group should have at least 1 first aid kit, 1 emergency blanket and 1 charged mobile phone.
When should I buy and prepare the bike ride supplies?: Buy non-perishable route and safety supplies at least 1 week before the ride. Chill drinks the day before, test lights and power banks within 24 hours of departure, and check the forecast before finalising quantities.

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