What to Buy and Bring for a Bike Ride

A bike ride needs more than bicycles and water. This shopping list covers route marking, roadside repairs, rider safety, registration, communication, lighting and refreshments at the start or finish. Plan quantities around your rider count, then add supplies for escorts and volunteers. Check the forecast before shopping: coolers, thermos flasks, tents and extra lighting become much more useful when the ride lasts several hours or ends after dark.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 12
Party tentsqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 6

Sports equipment

Bike repair kitsqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 40
Conesqty 12
Ratchet strapsqty 8
Bicycle standsqty 10
Route mapsqty 70

Equipment

Mobile phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6
Headlampsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Pitcherqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Cutting knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 8
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Start/finish banner
Tableclothsqty 6
Participant wristbandsqty 60

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Isotonic sports drink - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham joint - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Pack one bike repair kit and one pump for every 10 to 15 riders, plus at least one spare inner tube for every 10 bikes. Keep the repair gear with the route escorts rather than at the registration table.
Use one reflective vest for every escort, marshal and registration volunteer. Add route arrows and cones for each junction or hazard, and bring at least 10% more than your route plan requires.
Provide 500 to 750 ml of drinks per rider for each planned rest stop. Use coolers for chilled drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks; reusable cups reduce the need to carry disposable drinkware.
Allow one mobile phone or walkie-talkie for each key role, and prepare one power bank per phone that will be used throughout the ride. Charge phones and walkie-talkies the evening before.
Bring one first aid kit for the start area and one with the lead or support vehicle. Pack headlamps or LED lights and spare batteries when any part of the ride may run after sunset.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a group bike ride?: Plan for route arrows, cones, reflective vests, repair kits, pumps, spare inner tubes, first aid kits, phones or walkie-talkies, drinks and cups. For every 10 to 15 riders, allow one repair kit and pump, with at least one spare tube for every 10 bikes.
How much water do I need for a bike ride?: Allow 500 to 750 ml per rider for each rest stop, then adjust for heat, distance and access to refill points. For a three-hour ride with one stop, 750 ml per rider is a practical starting point.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring on a group ride?: Pack at least one spare inner tube for every 10 bicycles, plus one or two extra for a larger group. Keep them with the support or escort team so they can reach a rider quickly.
What safety equipment is needed for an organised bike ride?: Give every marshal and escort a reflective vest, and mark junctions or hazards with route arrows and cones. Bring one first aid kit at the start and one mobile kit with the support team; add headlamps and spare batteries if riders may finish after dark.

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