What to Buy and Bring for a Bike Ride

A bike ride needs more than bikes and water. This shopping list covers the supplies for registration, route marking, rest stops, food, drinks, basic repairs and rider safety. Plan quantities from the final participant list, then add a small reserve for late arrivals, spills and mechanical problems. Buying repair parts, route materials and emergency supplies too late is a common mistake, especially when the ride starts early or follows a remote route.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
High tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Battery chargersqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 12
Bike helmetsqty 4
Bottle holdersqty 4
Spare bike locksqty 6
Route card holdersqty 8
Rain ponchosqty 10
First aid kitsqty 2
Safety blanketsqty 4

Decorations

Start flagsqty 2
Directional signsqty 30
Cocktail table coversqty 4
Disposable plates for the routeqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Waste sorting binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Iced tea - 3 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 50 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Gluten-free rolls - 8 pieces
- Vegan spreads - 4 tubs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Plaster strips - 3 boxes
- Sunscreen - 4 bottles
- Drawing tweezers - 2 pieces

Tips

Plan 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then provide additional water for the route and finish area. Use coolers, water jugs and reusable cups so riders can refill without creating a pile of waste.
Prepare one start pack per participant, including the route information and any event details they need before riding. Print the emergency contact list separately and keep it at the registration table and with the route team.
Bring at least one bike pump, one bike tool kit and several spare inner tubes in suitable sizes. Check the bikes and tires before shopping so you can replace missing or damaged parts rather than discovering the gap at the start.
For a group ride, prepare route signs and arrow boards before the day itself, and carry extra fixing supplies for the route. Load route files onto phones before departure and keep printed route cards available if batteries or signals fail.
Set aside food for the planned rest stop instead of relying only on the finish area. Count plates, cutlery, serving utensils and reusable cups per participant, then add roughly 10% extra for breakage, loss or unexpected guests.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a bike ride?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, plus refill water for the rest stop and finish. Buy portable snacks and fruit for the route, and bring about 10% extra portions so nobody is left short.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring on a group bike ride?: Bring several spare inner tubes in the sizes used by the participating bikes, rather than relying on one universal tube. For a small group, keep at least 2 to 4 spares available and add more when the route is long or remote.
When should I prepare the bike ride shopping list?: Make the first shopping list as soon as registrations open, then update quantities when the participant list is finalized. Buy non-perishable route and repair supplies at least 1 week before the ride; buy fresh food and chill drinks shortly before departure.
What safety equipment is needed for a bike ride?: Prepare bike helmets, reflective vests, first aid kits and emergency contact information for the group. Carry at least one first aid kit and one charged phone or power bank with the route team, and check all safety supplies the day before.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.