What to Buy for a Bike Ride

A group bike ride needs more than bicycles and water bottles. Plan supplies for the start, the rest stop and common roadside repairs, including drinks, snacks, route markers, reflective vests and spare inner tubes. Buy or pack items according to your final rider count, then add a small reserve for late registrations and mechanical problems. This checklist also covers practical setup supplies such as cups, tables, lighting and communication equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 20
Party tentsqty 2
Bicycle racksqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 10

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 35
Route signsqty 12
Traffic conesqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 6
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100
Roll of duct tapeqty 3

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Mobile phonesqty 3
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Pitchersqty 4

Decorations

Starting bannersqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Mop setsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Bottled water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 40 pieces
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per rider for the first hour, then add extra water or other drinks for the rest stop. Chill them before participants arrive and keep a few unopened bottles in reserve.
For repairs, pack at least one spare inner tube for every 5 to 10 riders, plus tyre levers, bike multitools and pumps. Keep cable ties and a roll of duct tape with the repair kit rather than at the registration table.
Allow one route arrow or sign for every junction and turn that riders could miss, with several extra signs for detours. Sort the signs before setup so volunteers can place them in route order.
Give each route marshal a reflective vest and a charged phone or walkie-talkie. Prepare one power bank per two phones and check the communication plan before the ride starts.
Set up the start and rest areas at least 60 minutes before departure. Bring reusable cups, plates and cutlery, and pack thermos flasks, cutting boards and bread knives if food or hot drinks are served.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a bike ride?: Plan at least two drinks per rider for the first hour, plus additional drinks for the rest stop. Provide one snack portion per person and add 10% extra for late arrivals or larger appetites.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring on a group bike ride?: Bring one spare inner tube for every 5 to 10 riders, with at least two tubes for any group. Pack pumps, tyre levers and bike multitools with the tubes so repairs can be handled on the route.
How many route signs do I need for a bike ride?: Use one arrow or route sign at every turn, junction or confusing section of the route, then add 10% extra. Prepare the signs in route order at least 30 minutes before volunteers leave to place them.
When should I buy supplies for a bike ride?: Buy non-perishable supplies 3 to 7 days before the ride and confirm the rider count at least 48 hours beforehand. Purchase or chill fresh food and drinks the day before, leaving time to replace missing items.

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