What you need for a bike scavenger hunt

A bike scavenger hunt needs more than bikes and printed clues. You will need route markers that remain visible, supplies for minor repairs, a way to brief riders, and enough food and drinks at the finish. This shopping list covers the practical equipment for checkpoints, starter packs, scorecards and the event base. Buy or collect safety and repair items early, then chill drinks and assemble participant packs on the day before the hunt.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6

Sports equipment

Traffic conesqty 24
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike repair kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 50
Route mapsqty 50
Scorecardsqty 50
Clue cardsqty 60
Clipboardsqty 8
Pen setsqty 8
Prizesqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Water barrelsqty 2

Decorations

Route arrowsqty 36
Route signsqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Start/finish banner

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee cream - 2 packs
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 3 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 1 crate
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 3 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan one bike pump and one repair kit for the start area, plus spare inner tubes that match the tyre sizes used by participants. Check these at least 3 days before the event.
Prepare one bib number, clue set and scorecard per rider or team, then print 10% extra copies for late registrations, damaged cards and lost clues.
For a four-hour hunt, provide at least 1 litre of water per participant and enough reusable cups for everyone at the start and finish. Add coolers or water barrels where riders return.
Use reflective vests for checkpoint volunteers and place route arrows and signs at every decision point. Walk or cycle the route once within 24 hours of starting to replace unclear markers.
Charge the portable speaker, megaphone and power banks the evening before. Pack spare batteries and LED lanterns even if the hunt begins in daylight, because setup and pack-down can run late.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a bike scavenger hunt?: Start with route arrows, route signs, clue cards, scorecards, bib numbers, traffic cones and prizes. Add bike pumps, repair kits, spare inner tubes, reflective vests, drinking water, reusable tableware and supplies for the finish area.
How much water do I need for a bike scavenger hunt?: Allow 1 litre of water per participant for a four-hour event, with extra water for volunteers. For 30 riders, prepare at least 30 litres, split between water barrels and the finish area.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring?: Bring at least 1 spare inner tube for every 10 participating bikes, with a minimum of 3 tubes for a small event. Check tyre sizes during registration so the spares fit the bikes being used.
When should I print the scavenger hunt clues and maps?: Print the final clue cards, route maps and scorecards 2 to 3 days before the event. Keep 10% extra copies and store them in waterproof folders or bags until the start.

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.