What to Bring for a Bike Tour

A bike tour needs more than bicycles and snacks. This shopping list covers the supplies that keep registration, route marking, rest stops and basic repairs running smoothly. Plan drinking water for the full route, plus visible route equipment and a small repair setup at the start and rest area. Check quantities against your rider list, and buy or borrow anything with a lead time, such as bicycle racks, a party tent or walkie-talkies.

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 8
Party tentqty 2
Bicycle racksqty 6

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 80
Conesqty 20
Bib numbersqty 50
Wristbandsqty 50
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 8
Multi-toolsqty 4
Bike locksqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 8
Bicycle light setsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Water bottle cratesqty 4

Equipment

Smartphonesqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Charging cablesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Safety glovesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 8
Pour spoutsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Decorations

Start sign
Finish sign
Information boardsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Trash bag holdersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 80 bottles
- Sports drink - 50 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Oranges - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Energy gels - 50 pieces
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls

Tips

Plan at least one water bottle per rider for the start, then add extra water for the rest area. Water jugs and pour spouts make refilling faster than handing out individual bottles.
Prepare one bib number and wristband per participant, plus a small spare stack. Keeping 5–10% extra avoids stopping registration when someone loses a number or arrives without one.
For basic roadside repairs, bring at least one spare inner tube per 10 riders, one pump per group, and tire levers and multi-tools at the start and rest area. Check that the tube sizes match the bicycles in your group.
Use route arrows and cones where riders could miss a turn, especially near the start, rest area and busy crossings. Pack the arrows in bundles by route section so volunteers can place them without sorting on site.
Charge smartphones, power banks, walkie-talkies and megaphones the day before. Bring the correct charging cables and keep one fully charged phone with the emergency contacts and route files.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a bike tour?: Bring water supplies, reusable cups, route arrows, cones, bib numbers, wristbands and basic bike repair gear. Add bicycle racks, reflective vests, bicycle light sets, first aid kits and emergency blankets when the route or timing requires them.
How much water do I need per cyclist?: Plan at least 750 ml per rider for a short ride, and more for warm weather or a longer route. Add enough water at the rest area for one refill per rider, plus a 10% reserve.
How many spare inner tubes do I need for a group bike ride?: Pack at least one spare inner tube per 10 riders, with a minimum of two for the group. Buy or borrow extra tubes if riders use different wheel sizes, and confirm the sizes before the event.
What bike tour supplies should I prepare in advance?: Charge communication equipment and assemble starter packs at least one day ahead. Check route arrows, repair tools, first aid kits and water containers 24 hours before the start so missing items can still be replaced.

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.