What to Buy and Bring for a Bike Tour

A bike tour needs more than bicycles and refreshments. You will need supplies for registration, route marking, basic repairs, rider identification, communication, and a practical start and finish area. Plan quantities around your confirmed participant list, then add a small buffer for late arrivals and damaged gear. This shopping list covers the items that are easy to overlook, especially spare tubes, power banks, route signs, cups, and lighting.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
Bicycle Racksqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Sports equipment

Route mapsqty 60
Bib numbersqty 60
Safety vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 8
Bike repair kitsqty 4
Bike locksqty 20
Reflective route arrowsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Traffic conesqty 12
Spare bike
Bicycle trailersqty 2

Equipment

Mobile phonesqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Sports drink - 30 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 4 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Mini popsicles - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Muesli bars - 70 pieces
- Egg cakes - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 30 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Vegetarian sandwich slices - 30 pieces
- Vegan sandwich slices - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one printed route map per rider, plus at least 10% extra for late registrations or replacements. Keep the spare maps at the registration table.
Pack one bike pump, tire levers, and a repair kit for every support vehicle or volunteer team. Bring at least two spare inner tubes in each repair kit, because punctures are the most common roadside problem.
Buy enough drinks for the planned stops and chill them before riders arrive. As a working estimate, allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust for the route length and weather.
Use reflective route arrows, traffic cones, and barrier tape at every confusing turn, not only at the start. Count the junctions during the final route check and bring 10–15% extra signs for replacements.
Set aside one mobile phone and power bank for each key coordinator, and test the walkie-talkies before departure. Extension cords, power strips, LED lamps, and flashlights are easy to miss when registration or catering runs late.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a bike tour registration table?: Bring bib numbers, printed route maps, reusable pens or markers, a foldable table, chairs, and a tablecloth. Prepare one registration pack per participant and keep at least 10% extra maps and bib numbers available.
How many spare bike tubes should I bring on a bike tour?: Use at least two spare inner tubes per repair kit or support vehicle. For a group of 50 riders, three repair kits with six tubes each gives you 18 tubes and covers several punctures without relying on a shop during the ride.
How much food and drink do I need for a bike tour?: For the first hour, plan on 2–3 drinks per rider, then add more for hot weather or a longer route. Order catering for the confirmed participant count plus roughly 10% extra, especially when registrations are still open.
When should I buy and prepare bike tour supplies?: Buy durable equipment and printed materials at least 1–2 weeks before the tour. Chill drinks, pack repair kits, check lights and communication equipment, and prepare route signs during the final 24 hours after checking the forecast and route.

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.