What you need for a BMX race

A BMX race needs more than bikes and a starting gate. You also need clear course markers, working timing equipment, rider numbers, repair supplies and enough communication gear for officials and volunteers. Plan spare items before race day, because a flat tire, dead battery or missing helmet can stop a heat. This shopping list helps you check the practical equipment needed for registration, course preparation, racing, safety and the finish area.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Beer tablesqty 6
Waste binsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Starting gate
Start gate timer
Road bikesqty 2
Spare helmetsqty 6
Bib numbersqty 100
Bib holdersqty 100
Course conesqty 40
Marker postsqty 40
Rake the trackqty 4
Scoopsqty 3
Wheelbarrowsqty 2
Spare bike pumpsqty 3
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bicycle standsqty 20
Competition flagsqty 12
Finish mat
Measuring tapesqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24
Clipboardsqty 8
Competition whistlesqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 20
Traffic barriersqty 20
Crowd barriersqty 30
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 12
Cable matsqty 10
Weighted base platesqty 20
BMX trophiesqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 30
Medal holdersqty 30
Bib numbersqty 100
First aid kitsqty 2
Cooling packsqty 20
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Wheelchairs
Neck bracesqty 2

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Printersqty 2
Reams of printer paperqty 3
Public address microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 4
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Portable LED lampsqty 8
Megaphone
Cameraqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 30
Food containersqty 20
Thermos bottlesqty 6

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 8
Buntingqty 12
Balloon archesqty 2
Stage backdrop
Stage carpet

Cleaning

Broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Rubber glovesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpansqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 20 bottles
- Spa Rood - 10 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Hot chocolate - 2 packs
- Milk - 10 liter
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon slices - 4 tubs
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Burger buns - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Hamburgers - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Hot dogs - 100 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 100 pieces
- Vegan hot dogs - 20 pieces
- Cheese slices - 3 packs
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Onions - 4 kilos
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Fried onions - 3 bags
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Spice mix - 3 bags
- Fries - 25 kilos
- Deep-frying oil - 10 liter
- Fries sauce - 5 bottles
- Curry sauce - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Yogurt - 40 cups
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegan burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegan mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Allergen labels - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Stain remover - 2 bottles
- Disposable lighters - 4 pieces
- Matches - 2 boxes
- Coffee filters - 4 packs
- Tea filters - 2 boxes
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 500 pieces

Tips

Prepare at least one spare helmet and two spare inner tubes, then check their condition before race day. Riders can arrive without suitable protective equipment or suffer a puncture during practice.
Allow one walkie-talkie for each key operating point, such as the start, finish and course marshal positions. Charge every unit and pack spare batteries the day before.
Bring bib numbers, bib holders and clipboards together in one registration kit. Keep the confirmed start lists with them so officials are not searching for paperwork when riders check in.
Mark the course with cones and marker posts before the course inspection. Keep a rake, scoops and wheelbarrows nearby if the track needs repairs after weather or heavy use.
Set up the finish mat, stopwatches and start gate timer for a full test before the first heat. Test the starting gate separately as well, because timing problems are difficult to fix once races are underway.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a BMX race?: Plan for a starting gate, start gate timer, course cones, marker posts, competition flags and a finish mat. You will also need timing tools, walkie-talkies, bib numbers and basic bike repair equipment.
How many spare BMX helmets should I bring?: Bring at least one spare helmet for a small race, and add one more for every 25 to 30 registered riders if you expect equipment problems. Check sizes and condition before registration opens.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a BMX race?: Use one walkie-talkie for each essential communication point, usually the start, finish and course marshal area. For a larger course, add one per marshal position and pack spare batteries for the full event day.
When should BMX race equipment be tested?: Test the starting gate and timing equipment at least 24 hours before the race, then run a short final check on site before the first heat. Inspect course markers, bikes and repair supplies during setup.

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