What to Buy for a Cycling Tour

A cycling tour needs more than bikes and a route. Plan drinks and snacks for the full ride, plus practical supplies for registration, rest stops and the finish area. Repair equipment should cover common problems such as punctures, loose bolts and dry chains. You will also need safety and communication gear for guides and volunteers. Use the participant count to calculate refreshments, then add a small reserve for late registrations and unexpected delays.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Bar stoolsqty 4
Bicycle racksqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 100
Reusable coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Mobile sound system
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Mobile phone chargersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Sports equipment

Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 8
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Bike locksqty 2
Chain lubricantqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 12
Helmets for guidesqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Emergency blankets for bikesqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Start/finish banner
Flagsqty 12
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Route arrowsqty 80
Chalkboardsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Oranges - 6 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 60 pieces
- Young matured cheese - 2 kilograms
- Turkey breast - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Butter - 500 grams
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilogram
- Mixed snacks - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free muesli bars - 20 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per rider for the first hour, then allow roughly one drink every hour after that. Chill the drinks before participants arrive and keep extra water available at the finish.
Buy easy-to-carry snacks such as fruit and individually portioned items. Allow at least two snack portions per rider for a shorter tour, or three for a ride lasting more than three hours.
Pack one spare inner tube for every five to ten bikes, along with tire levers, bike multi-tools and pumps. Add chain lubricant and basic repair supplies so volunteers can handle more than punctures.
Provide reflective vests for route volunteers and helmets for guides. Keep first aid kits and emergency blankets where the lead guide and finish-area team can reach them quickly.
Prepare the start and finish area before registration opens: set out reusable cups, tables, coolers and bicycle racks, and charge the mobile sound system and walkie-talkies the evening before.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a cycling tour?: Allow two to three drinks per rider during the first hour, then about one drink per person per additional hour. Plan two snack portions per rider for a short tour and three for a ride longer than three hours.
How many spare inner tubes should I buy for a group ride?: Start with one spare inner tube for every five to ten participating bikes, with at least two tubes available even for a small group. Bring tire levers, pumps and bike multi-tools with them.
What repair equipment is needed for a cycling tour?: Take bike pumps, spare inner tubes, tire levers, bike multi-tools and chain lubricant. Check the repair kit at least one day before the tour and replace anything used or missing.
When should I prepare the cycling tour supplies?: Buy non-perishable supplies at least one week beforehand. Chill drinks, pack participant materials and test communication equipment the day before, then set out fresh snacks on the event morning.

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