What to buy for a cycling weekend

A cycling weekend needs more than bikes and a route. You will need food and drinks for arrival, rest stops and the evening, plus serving equipment for group meals. Repair and safety supplies should be ready before riders arrive, not bought after the first puncture. Use the plan below to prepare reception, bike checks, refreshments and route materials for the whole group.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 24
Bicycle racksqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 30
Knivesqty 30
Forksqty 30
Spoonsqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Portable bicycle pumpsqty 4
Floor pump with pressure gauge

Sports equipment

Bike repair stand
Allen key setsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bike tool setsqty 3
Reflective vestsqty 6
Bike lightsqty 6
Route card holdersqty 6
Water bottle holdersqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Mobile phone holdersqty 4

Decorations

Route arrowsqty 20
Name badgesqty 30

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still water - 30 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Orange soda - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Sports drink - 12 liters
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Mandarins - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Currant buns - 24 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 36 pieces
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cooked ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Honey - 1 jar
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Yogurt - 4 kilos
- Muesli - 2 kilo
- Oatmeal - 1 kilo
- Baby potatoes - 5 kilo
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Green salad - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 24 pieces
- Burger buns - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Vinegar - 1 bottle
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Plan roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour after arrival, then add water for the ride and extra drinks for the evening. Chill what can be chilled and keep the rest in coolers or jugs.
Pack rest-stop food in individual or small portions so it can be handed out quickly. Allow at least one snack per rider per stop, with extra portions for delays or a longer route.
Prepare a basic repair point before participants arrive: a pump with a pressure gauge, tire levers, Allen keys, bike tools and spare inner tubes should be together in one clearly marked place.
Bring one first aid kit for the reception or accommodation and another if the route is long or remote. Put reflective vests and bike lights where they can be issued without unpacking everyone’s luggage.
Label each participant’s luggage before reception starts and keep route maps, card holders and water bottle holders at the registration desk. These small items are often forgotten until riders are already preparing to leave.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a cycling weekend?: Allow one substantial meal per person for each planned meal, plus at least one snack per rider at every rest stop. Buy 10–15% extra snacks for late arrivals, larger appetites and route delays.
How many drinks should I buy for a cycling weekend?: For arrival, plan on 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour. For the ride, provide at least 500–750 ml of water or another drink per rider per hour, adjusted for heat and route difficulty.
What bike repair supplies do I need for a group ride?: Have at least one floor pump with a pressure gauge, one portable pump, one bike repair stand, one tool set and several spare inner tubes available. For a larger group, add one spare tube per 5–8 riders.
When should I buy supplies for a cycling weekend?: Buy non-perishable food, serving items and repair supplies 3–7 days beforehand. Buy fresh food and chill drinks the day before, then check the weather and route before adding weather-dependent items.

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