Derny race checklist: what to arrange and when

A Derny race needs more than riders and motorcycles. You must secure the course, permits and insurance first, then confirm the rules, officials, participants and timing setup. In the final days, focus on the course inspection, weather check, race numbers, catering and spectator areas. This checklist keeps the preparation in sequence, so safety and race-day logistics are not left until the last morning.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Define the competition concept
2 people
Reserve the course
Apply for permits
Check insurance
Draw up competition rules
2 people
Assign judges and timekeepers
Confirm Derny riders
Invite participants
2 people
Send audience invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check participant details
2 people
Publish start list
Order catering
Reserve materials
Carry out course inspection
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Set out race numbers
2 people
Print the run sheet
Pick up groceries
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Mark off the course
4 people
Mark the start and finish areas
3 people
Set up audience sections
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up tent
4 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up registration
2 people
Test sound system
2 people
Test timekeeping
2 people
Check Derny motorbikes
2 people
Check bikes technically
2 people
Prepare the safety briefing
Prepare catering
3 people
Set up the catering point
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Check first aid supplies
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Open registration
3 people
Receive participants
3 people
Hand out race numbers
2 people
Give the safety briefing
2 people
Supervise practice laps
4 people
Inform the audience
Guide the first lap
6 people
Record intermediate results
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Guide the second race
6 people
Check equipment in between
2 people
Announce finalists
Lead the final
6 people
Check the final standings
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
Check audience lighting
2 people
Support the evening program
2 people
Announce the final round
Ensure the audience leaves safely
4 people

Aftercare

Store derny motorbikes
2 people
Collect bicycles
2 people
Close the catering point
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clear the course
5 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Count materials
2 people
Return rented equipment
2 people
Publish the results
Inform participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Judges' table
Tall cocktail tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Derny motorcyclesqty 5
Spare bike
Bib numbersqty 30
Race numbersqty 30
Course conesqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Ribbonsqty 6
Round signsqty 4
Bike pumpsqty 3
Tool casesqty 2
Assembly standsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 10
Cable tiesqty 100
Lubricantqty 3

Equipment

Timing set
Stopwatchqty 4
Megaphoneqty 2
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start with the course, permits and insurance before inviting riders. A reserved route is not automatically approved for racing, and changes to the course can affect barriers, spectator sections and the published start list.
Write the competition rules before registrations close. Include the start procedure, race format, timing method, rider briefing and what happens if a Derny motorcycle or bicycle has a technical problem.
Assign judges and timekeepers early, then test the timing set, stopwatch, microphones and megaphone at least one day before the race. A spare bike, pumps, tools and inner tubes should be accessible trackside, not packed away in a vehicle.
Inspect the course once the layout is marked out. Check the start and finish areas, cones, barriers, signs and cable ties, and walk the route from the spectators’ viewpoint to spot gaps or blocked sightlines.
Do the final weather check 24 hours before the event and again on race morning. Fill the coolers, collect groceries and set up tents, tables, chairs, lighting and power connections early enough to keep the officials’ table and rider area clear.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a Derny race?: Start the course reservation, permit applications and insurance checks at least 8 to 12 weeks before race day. Confirm riders, officials and suppliers after the route and competition concept are fixed.
What safety equipment is needed for a Derny race?: Plan course cones, crowd-control barriers, clear start and finish markings, race numbers and a spare bike. Keep pumps, tool cases, spare inner tubes, lubricant and cable ties at the course for immediate repairs.
When should I publish the Derny race start list?: Process registrations and check participant details before publishing the start list, ideally 3 to 7 days before the race. Leave time to correct names, numbers, dietary requirements or withdrawals.
How early should the Derny race course be set up?: Set up the marked course, barriers, spectator sections, officials’ table and timing equipment at least 2 to 3 hours before the first start. Complete the course inspection and equipment test before participants arrive.

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.