What to buy for a forest bike ride

A forest bike ride needs more than bikes and refreshments. Prepare food and hot drinks for the finish, clear route markers, and a small repair and first-aid setup for problems on the trail. The shopping list below covers the start and finish area as well as the equipment volunteers need along the route. Check quantities against your registration list, route length and expected weather before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 6
Clothing rack

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 50
Mugsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Soup kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 4

Sports equipment

Route signsqty 35
Conesqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 3
Bike multitoolsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Chain oilqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100
Route card holdersqty 45

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 10
Whistlesqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Charging cablesqty 8

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal buns - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 2,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Vegetable soup - 10 liters
- Soup vegetables - 2 kilograms
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Sparkling mineral water - 3 crates
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Isotonic sports drink - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemon slices - 6 lemons
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper napkins - 6 packs

Tips

Plan around 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add extra water for a longer route or warm weather. Bring coolers so drinks stay usable at the finish area.
Allow at least one portion of soup, bread and snacks per participant, plus 10% extra for volunteers and unexpected arrivals. Dietary requirements should be checked before buying prepared food.
For every route section with a turn or junction, prepare a visible route sign and carry spare signs, cones and cable ties. Pack them separately so volunteers can place and remove them quickly.
Bring one bike pump, multitool and set of tire levers for each repair point, with spare inner tubes in common wheel sizes. Add chain oil if the route is likely to be wet or muddy.
Keep first aid kits, emergency blankets, whistles and reflective vests at the start, finish and any staffed route point. Put the emergency numbers and participant list in a waterproof route card holder.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a forest bike ride?: Plan one serving of soup, bread and snacks per participant, then add about 10% extra for volunteers and late arrivals. Buy additional portions for every dietary requirement you have recorded.
How many drinks should I buy for a forest bike ride?: For the first hour, allow 2 to 3 drinks per person, depending on size and weather. Add extra water for rides lasting longer than an hour and keep it cold in coolers.
What bike repair supplies should I bring?: At each repair point, provide at least one bike pump, one multitool and a set of tire levers. Carry spare inner tubes for the wheel sizes used by participants, plus cable ties and chain oil for minor repairs.
How many route signs do I need?: Prepare one sign for every turn, junction or potentially confusing section, plus at least 10% spare signs. Pack cones and cable ties as well, because signs often need extra support outdoors.

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