What you need for a gravel race

A gravel race needs more than bikes, numbers and a start line. You will need equipment for route marking, rider repairs, timing, volunteer communication and a practical registration area. Buy or collect the consumables early, especially inner tubes, water, barrier tape and printed race materials. Use this list alongside your route checks and volunteer plan so missing equipment is found before race morning.

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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 30
Beer tablesqty 6
Start arch
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Crowd barriersqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2
Stage sectionsqty 4
Storage cratesqty 12

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 80
Directional signsqty 30
Bib numbersqty 150
Race numbersqty 150
Barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 30
Spare bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Inner tubesqty 20
Bike tool kitsqty 4
Bike paddock matsqty 4
Water bottle cratesqty 8
Medal ribbonsqty 10
Medalsqty 10
Trophiesqty 3

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Charging stationsqty 2
Handheld megaphonesqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
AED
Safety vestsqty 20
Work glovesqty 12
Flashlightsqty 8
Emergency blanketsqty 15
Stretcher
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 180
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable bowlsqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Food warmersqty 6
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Event bannerqty 2
Arrow bannersqty 6
Stage backdrop

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Hand broomsqty 4

Groceries

Groceries
- Still water - 240 bottles
- Sparkling water - 48 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain buns - 80 pieces
- Wraps - 80 pieces
- Butter - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Cucumbers - 5 kilos
- Peppers - 4 kilos
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Pasta - 8 kilo
- Pesto - 8 jars
- Feta cheese - 3 kilos
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Corn - 8 cans
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Italian herbs - 3 jars
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Lentils - 8 cans
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Croutons - 6 bags
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Oranges - 8 kilo
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 180 pieces
- Energy gels - 150 pieces
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 kilo
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate cookies - 8 packs
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Straws - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 300 pieces
- Food storage containers - 30 pieces
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Organic waste bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan route-marking supplies from the final route map, not an early draft. Count every turn and junction, then add spare route arrows and directional signs for replacements.
Prepare a repair stock that matches the field size and route length. Keep spare bike pumps, tire levers, inner tubes and bike tool kits together so volunteers can reach them quickly.
Set aside water bottle crates and refreshment supplies before race week. One crate may not cover a busy aid point, so match the quantity to rider numbers and the number of staffed locations.
Keep bib numbers, race numbers, laptops and tablets in the registration area in separate storage crates. Pack them in participant order and test the time registration system before doors open.
Do not leave crowd control and communication equipment until setup. Walkie-talkies, traffic cones, barrier tape and crowd barriers should be assigned to specific route points before volunteers arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What repair equipment do I need for a gravel race?: At minimum, prepare spare bike pumps, tire levers, inner tubes and bike tool kits. The exact quantity depends on your field size and route, but keep a separate repair kit at every staffed support point and carry extras in the event vehicle.
How many route signs should I buy for a gravel race?: Count the arrows and directional signs from the final route map, including every turn, junction and traffic point. Add at least 10% extra signs so damaged, missing or moved markers can be replaced on race day.
When should I buy gravel race supplies?: Buy printed race materials, route-marking equipment and repair supplies at least 2–3 weeks before the race. Check the full stock again after the final route reconnaissance and no later than the day before setup.
How much water should I prepare for a gravel race?: Base water bottle crates on the number of registered riders and the number of supply points. As a starting point, prepare at least two bottles per rider for the race, then add extra stock for volunteers, warm weather and unexpected delays.

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