What to buy for a gravel race

A gravel race needs more than bikes and a marked route. You need supplies for rider check-in, clear navigation, roadside repairs, refreshments and a workable start and finish area. Plan quantities around the number of riders, volunteers and support stations, then add a small reserve for damaged signs, flat tires and missing equipment. This list focuses on what to buy or bring before race day, including items that are often left until the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Bicycle racksqty 6

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 40
Traffic conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Route signsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 120
Bib holdersqty 120
Stopwatchesqty 4
Hand tally countersqty 4
Bike pumpsqty 3
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 8
Cable tiesqty 100
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile chargersqty 6
Megaphone

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Kettlesqty 2
Food containersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 80 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Bananas - 12 bunches
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Back ham - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Salted peanuts - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Dark chocolate - 4 bars
- Vegetable soup - 20 liters
- Breadsticks - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces

Tips

Prepare route-marking supplies at least one day before the race. Count arrows and signs by route section, and bring extra cable ties, barrier tape and traffic cones for repairs or route changes.
Set aside one bib number and bib holder for every registered rider, plus a small spare batch. Sort the numbers before setup so check-in does not become a search through an unsorted box.
Equip every planned supply point with basic bike support: a pump, multi-tool, tire levers and spare inner tubes. Check that the tubes match the tire sizes used by the participating bikes.
Plan refreshments by station and opening time rather than buying one large mixed stock. Fill coolers before riders arrive, and provide enough reusable cups, plates, cutlery and coffee equipment for the people working and waiting at the finish.
Check power and lighting before the evening setup. Count extension cords and power strips for each laptop, printer, charger and lamp, and keep mobile chargers available for coordinators using walkie-talkies or phones.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a gravel race?: Bring route arrows and signs, traffic cones, barrier tape, bib numbers and holders, repair tools, spare inner tubes, communication equipment, refreshments and setup supplies. You will also need tables, chairs, tents, power equipment and lighting for the start, finish and supply points.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring to a gravel race?: For a small race, start with at least two spare tubes per supply point and add more when the route is long or remote. Match the tubes to the bike tires listed by participants, and check the stock no later than the day before.
What equipment is needed at a gravel race check-in?: Prepare the participant list, bib numbers, bib holders, a laptop and printer, plus power strips, extension cords and mobile chargers. Set up check-in at least 60 minutes before the first start so late registrations and number changes do not delay riders.
When should I prepare the gravel race shopping list?: Finalize quantities at least one week before race day, once registrations and volunteer stations are known. Buy consumables and collect rented or borrowed equipment no later than the day before, then check route-marking and repair supplies before loading.

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