What to buy and bring for a gravel tour

A gravel tour needs more than bikes and a route file. You need supplies for marking the course, handling punctures, supporting riders and keeping registration organised at the start and finish. Plan equipment around your rider count, then add spares for the items most likely to run out or fail. This checklist also covers practical details people often leave until the last day, such as charged radios, printed emergency numbers and a ready-to-use supply point.

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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 40
Bicycle Racksqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Coolersqty 8
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 130
Wristbandsqty 130
Route arrowsqty 180
Barrier tapeqty 12
Route signsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 30
Pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 30
Multi-toolsqty 6
Tire leversqty 12
Bike glovesqty 4
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 15
Reflective vestsqty 20
Whistlesqty 8
GPS devicesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 8
Stamp cardsqty 130
Medal holdersqty 130

Equipment

Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Charging stationsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 150
Bowlsqty 120
Knivesqty 150
Forksqty 150
Spoonsqty 150
Serving spoonsqty 8
Thermos cupsqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Bread knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Soup kettlesqty 3
Storage binsqty 12
Serving traysqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 10

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Disinfectantqty 4
Waste sorting binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 kilos
- Black tea - 6 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 15 liter
- Oat milk - 5 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 36 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 30 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 3 kilos
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 4 kilos
- Sliced chicken breast - 4 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 kilo
- Jam - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Red onion - 2 kilos
- Apples - 15 kilo
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Pears - 8 kilo
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Muesli bars - 160 pieces
- Energy gels - 120 pieces
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Unsalted nuts - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Vegetable soup - 30 liters
- Tomato soup - 20 liters
- Soup vegetables - 8 kilos
- Vermicelli - 2 kilos
- Bouillon cubes - 3 boxes
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 3 boxes
- Herb cheese - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 3 kilos
- Gluten-free rolls - 15 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces

Tips

Pack route-marking supplies by section rather than in one box. Bring route arrows, signs, barrier tape and traffic cones, plus extra pieces for exposed junctions or signs that may be moved by wind.
Prepare a repair kit for every support point. Include pumps, multi-tools, tire levers and spare inner tubes; allow at least 1 spare inner tube per 10 riders and carry more for rough or remote routes.
Set aside one first aid kit and emergency blanket supply at the start/finish and another with the mobile support crew. Keep emergency numbers printed on paper as well as stored on phones.
Charge GPS devices, walkie-talkies and power banks the evening before. Bring extension cords for the start area, and test the microphone and sound system before participants arrive.
Separate participant materials into labelled groups before setup: bib numbers, wristbands, stamp cards and medal holders. Print a participant list and keep spare wristbands and bib numbers available for late changes.

Frequently asked questions

How many spare inner tubes do I need for a gravel tour?: Start with 1 spare inner tube per 10 riders, with a minimum of 5 for a small tour. Add more when the route is long, remote or known for sharp stones and punctures.
What should I bring to mark a gravel tour route?: Bring route arrows, route signs, barrier tape and traffic cones. Prepare enough for every turn and decision point, plus about 10–15% extra in case signs are damaged or repositioned.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a gravel tour?: Provide one walkie-talkie for the route lead, finish coordinator, supply point and each mobile support crew. Test every device at least 2 hours before the start and bring a charged power bank for each team.
When should I prepare the gravel tour shopping list?: Lock the quantities at least 7 days before the tour, once registrations and dietary requirements are known. Buy consumables and collect rented equipment no later than the day before setup.

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