Handbike race shopping list

A handbike race needs more than bikes and a marked course. You will need clear rider identification, reliable timing, tools for mechanical problems, water, communications and equipment to keep spectators and traffic away from the route. Buy or collect the supplies early, then check quantities against your number of riders, course length and volunteer teams. The list below covers the practical items most often missed until race day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Folding tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 8
Starting gatesqty 12
Changing room screensqty 4

Sports equipment

Traffic conesqty 80
Course ribbonqty 12
Directional signsqty 20
Warning signsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 80
Bib holdersqty 80
Rugby whistlesqty 10
Stopwatchesqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 2
Backup handbikesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tool setsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Water bottle cratesqty 6
Stage sectionsqty 3

Equipment

Timing computer
Laptopqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Sound system
Microphonesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 10
Mobile printersqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
Work lightsqty 4
Cable reelsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 12

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Decorations

Sponsor bannersqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Stage ribbon

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sparkling water - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar sticks - 200 pieces
- Milk cups - 200 pieces
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Whole milk - 6 liters
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 5 kilogram
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Protein bars - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 6 boxes
- Ice bag bags - 12 bags
- Cooling packs - 30 pieces
- Coffee cups - 150 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Sugar-free lemonade - 6 bottles

Tips

Prepare at least one spare handbike, a pump and a tool set before registration closes. Add spare inner tubes and check that the tools fit the handbikes being used.
Print bib numbers and prepare one bib holder per rider, plus a small reserve for damaged or lost numbers. Sort them into starter groups before participants arrive.
Use traffic cones, course ribbon and directional or warning signs at every turn, crossing and hazard. Walk the full route the day before so missing signs can still be bought or moved.
Plan water by crate rather than by individual bottle, with supplies at the start, finish and any staffed point on the course. Keep extra bottles available for volunteers and riders who finish late.
Test the timing computer, laptop, stopwatches, microphones and sound system before setup is complete. Pack extension cords, power strips and power banks separately so a missing cable does not delay the start.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a handbike race?: At minimum, prepare bib numbers and holders, starting gates, cones, course ribbon, route signs, whistles, timing equipment, walkie-talkies, water crates, pumps and tool sets. The exact quantity depends on the number of riders, course crossings and volunteer stations.
How many spare handbikes should I have for a handbike race?: Plan for at least 1 backup handbike for a small race, and consider 2 or more when the field is larger or equipment failure would stop a rider from starting. Check the backup before race day rather than relying on it untested.
How much water do I need for a handbike race?: Allow at least 2 bottles per rider for the first hour, then add more for longer races, warm weather and volunteers. Keep water bottle crates at the start and finish, with additional supplies wherever riders can safely receive them.
When should I buy the supplies for a handbike race?: Buy printed bibs, signs and course-marking materials at least 2 weeks before the race. Complete the equipment check 3 to 7 days beforehand, then do a final count of water, tools, cables and batteries on the day before setup.

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