Mountain Bike Race Shopping List

A mountain bike race needs more than bikes and a marked trail. Your shopping list must cover rider identification, course navigation, start and finish control, basic repairs, refreshments and crowd management. Plan quantities from your participant count, then add spares for items that can be lost, damaged or used up during setup. The easiest things to forget are spare bibs, cable ties, inner tubes, batteries and enough arrows for every turn and hazard.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Folding benchesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8
Bicycle racksqty 20
Crowd barriersqty 40

Sports equipment

Course signsqty 40
Arrowsqty 35
Traffic conesqty 80
Barrier tapeqty 10
Bib numbersqty 250
Race bib strapsqty 250
Spare bib numbersqty 30
Medal ribbonsqty 250
Medal holdersqty 250
Drink cups for postqty 600
Mountain bike maintenance standsqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bike tire leversqty 6
Cable tiesqty 300
Finish arch
Start flagsqty 4
Stage elementsqty 3

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphonesqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Digital clocksqty 4
Laptopsqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Battery chargersqty 6
Camerasqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 30
Flashlightsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 8

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 400 bottles
- Sparkling water - 100 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 300 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Sandwiches - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Cheese - 6 kilos
- Ham - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Bananas - 25 kilos
- Apples - 20 kilo
- Oranges - 15 kilos
- Muesli bars - 300 pieces
- Energy bars - 250 pieces
- Raisins - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 25 kilos
- Herb salt - 2 jars
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Kitchen rolls - 12 rolls

Tips

Prepare one bib number and strap for every registered rider, plus at least 10% spare numbers for last-minute entries or damaged bibs. Keep the spare set at registration rather than packed with the finish-line equipment.
Count course arrows by junction, not by kilometre. Bring at least two arrows for each direction change and extra signs for the start, finish, feed area and hazardous obstacles.
Pack a repair point with bike stands, pumps, tool kits, tire levers and spare inner tubes. One repair setup per 50 riders is a practical starting point, with extra tubes in common sizes if you know the bikes being used.
Allow two drink cups per rider for post-race refreshments, then add 10% for volunteers and replacements. Set the cups out close to the finish so riders do not have to cross the course again.
Bring cable ties, barrier tape and spare batteries for walkie-talkies, megaphones, stopwatches and digital clocks. These small supplies are often needed during final course setup, when there is no time to shop again.

Frequently asked questions

How many spare race bibs do I need for a mountain bike race?: Prepare spare bibs for at least 10% of the registered field, rounded up to the next whole number. For 80 riders, that means 8 spare bibs and straps in addition to the 80 assigned numbers.
How many course arrows are needed for a mountain bike race?: Use at least two arrows for every turn or junction, plus separate signs for the start, finish and hazards. For a route with 30 decision points, pack at least 60 arrows and 10 to 15 extra markers.
How many drink cups should I buy per mountain bike racer?: Plan on two post-race cups per rider and add 10% for volunteers, spills and replacements. For 100 riders, buy or bring at least 220 cups.
When should I buy supplies for a mountain bike race?: Buy durable course and repair supplies at least two weeks before race day, and complete the food and drink shopping 24 to 48 hours beforehand. Check batteries, pumps, tools and signage again during final setup.

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