What you need for a mountain bike ride

Use this shopping list to prepare a mountain bike ride with the equipment riders and helpers need on the trail. Plan for basic bike repairs, visible route marking, first aid and clear communication between the start, finish and rest stop. You will also need practical setup items such as tables, chairs, coolers and lighting. Check the participant count before shopping, then add spare supplies for punctures, changing weather and late registrations.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Mountain bikesqty 4
Helmetsqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 80
Barrier tapeqty 4
Bicycle standsqty 6
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bike multitoolsqty 4
Chain oilqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100
Route mapsqty 50
Bib numbersqty 50
Wristbandsqty 50

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 50
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile phone chargersqty 6
Bluetooth speaker

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
BBQ toolsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Cool bagsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian vegetable skewers - 20 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 72 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Herbs - 3 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Corn on the cob - 40 pieces
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Potato salad - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Energy gels - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange lemonade - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 80 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 40 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Barbecue charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Trash can liners - 20 pieces
- Plastic gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Count one helmet and one mountain bike per rider, then set aside spare equipment for helpers or anyone arriving without a complete setup. Reflective vests are useful for route marshals and make them easier to identify.
For a marked route, take enough route arrows and barrier tape for every junction, turn and hazard. Pack cable ties as well, because loose arrows are easy to miss or replace during the ride.
Carry at least one spare inner tube for every common wheel size on the ride, plus bike pumps, tire levers and bike multitools. Add chain oil for a route that is muddy, dusty or longer than a few hours.
Prepare one first aid kit for the start area and another for the route or support vehicle when the course is spread out. Emergency blankets and flashlights should be packed where helpers can reach them quickly, not buried in a supply box.
For the start and finish area, match the number of foldable tables, chairs, waste bins and coolers to your participant list. Charge mobile phones and walkie-talkies the evening before, and bring extension cords and power strips only where electricity is available.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to a mountain bike ride?: Bring a mountain bike, helmet, water and weather-appropriate clothing, plus a spare inner tube, tire levers, a bike pump and a multitool. For an organised ride, also check whether you need a bib number, wristband or route map.
How many spare inner tubes do I need for a group mountain bike ride?: Plan on at least one spare inner tube for every 5 to 10 riders, adjusted for the route length and terrain. Carry more if the course is remote, rocky or difficult to access by support vehicle.
How much route marking equipment is needed for a mountain bike ride?: Prepare one route arrow for every decision point, plus extra arrows for confusing sections and replacements. Keep barrier tape and cable ties with the route team so markers can be fixed during the course check and on ride day.
When should I charge equipment for a mountain bike ride?: Charge bike lights, phones, walkie-talkies and other battery-powered equipment the evening before. Check them again at least 2 hours before the start, and pack battery lanterns or flashlights as backup.

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