What to bring for a mountain bike ride

A group mountain bike ride needs more than bikes and helmets. Pack supplies for route marking, minor repairs, first aid, rider identification and a supported start and finish area. Plan drinks and food service around the ride length, and keep spare equipment ready for riders who arrive without the right gear. This checklist helps you shop and pack before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Mountain bikes for loan ridersqty 4
Spare helmetsqty 8
Safety vestsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 6
Bib numbersqty 50
Wristbandsqty 50
Bike pumpsqty 3
Bike multi-toolsqty 3
Inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 6
Bike locksqty 3
Cable tiesqty 100
Spare bike lightsqty 8
Traffic conesqty 12
Route mapsqty 50

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Disposable glovesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Chicken satay topping - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Onions - 1 kilogram
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Vegetable stock - 6 liters
- Chicken soup - 6 liters
- Tomato soup - 6 liters
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 50 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 30 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Energy gels - 50 pieces
- Raisins - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable spoonsqty 60

Kitchen

Soup kettlesqty 2
Soup ladlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Storage bins with lidsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Cleaning

Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Washing-up basinsqty 4

Tips

Count one bib number and one wristband per registered rider, plus at least 10% extra for late changes or damaged items.
For every riding group, pack a pump, bike multi-tool, tire levers and spare inner tubes. Keep the repair kit at the start, finish or with a support vehicle rather than leaving it in a tent.
Bring enough route arrows, barrier tape, traffic cones and cable ties to mark every hazard and junction. Prepare the signs before event day so volunteers only need to place them.
Pack one first aid kit for the main support point, along with emergency blankets and disposable gloves. Give volunteers a clear way to contact each other, such as walkie-talkies.
Estimate two to three drinks per rider for the first hour, then add more for longer rides or warm weather. Chill drinks in coolers and set out reusable cups, bowls and spoons before riders return.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a group mountain bike ride?: Bring a suitable bike and helmet for each rider, plus route markers, maps, repair tools, spare inner tubes, first aid supplies and communication equipment. For the support area, add tables, seating, coolers, drinks and reusable serving items.
How many spare helmets should I bring for a mountain bike ride?: Prepare at least 10% spare helmets in addition to the confirmed rider count, with a minimum of two for a small group. Check the fit before the ride starts and keep the spares at registration.
How much water and drink do mountain bike riders need?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then increase the amount for rides lasting longer than two hours or for warm conditions. Keep additional drinks at the start and finish rather than relying on one supply point.
When should I prepare the mountain bike ride shopping list?: Check the inventory at least 7 days before the ride and shop no later than 3 days beforehand. Prepare route signs, repair kits and packed safety supplies on the day before, so missing items can still be replaced.

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