What to bring for a mountain bike ride

A mountain bike ride needs more than bikes and helmets. Pack repair gear for punctures, clear route information, first aid and weather protection before riders arrive. Food and drinks also need planning, especially if the route includes a remote break point or several hours on the trail. Use the plan’s shopping list to prepare the start area, bicycle parking and refreshment stop without leaving essential equipment until the last day.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Mountain bikesqty 20
Bike helmetsqty 22
Bike pumpsqty 3
Multi-toolsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 10
Tire leversqty 6
Bicycle standsqty 10
Bike position keysqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Whistlesqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 4

Navigation

Navigation devicesqty 4
Printed route mapsqty 25
Directional signsqty 20
Cable tiesqty 100

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 24
Party tent
Bicycle racksqty 5

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 4

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Water jerry cansqty 4
Insulated boxesqty 3
Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 24 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Chicken thigh fillet - 3 kilogram
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 30 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper napkins - 4 packs

Equipment

Gas barbecue
Gas cylindersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Tips

Take at least one spare inner tube for every five riders, plus tire levers and multi-tools. Check that the tubes match the wheel sizes used by the group.
Plan roughly 0.75 to 1 litre of water per rider for a two- to three-hour ride, then add extra water for warm weather and a refill point.
Keep one first aid kit at the start and another with the group or at the break point. Add emergency blankets and whistles where riders can reach them quickly.
Print one route map per riding group and carry a digital route file on at least two navigation devices. Mark turns before setup rather than improvising signs on the day.
Chill drinks at least 4 hours before departure and prepare reusable cups, plates and serving utensils before participants begin registering. Pack coolers or insulated boxes so refreshments stay cold during the ride.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring for a mountain bike ride?: Bring a suitable mountain bike, helmet, pump, multi-tool, spare inner tube, tire levers, navigation equipment and basic first aid. For an organised ride, also prepare route maps, directional signs, water, food and emergency equipment.
How much water do I need for a mountain bike ride?: Allow about 0.75 to 1 litre per rider for a two- to three-hour ride. Add extra water for hot weather, difficult terrain or a route without reliable refill points.
How many spare inner tubes do I need for a group ride?: Pack at least one spare inner tube for every five riders, with a minimum of two tubes for a small group. Check wheel sizes in advance because one tube will not fit every bike.
When should I prepare the mountain bike ride shopping list?: Buy or collect specialist repair and safety equipment at least 7 days before the ride. Chill drinks 4 hours beforehand, and check bikes, helmets, route files and first aid supplies again the day before.

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