Mountain bike ride shopping list

A mountain bike ride needs more than bikes and helmets. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for marking the route, checking riders in, handling basic repairs, and supporting volunteers at checkpoints. Plan refreshments around your rider count, then add a small buffer for volunteers and unexpected delays. Check power, printing, communication, and shelter needs before the day so missing items do not become a last-minute problem.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 12
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 60
Barrier tapeqty 12
Bib numbersqty 40
Wristbandsqty 40
Traffic conesqty 20
Bicycle racksqty 4
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Tire leversqty 10
Bike multitoolsqty 6
Chain oilqty 2
Cable tiesqty 200
Safety vestsqty 12
Whistlesqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Cold packsqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone
Tabletsqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

Battery lampsqty 6

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 80 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea assortment - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Young matured cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 500 grams
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Oranges - 30 pieces
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Raisins - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2

Cleaning

Dustpans and brushesqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Tips

Prepare one bib number and wristband per participant, plus at least 10% extra for replacements, late registrations, or damaged items. Keep the registration materials together with the printer, tablets, and extension cords.
For a ride lasting several hours, provide roughly 500–750 ml of drink per rider and one snack portion per person at each planned refreshment stop. Add portions for every volunteer working the route.
Pack one spare inner tube for every 5–10 riders, along with tire levers, bike multitools, pumps, chain oil, and cable ties. These are easy to forget because they are not needed during a normal ride, but they are difficult to replace once riders are on the route.
Use route arrows, barrier tape, and traffic cones at every junction or hazard that could confuse riders. Count the signs from the GPX route inspection and pack at least 10% extra before loading transport.
Give each checkpoint a charged walkie-talkie, whistle, safety vest, first aid kit, emergency blanket, and cold packs. Test communication devices the day before and keep battery lamps available if setup or pack-down may happen in low light.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a mountain bike ride?: For a ride of several hours, allow 500–750 ml of drink and one snack portion per rider at each refreshment stop. Add at least 10% extra for volunteers, late arrivals, and spills.
How many spare inner tubes should I pack for a mountain bike ride?: Pack one spare inner tube for every 5–10 riders, with tire levers, pumps, and multitools. For 50 riders, that means 5–10 spare tubes as a practical starting point.
What equipment does a mountain bike checkpoint need?: Each checkpoint should have a charged walkie-talkie, whistle, safety vest, first aid kit, emergency blanket, and cold packs. Give every checkpoint a route map or GPX access and enough refreshments for its assigned riders and volunteers.
How many route signs do I need for a mountain bike ride?: Count signs during a route inspection, including arrows for turns, junctions, and confusing sections. Print or pack at least 10% more than the confirmed count so one missing or damaged sign does not leave a section unmarked.

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