What to buy for a mountain bike ride

A mountain bike ride needs more than bikes and water. Your shopping list also has to cover route marking, rider check-in, basic repairs, first aid, and communication between volunteers. Plan supplies around the number of riders, start waves, and staffed points on the route. Buy disposable items and refreshments at least 2 days ahead, then check tools, batteries, signs, and safety gear the day before.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 8
Crowd barriersqty 12
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 80
Route signsqty 20
Traffic conesqty 30
Bib numbersqty 120
Bib holdersqty 100
Finisher wristbandsqty 120
Bicycle standsqty 8
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Bike tool kitsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Cable tiesqty 200
Keychains for bicyclesqty 120

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8
Whistlesqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 4

Communication

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Power banksqty 8

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 2
Mobile card terminalsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 8

Catering

Coolersqty 8
Food warmersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 8
Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable bowlsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4

Cleaning

Handwashing stationsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2

Documentation

Route card holdersqty 10
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Waterproof route mapsqty 120

Groceries

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 72 bottles
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Vegetable stock - 10 liters
- Tomato soup - 15 liters
- Vegetable soup - 15 liters
- Whole wheat bread - 25 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Multigrain sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Bananas - 120 pieces
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Pears - 80 pieces
- Oranges - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Raisins - 4 kilos
- Unsalted nuts - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Garlic powder - 250 grams
- Fresh parsley - 6 bunches
- Diet cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free bread - 6 loaves
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Vegan soup - 8 liters
- Gluten-free muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Tea filters - 1 box
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Paper tissues - 20 packs
- Disposable lighters - 4 pieces
- Labels - 4 packs
- Waterproof markers - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare route marking supplies for every turn and junction, plus spare arrows and signs in case weather or traffic moves them. Keep cable ties and a few extra markers with the route team.
Set aside one basic repair kit for the start area and another for mobile support. Pack spare inner tubes in common wheel sizes, tire levers, a pump, and a bike tool kit rather than relying on riders to carry everything.
Give each volunteer-facing safety point a first aid kit, emergency blankets, safety vests, and a way to communicate. Test walkie-talkies and charge power banks the day before, not on the morning of the ride.
For registration, prepare bib numbers, bib holders, finisher wristbands, and bicycle keychains for the full participant list, then add 5–10% extras for replacements and late changes.
Keep start-area equipment separate from route supplies: tents, tables, chairs, waste bins, cones, and lighting should be grouped by location. Fill coolers and pack refreshments after checking the forecast, ideally within 4 hours of the start.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a mountain bike ride event?: Plan for route arrows and signs, cones, rider numbers, bike stands, pumps, spare tubes, first aid kits, safety vests, radios, and start-area furniture. Add 5–10% extra bibs, wristbands, and small consumables for replacements.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring for a group ride?: Bring at least 1 spare inner tube for every 10 riders, with a minimum of 4 tubes for a small group. Carry more if the route is rocky, remote, or longer than 30 miles.
When should I buy supplies for a mountain bike ride?: Buy non-perishable equipment and printed items 3–7 days before the ride. Buy food, drinks, ice, and other fresh supplies 1–2 days ahead, then check every item again the day before.
How much first aid and safety equipment do I need?: Have at least 1 first aid kit at the start and 1 for each staffed support point. Provide a safety vest for every traffic or route volunteer, plus emergency blankets and flashlights for mobile teams.

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