What to Buy for a Mountain Bike Tour

A mountain bike tour needs more than bikes and a marked route. You will need supplies for rider registration, route marking, water stations, basic repairs and food at the finish. This shopping list covers practical equipment such as arrows, bike numbers, pumps and repair tools, plus serving and power supplies. Check quantities against your participant list, and buy consumables early enough to keep chilled food cold and water stations fully stocked.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Beer tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 60
Route signsqty 20
Bike numbersqty 70
Number clipsqty 140
Traffic conesqty 20
Bike pumpsqty 4
Repair stand
Allen key setsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Bicycle chain lubricantqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Cable tiesqty 100

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Water dispensersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Nitrile glovesqty 50

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Isotonic sports drink - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- White buns - 50 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Energy bars - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 100 pieces
- Cooling packs - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one bike number and one number clip per rider, plus a small spare batch for damaged or missing numbers. Print the participant list before setup so registration does not depend on a phone signal.
Use route arrows and route signs at every decision point, not just at the start and finish. Pack extra signs and cable ties because arrows can be moved, damaged or missed after the route is marked.
Prepare one repair kit for each active support point, including Allen key sets, tire levers, spare inner tubes and chain lubricant. Check the bicycle pumps before leaving for the route and bring a repair stand if riders may need to work on their bikes.
Provide water at the start, finish and planned water stations, using water dispensers and reusable cups. Keep chilled food in coolers until it is served, and pack pouring jugs, cutting boards and bread knives where food preparation takes place.
Charge walkie-talkies and power banks the day before, then pack extension cords and power strips for the registration or food area. If announcements are needed for a larger group, keep the megaphone with the event coordinator rather than at the registration desk.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a mountain bike tour?: Bring route arrows, route signs, bike numbers, number clips, traffic cones, bicycle pumps and a basic repair setup. For a supported tour, also pack walkie-talkies, power banks and a megaphone so volunteers can communicate during the day.
How many spare bike numbers should I buy?: Buy one bike number and one number clip per registered rider, then add around 5% to 10% spares. For 100 riders, that means 105 to 110 numbers and clips, depending on how much loss or damage you expect.
What should be in a mountain bike repair kit?: Include Allen key sets, tire levers, spare inner tubes, cable ties and bicycle chain lubricant, together with a bicycle pump. Prepare at least one kit for each repair or support point and check every kit the day before the tour.
How early should I buy food and drinks for a mountain bike tour?: Buy non-perishable supplies at least 3 to 7 days ahead and refrigerate or chill perishable food as close to the event as practical. Fill water dispensers before riders arrive, while keeping backup drinks and food in coolers until needed.

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