What you need for an MTB tour

A practical MTB tour needs more than bikes and a marked route. You will need clear route arrows, basic repair equipment, rider identification, supplies for volunteers, and a workable start and finish area. Buy or collect consumables early, then check the repair kit and signage before route setup. The quantities depend on your rider count, route length, and number of aid points, but the checklist below covers the equipment most often forgotten until the final week.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 12
Bicycle Racksqty 10
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

MTB route arrowsqty 120
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Bib numbersqty 120
Bib clipsqty 250
Finisher medalsqty 120
MTB pumpsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Tire leversqty 6
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Bike pump adaptersqty 4
Cable tiesqty 200
Spare chainsqty 4

Equipment

Handheld megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Rechargeable flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Reusable platesqty 140
Reusable cutleryqty 140
Coffee potsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Water jerry cansqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Cleaning

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sports drink - 80 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Coffee biscuits - 6 packs
- Bananas - 120 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Oranges - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Energy gels - 120 pieces
- Raisins - 4 kilograms
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Cheese - 4 kilogram
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Chocolate cake - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Vegetarian soup - 12 liter
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Breadsticks - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls

Tips

Prepare at least one bib number and two bib clips per registered rider, then keep 5–10% extra numbers and clips for late changes or damaged items.
For a marked route, count arrows by junction rather than by kilometre. Pack extra MTB route arrows, cones, barrier tape, and cable ties so volunteers can fix missing signs during the final route check.
Set aside one pump, a selection of spare inner tubes, tire levers, bike multi-tools, pump adapters, and spare chains at the start/finish. If the route is long, place additional repair equipment with roaming volunteers.
For every staffed point, provide a walkie-talkie or another agreed communication method. Charge all power banks the evening before and bring extension cords, power strips, LED work lights, and rechargeable flashlights if setup or packing continues after dark.
Plan reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee pots, and serving spoons around the number of riders and volunteers, not just registered participants. Have waste bins ready before the first delivery or food service arrives.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an MTB tour?: Start with route arrows, cones, barrier tape, bib numbers and clips, repair tools, spare inner tubes, pumps, communication equipment, and supplies for the start and finish area. Add 5–10% spare bibs and route-marking materials for last-minute changes.
How many spare inner tubes do I need for an MTB ride?: For a small tour, keep at least 1–2 spare inner tubes at the start/finish and more if the route is long or remote. A useful planning figure is 1 spare tube per 20–30 riders, plus the tubes carried by support volunteers.
When should I buy the MTB tour supplies?: Buy or reserve non-perishable equipment at least 2–3 weeks before the tour. Check the full repair kit, signage, lighting, cups, and communication equipment again 2–3 days before setup.
How many route arrows are needed for an MTB tour?: There is no fixed number per kilometre: count every turn, junction, split, and confirmation point on the route. Add at least 10% extra arrows and cable ties so volunteers can replace signs during the final check.

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