What to buy for a randonnée ride

A randonnée ride needs more than bikes and a route file. Before riders arrive, you need supplies for registration, route marking, refreshments, basic repairs, and a clear start area. Plan drinks for the full distance, not just the opening hour, and check that tools and spare tubes match the bikes taking part. This shopping list covers the items most easily forgotten when preparing the start, finish, and route.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Bicycle racksqty 6
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Water jugsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable batteriesqty 4

Sports equipment

Route signsqty 45
Conesqty 20
Bib numbersqty 120
Steering wheel holdersqty 120
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Allen key setsqty 4
Chain punchesqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bike locksqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100
Markersqty 12
Waterproof route mapsqty 120
Reflective vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Still mineral water - 60 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 30 liters
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 10 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Isotonic sports drink - 30 liter
- Coffee cream - 6 packs
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Bananas - 10 kilo
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Whole wheat wraps - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 6 kilo
- Hummus - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Boiled eggs - 120 pieces
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Iceberg Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 kilos
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Bell peppers - 5 kilos
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Lentils - 4 kilo
- Rice - 8 kilo
- Pasta - 8 kilo
- Pasta sauce - 12 jars
- Vegetable stock - 3 boxes
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Corn - 8 cans
- Peas - 6 kilo
- Carrots - 6 kilos
- Zucchini - 6 kilos
- Mushrooms - 4 kilos
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 3 jars
- Garlic - 1 kilo
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Yogurt - 6 liter
- Muesli - 4 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Energy bars - 150 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Chocolate bars - 120 pieces
- Frozen ice - 10 kilos
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Labels - 200 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Waterproof tape - 10 rolls

Tips

Plan at least two to three drinks per rider for the first hour, then add enough water for the expected distance and weather. Fill coolers before riders arrive and keep extra water at the finish.
Pack one bib number for every participant, plus around 5% spare numbers for replacements or late changes. Bring markers and cable ties so numbers and signs can be fixed quickly.
For a mixed group, prepare at least one bike pump, one set of tire levers, one Allen key set, and spare inner tubes in common sizes. Keep these at the start or with the route team rather than packed away.
Use waterproof route maps and route signs even when riders receive digital route files. Carry cones and reflective vests for hazards, crossings, or any point where the planned route needs extra visibility.
Count cups, plates, cutlery, and coffee cups by participant, then add roughly 10% extra. Check kettles, coffee machines, extension cords, and power strips before loading them, because missing power equipment can delay the start.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a randonnée ride?: Allow at least 500–750 ml per rider for each hour of riding, then adjust upward for heat and exposed roads. Keep additional water at the start and finish instead of relying only on riders’ bottles.
How many spare inner tubes should I buy for a randonnée?: For a small ride, start with two to four spare inner tubes in the most common sizes, plus one additional tube for every 10 riders. Confirm wheel sizes before shopping so the spares can actually be used.
How many route signs do I need for a randonnée ride?: Count one sign for every turn, junction, or hazard that could cause confusion, then add at least 10% spare signs. The final number depends on the route inspection and any alternative route you prepare.
When should I buy supplies for a randonnée ride?: Buy non-perishable items and bike-repair supplies at least 3–7 days before the ride. Purchase fresh food and drinks 1–2 days beforehand, and check the forecast again the day before loading the coolers.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.