What you need for a recreational bike ride

Plan the shopping for your recreational bike ride around the route, rider count and finish location. Drinks and easy-to-eat snacks are usually needed before the start, at a rest area and at the final venue. Bring route-marking equipment, reflective vests and basic repair supplies so riders can stay on course and handle minor problems. Add serving equipment and warm-drink supplies if food is prepared at the finish.

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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 70
Coat racksqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 12

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 35
Route signsqty 12
Traffic conesqty 20
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike repair kitsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Clocksqty 3
Clipboardsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Soup bowlsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Soup kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3

Decorations

Welcome bannersqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 40 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free lager - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Coffee cream - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Vegetable soup - 20 liters
- Tomato soup - 20 liters
- Soup vegetables - 6 kilograms
- Vermicelli - 2 kilogram
- Crusty baguettes - 40 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 80 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces

Tips

Plan roughly 500–750 ml of drinks per rider for every two hours of cycling, then add extra for warm weather. Chill the drinks before riders arrive and keep a separate supply at the final venue.
Pack at least one spare inner tube per 10 riders, plus bike pumps and repair kits. Check that the tube sizes match the bikes most participants are likely to bring.
Prepare route arrows and signs in advance and take enough for every turn, junction and confusing section. Place them during setup, not on the morning when registration and refreshments also need attention.
For a group of 25 riders, prepare at least 2 first aid kits and several reflective vests for people checking the route or managing crossings. Keep power banks and walkie-talkies charged the day before.
For food at the finish, allow 2 plates, cups and sets of cutlery per rider when washing facilities are limited. Add serving trays, spoons and cutting boards before buying bread or preparing soup.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a recreational bike ride?: Allow 500–750 ml per rider for each two-hour riding period, plus extra water for hot weather. Bring additional drinks for the rest area and finish, and chill them at least 4 hours beforehand.
How many spare bike tubes should I buy?: A practical minimum is 1 spare inner tube per 10 riders, with at least 2 tubes for a small group. Confirm the required sizes when registrations close, no later than 2 days before the ride.
What route equipment is needed for a group bike ride?: Use route arrows and signs at every turn, junction and unclear section, and add traffic cones where riders need visible guidance. Prepare and sort the signs at least 1 day before placing them along the route.
How much food should I buy for the finish?: Plan one substantial snack or serving per rider, with extra portions for late arrivals and volunteers. Buy bread, soup and other fresh food 1 day before the ride, then prepare and serve it at the final location.

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