What to Buy for a River Bike Tour

A river bike tour needs more than food and water. You’ll need supplies for the route, registration, rest stops, minor bike repairs and changing weather. Plan drinks and snacks by rider, then add equipment for the people marking the course and supporting the group. This checklist also covers the items that are easy to arrange too late, such as spare inner tubes, charged communication devices, wristbands and a dry alternative for maps and paperwork.

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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 20
Bicycle Racksqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Bike numbersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Reflective vestsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 60
Securing strapsqty 100
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Tire leversqty 8
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Tape kitsqty 6
Spare bicycle chainsqty 2
Locks for equipmentqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Water jerry cansqty 8
Insulating blanketsqty 10
First aid kitsqty 3
Safety scissorsqty 3

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Phone holdersqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Coffee potsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Start banner
Finish banner
Directional signsqty 12

Cleaning

Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Sports drink lemon - 48 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 4 nets
- Honey - 2 jars
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Egg salad - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Oranges - 6 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Unsalted nuts - 3 kilogram
- Raisins - 2 kilograms
- Whole grain crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 8 pieces
- Gluten-free wraps - 8 pieces
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Tissues - 6 boxes

Tips

Plan 2 to 3 drinks per rider for the first hour, then add at least 500 ml per person for every additional hour. Keep extra water at rest stops rather than carrying the entire supply on the bikes.
Pack one spare inner tube for every 5 to 8 riders, plus tire levers, bike multi-tools and pumps. Keep repair supplies in separate bags so volunteers can reach them quickly on the route.
Bring one wristband and one bike number per registered rider, plus 5 to 10 spare sets for replacements and late changes. Store the numbers in registration order to avoid a queue at the start.
Prepare snacks at roughly 2 portions per rider for each planned rest stop, with extra fruit and sandwiches for delays. Confirm dietary requirements before shopping, not on the morning of the tour.
Charge phones, power banks and walkie-talkies the evening before. Pack extension cords, power strips and LED lamps if registration or the finish area may run after daylight.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a river bike tour?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per rider during the first hour and at least 500 ml for each additional hour. Provide about 2 snack portions per rider per planned rest stop, plus extra food for delays.
How many spare bike parts should I buy for a group ride?: Start with one spare inner tube for every 5 to 8 riders, then add pumps, tire levers and multi-tools. For a group of 40, that means 5 to 8 spare tubes before counting any known bike problems.
How many bike numbers and wristbands do I need?: Prepare one bike number and one wristband for every registered rider, plus 5 to 10 spare sets. Pack the spares separately so volunteers can handle replacements without unpacking the full supply.
What should I bring for bad weather on a river bike tour?: Keep route maps and participant information in waterproof sleeves or sealed bags, and prepare an alternative route in advance. Bring party tents, insulating blankets and at least one dry storage area for registration supplies.

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