What to Buy for a Star Bike Ride

A Star Bike Ride needs more than bikes and a route. You will need clear start and finish signs, visible route markers, lighting for darker sections, and practical equipment for registration and communication. Plan separate supplies for the start area, rest points and finish, then check what needs charging or spare batteries before the day. This list covers the physical items to buy, borrow or bring so riders, volunteers and organisers can work safely and keep the event moving.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Registration tablesqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 4
Bicycle racksqty 8
Tableclothqty 8
Clothing rack

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 10
Battery lanternsqty 6
Bike lightsqty 70
Spare batteriesqty 40

Decorations

Start sign
Finish sign
Route arrowsqty 35
Reflective ribbonsqty 20
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon weightsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Cable reelsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike repair standsqty 2

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 70
Route mapsqty 80
Wristbandsqty 80
Spare inner tubesqty 8
Bike puncture repair kitsqty 3
Tire leversqty 8
Allen key setsqty 4
Bike chain oilqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100
Duct tapeqty 4
Safety pinsqty 200
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Markersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Spongesqty 8
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Paper towelsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Oat bars - 80 pieces
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 70 pieces
- Apples - 70 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Wholegrain crackers - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Wraps - 6 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Spice mix - 2 bags
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Tea filters - 1 pack
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Compostable bags - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Paper tissues - 8 packs
- Duct tape - 2 rolls

Tips

Make the route visible in both directions: use route arrows and reflective tape at turns, crossings and less visible sections. Pack extra arrows because signs can be moved, damaged or missed during setup.
Allow at least one bike light per rider who may cycle in low light, plus spare batteries. Test every light before the ride and keep power banks available for phones and other rechargeable equipment.
Set up separate tables for registration and refreshments, with enough chairs for volunteers and riders who need to wait. Use tablecloths and chalkboards to make key information easy to spot.
Charge walkie-talkies and portable speakers the day before, then pack extension cords, power strips and cable reels for the start or finish area. Keep battery lanterns available if the route or venue becomes darker than expected.
Prepare the finish area with a finish sign, bicycle racks and thermos flasks or kettles if hot drinks are planned. Keep a bike repair kit with the event equipment rather than leaving it at the starting point.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a Star Bike Ride?: Plan supplies for registration, route marking, lighting, communication and refreshments. The core list includes tables, bicycle racks, route arrows, reflective tape, bike lights, spare batteries, walkie-talkies, power banks, thermos flasks and a bike repair kit.
How many route arrows do I need for a bike ride?: Use one arrow at every turn, junction and decision point, then add several spares for replacement. Count the route in both riding directions if riders may encounter the course from different approaches, and check the full route during setup.
How many bike lights and spare batteries should I buy?: Provide one working bike light for every rider who may ride in low light, and keep spare batteries for each battery-powered light. Test the lights before the event and bring power banks for rechargeable devices.
What equipment should volunteers have at a cycling event?: Give route and registration volunteers walkie-talkies, clear identification, access to emergency numbers and the equipment needed at their station. Charge the radios the day before and place a spare communication or lighting option at the start and finish.

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.