What to Bring for a Student Bike Ride

A student bike ride needs more than bikes and helmets. Pack supplies for registration, route marking, drinks, food service, minor repairs and basic first aid, then match quantities to your participant list. Plan drinking water and refreshments for the full route, not just the start and finish. The items below also cover common oversights, such as spare inner tubes, lights, extension cords and a sheltered registration point.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Party tentqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bike helmetsqty 6
Safety vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 3
Bike repair kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 10
Bike locksqty 6
Bicycle lightsqty 6
Reflective route arrowsqty 30
Route mapsqty 50
First aid kitsqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Hot platesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Soup ladlesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Storage binsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 2

Decorations

Starting bannersqty 2
Balloonsqty 40
Directional signsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 60 bottles
- Spa Rood - 20 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 40 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Pasta - 5 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Vegetarian minced pieces - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilos
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mixed salad - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Salad dressing - 3 bottles
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Trash bags - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan at least one spare inner tube and one bike pump for every 10 riders, and keep the repair kits where volunteers can reach them quickly. A breakdown kit left at the start does not help a rider halfway around the route.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add roughly 500–750 ml per rider for each further hour. Chill what can be chilled and keep backup drinks in coolers or storage bins.
Prepare one route map per participant, plus 10% extra for replacements. Bring enough reflective route arrows for every turn and check them on the route before riders arrive.
Set aside one registration table, two chairs and a visible number system for each participant list. Pack safety vests for route volunteers so riders can identify help immediately.
Bring bicycle lights even for a daytime ride, especially if the route includes tunnels, shaded roads or a late return. Put first aid kits, helmets and repair supplies at clearly assigned points before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a student bike ride?: Plan 500–750 ml per rider for each hour of cycling, plus 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour if you are also serving refreshments. Add at least 10% extra for warm weather or delayed returns.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring for a group bike ride?: Bring at least one spare inner tube per 10 riders, with a minimum of two for any group. Pair them with bike pumps and repair kits, and place the equipment with route volunteers rather than only at the start.
How many route maps should I print?: Print one map for every registered participant, plus 10% extra. For 50 riders, that means 55 maps, so late registrations and lost copies do not leave anyone without directions.
What should I pack for the bike ride registration area?: Use one table, two chairs, participant lists, route maps, pens and a clear number system. Set it up 30–45 minutes before the advertised start so volunteers can check riders in without delaying the group.

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