What to buy for a summer bike tour

A summer bike tour needs more than bikes and a planned route. You’ll need drinks and snacks at the start and rest area, serving supplies for coffee and tea, and clear route markers that riders can spot quickly. Pack repair equipment for punctures and basic adjustments, plus safety and registration supplies for the people running the tour. Use the list below to shop and prepare without leaving essentials until the morning of the ride.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Registration desk

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 80
Conesqty 20
Bike pumpsqty 3
Tire repair kitsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Multi-toolsqty 3
Cable tiesqty 100
Reflective vestsqty 12
Route signsqty 10
Clipboardsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Sparkling water - 3 crates
- Isotonic Sports Drink - 4 trays
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Ice pops - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian soup - 10 liters
- Tomato soup - 10 liters
- Soup croutons - 4 bags
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Plan around 750 ml to 1 litre of water per rider for a summer ride, then add extra for the starting point and rest area. Chill drinks before setup and keep backup supplies in coolers.
Prepare at least one snack portion per rider for the rest area, plus 10% extra for late arrivals or larger appetites. Choose food that can be served quickly without plates or complicated preparation.
Allow one route arrow or sign at every turn, junction and confusing section, and carry at least 10 spare markers. Put them out after the final route check so they do not get moved or missed.
For bike support, bring at least one pump, multi-tool and tire repair kit for each staffed repair point. Keep spare inner tubes and cable ties with the repair equipment rather than at the registration table.
Set aside one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per expected guest, then add 10% extra. Prepare coffee and tea in thermos flasks before riders arrive, and keep water jugs available for refills.

Frequently asked questions

How much water should I buy for a summer bike tour?: Allow 750 ml to 1 litre per rider for the route, depending on distance and heat. Add another 250 to 500 ml per person for the start and rest area, plus 10% extra.
How many snacks do I need for a bike tour?: Plan one snack portion per rider at the rest area and buy 10% extra. For a group of 30, that means at least 33 portions so nobody is left without food.
What bike repair equipment should I take on a group ride?: Bring at least one bike pump, multi-tool and tire repair kit for each repair point, along with spare inner tubes and cable ties. Check the repair kit the day before, not just on the morning of the tour.
When should I put out the route arrows and signs?: Place them after the route has been checked one last time, ideally 1 to 2 hours before the first riders leave. Keep 10 spare arrows or signs ready for replacements during the tour.

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