Tandem race shopping list

A tandem race needs more than tandem bicycles and a finish arch. You also need equipment for repairs, rider identification, course safety, timing, registration and volunteer communication. Buy or borrow the core items before registrations close, then match quantities to the number of tandems and course posts. This list helps you check the easily missed details, such as spare inner tubes, extension cords and enough high-visibility vests for traffic marshals.

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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 40
Beer tablesqty 4
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Tandem bicyclesqty 4
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Inner tubesqty 4
Bike repair standsqty 2
Tool setsqty 3
Bike glovesqty 6
Spare helmetsqty 8
High-visibility vestsqty 16
Bib numbersqty 50
Race numbersqty 50
Barrier tapeqty 12
Route arrowsqty 30
Traffic conesqty 40
Crowd barriersqty 12
Flagsqty 12
Finish arch

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Mobile sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Corkscrewqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3
Storage boxesqty 20

Decorations

Competition bannersqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Directional signsqty 20
Prize trophiesqty 6
Medal ribbonsqty 50

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 4 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 15 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Sports drink - 10 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Beer - 4 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Multigrain bread - 12 loaves
- White dots - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 60 pieces
- Croissants - 50 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Boiled ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Croutons - 6 bags
- Mixed lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 80 pieces
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Energy gels - 60 pieces
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 4 boxes
- Aluminum trays - 100 pieces
- Food storage containers - 50 pieces
- Toothpicks - 2 boxes
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Herb mix - 3 jars

Tips

Plan at least one tandem bicycle for every registered team, plus one spare if the event depends on supplied bikes. Check every bike and pump 1–2 days before the race, not on the morning itself.
Keep one spare inner tube per 3–4 bicycles and place a tool set, pump and repair stand near the start area. A small repair point is useful when teams arrive with different wheel sizes.
Provide one bib number or race number for every rider or tandem, plus at least 10% extra for late changes and damaged numbers. Pack the numbers in start-order groups so registration stays quick.
Count course-marking supplies by position: use one route arrow or barrier-tape section at every turn, and add extra cones and crowd barriers around the start, finish and crossing points.
Allow one stopwatch for each timekeeper and one high-visibility vest for each traffic marshal, with 2–3 spare vests. Test the walkie-talkies, printer, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the event.

Frequently asked questions

How many tandem bicycles do I need for a tandem race?: Allow one bicycle per registered tandem team if participants do not bring their own. Keep at least one spare tandem available for a mechanical problem, and inspect all bikes 1–2 days before the start.
How many spare inner tubes should I buy for a tandem race?: A practical starting point is one spare inner tube for every 3–4 bicycles, plus two extra tubes for the repair point. Confirm the required sizes before ordering, because tandem wheels may not all use the same tubes.
How many high-visibility vests are needed for race volunteers?: Provide one vest for every traffic marshal and course volunteer who works near vehicles or crossings, then add 2–3 spare vests. Finalise the count after assigning the traffic posts, ideally at least one week before race day.
When should I buy equipment for a tandem race?: Order specialist items such as tandem bicycles, helmets and repair parts at least 3–4 weeks before the race. Buy consumables and print bib numbers, route maps and schedules 3–7 days before the event, after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed.

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