What you need for a tandem ride

A tandem ride needs more than tandem bicycles and helmets. Plan equipment for the route, registration, rest stops, repairs and the finish area, where tables, drinks and lighting may be needed. Check every tandem before participants arrive and bring spare parts for punctures or minor faults. This list also covers the practical items that are easy to forget, such as route signs, power banks, reusable cups and supplies for marking the start.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 4
Bicycle racksqty 6

Sports equipment

Tandem bicyclesqty 25
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike helmetsqty 55
Reflective vestsqty 12
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bike tool setsqty 4
Bicycle light setsqty 30
Directional signsqty 35
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Route mapsqty 60
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 30

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Mobile phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 8
Water jugsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving utensilsqty 10
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Food warmersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Broomsqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 100 bottles
- Sparkling water - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 100 bags
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Soup sticks - 10 packs
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan one tandem bicycle for each pair, then keep spare bicycles available for breakdowns or late changes. Check tyres, brakes, chains and lights before bringing the bikes to the start.
Bring at least one helmet per rider and enough reflective vests for the route team. Keep pumps, spare inner tubes and bike tool sets at the start and with the support vehicle.
Prepare route maps and directional signs before the event, and take extra cones and barrier tape for unclear junctions or changes on the day. Test every digital route file before participants set off.
For registration, prepare a printed participant list, clipboards and several pens rather than relying on one phone. Charge mobile phones and walkie-talkies fully, and bring power banks for the route team.
Allow enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the full group plus around 10% extra. Chill drinks in advance, and pack LED lamps, battery lanterns or string lights if the start or finish may run into low light.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a tandem ride?: For each tandem pair, plan one tandem bicycle and two bike helmets. Also prepare route signs, maps, repair equipment, reflective vests, communication devices and supplies for registration and refreshments.
How many spare bikes should I bring to a tandem ride?: Bring at least one spare bicycle for a small group, and add another when more than 20 riders are taking part. The exact number depends on the route length and how quickly support can reach a breakdown.
How much drinking equipment do I need for a tandem ride?: Provide one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per participant, plus about 10% extra. For drinks, plan two to three servings per person for the first hour and more for a longer ride or warm weather.
When should I check the tandem bikes and route equipment?: Complete the main bike and helmet check at least one day before the ride. Test route files, charge communication equipment and pack signs, tools and spare inner tubes again on the morning of the event.

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