What you need for a time trial challenge

A time trial challenge needs more than bikes and a start line. You need supplies for marking the course, identifying riders, recording times, managing traffic and handling minor mechanical or medical problems. Plan separate equipment for the start and finish, plus backup items for power, timing and communication. This shopping list helps you check the practical details before volunteers arrive and registration begins.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Waste binsqty 6
Crowd barriersqty 20

Sports equipment

Traffic conesqty 40
Route arrowsqty 50
Bib numbersqty 100
Bib holdersqty 100
Spare helmetsqty 4
Spare bike pumpsqty 3
Bike tool kitsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Equipment

Timing systemsqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Printers
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 4
Mobile Wi‑Fi hotspot

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Water dispensersqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 2
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Prize display

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 3 tubs
- Spa Blue - 12 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Sports drink - 6 trays
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Beer - 6 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 8 trays
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 12 tubs
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 4 kilograms
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Jam - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Cleaning

Broomqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12

Tips

Prepare one bib number and bib holder for every registered participant, then add at least 10% spare numbers for late changes, damaged items or incorrect entries.
Use one route arrow at every turn and place extra arrows before confusing junctions. Keep traffic cones and crowd barriers available for the start, finish and any hazardous points.
Test the timing system, laptops, printers and stopwatches at least one day before the event. Pack power banks, extension cords and power strips so a missing outlet does not stop registration or timing.
Match safety equipment to the course: provide safety vests for every traffic post, carry a first aid kit, and keep spare bike pumps, inner tubes and tool kits at the start or finish.
For refreshments, calculate two to three drinks per participant for the first hour, then add extra cups and water for volunteers. Pack waste bins, reusable cups and plates before loading the tents and tables.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a time trial challenge?: You need timing equipment, laptops, stopwatches, printers, bib numbers, course arrows, cones, safety vests and communication equipment. Also bring backup power, first aid supplies and bike repair items such as pumps, tool kits and inner tubes.
How many race numbers should I buy for a time trial?: Prepare one race number and holder per participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 50 riders, that means 55 numbers and holders to cover changes, loss or damage.
How much water and how many cups do I need?: Plan two to three drinks per participant for the first hour, with additional drinks for volunteers and officials. Bring at least one reusable cup per person using the refreshment point, plus a supply of clean spares.
When should I check the timing equipment and course-marking supplies?: Check everything at least one day before the challenge and test the timing system before participants arrive. Inspect the route arrows, cones, barriers, power supplies and walkie-talkies again during setup.

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