What to buy for a torch bike ride

A torch bike ride needs more than a torch for every rider. You will need visible route and safety equipment, reliable lighting at the start and finish, refreshments for the rest stop, and basic bike repairs for the route. Plan one working bike light set per bicycle, plus spare batteries or power banks where needed. Buy and test the equipment before the ride, not on the day itself, so missing chargers, flat pumps or damaged lights can still be replaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 20
Beer tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8

Lighting

LED torchesqty 100
LED string lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Power banksqty 6
Mobile phone chargersqty 6
Megaphone
Luggage scale
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Sports equipment

Reflective vestsqty 20
Bicycle light setsqty 20
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike repair kitsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Route card holdersqty 10
Bike flagsqty 10
Bike bagsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Safety hammersqty 2

Decorations

Starting bannersqty 2
Directional signsqty 20
Information boardsqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 4
Table décorqty 12
Table numbersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea bags - 150 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee cream - 2 liter
- Still water - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 10 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Bar snacks - 5 kilogram
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 5 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet freshener - 4 pieces
- Disposable tissues - 10 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Ziplock bags - 2 boxes
- AA batteries - 40 pieces
- AAA batteries - 40 pieces
- Rain ponchos - 20 pieces
- Pens - 20 pieces
- Name stickers - 120 pieces
- Paper route maps - 120 pieces
- Wristbands - 120 pieces
- Tape - 10 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces

Tips

Count one LED torch and one bicycle light set per participating bike, then add at least 10% spares. Test every light before distributing torches by bike.
Prepare one reflective vest for each bike marshal and keep the walkie-talkies fully charged before briefing the team. Bring power banks and phone chargers for route staff.
For a group of 20 riders, prepare roughly 40 to 60 drinks for the first hour, plus extra water for the rest area. Use coolers for cold drinks and thermos flasks for hot drinks.
Pack one bike pump, one repair kit and at least two spare inner tubes for every 20 bicycles. Check that the repair kits match the tyre valves used by the participating bikes.
Buy disposable-looking gaps last-minute items are often forgotten: reusable cups, coffee cups, serving tongs, plates and cutlery for the closing venue. Add about 10% more tableware than your confirmed registration count.

Frequently asked questions

How many torches do I need for a torch bike ride?: Plan one LED torch per bicycle, not per household or booking. Add at least 10% spare torches, so a ride with 30 bikes needs 33 torches in total.
What bike repair equipment should I bring?: For every 20 bicycles, bring at least one bike pump, one bike repair kit and two spare inner tubes. Carry the equipment with a marshal or support vehicle so it is available along the route.
How many drinks should I buy for the ride?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add extra water for the rest area. For 30 participants, that means 60 to 90 drinks before allowing for additional hot drinks.
When should I buy and test the bike lights?: Buy the lights and chargers at least one week before the ride. Test every torch and bicycle light two to three days in advance, leaving time to replace faulty units or charge power banks.

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