What to Buy for a Trial Race

A trial race needs more than the equipment used on the course. You also need clear marking, working timing and scoring equipment, bike repair supplies, communication tools and a practical refreshment setup. This shopping list covers the items to bring for competitors, officials and volunteers, including spare parts for bikes and backup power for laptops, tablets and lights. Check quantities against your participant count and course size before shopping, then pack everything by function so setup is faster.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Party tentsqty 3
High tablesqty 2

Sports equipment

Course tapeqty 12
Conesqty 40
Barsqty 8
Wooden palletsqty 10
Car tiresqty 12
Slopesqty 4
Bib numbersqty 40
Scorecardsqty 100
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 3
Basic tool kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 10
Ratchet strapsqty 12
Work glovesqty 12

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 6
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone
Printers
Coolersqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Route signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 4
Directional signsqty 10
Stage ribbon

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Prizesqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 grinder
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 2 boxes
- Bandages - 6 rolls
- Cold packs - 8 units

Tips

Plan at least one bib number and scorecard per registered competitor, plus 5–10 spare sets for last-minute entries, damaged paper or replacements.
Bring one basic tool kit, bike pump and supply of spare inner tubes for each active repair point. Keep work gloves and spare parts together rather than in the registration area.
Use course tape and cones to mark the route, start and finish. Pack extra tape and cones—at least 10% above the course plan—because markings are often moved during the final inspection.
Give each key official or volunteer a walkie-talkie and keep a megaphone at the start or finish. Charge power banks before leaving and test communication over the full course.
Set up coolers, reusable cups and the coffee and tea station before competitors arrive. Chill drinks several hours beforehand, and keep extension cords, power strips and battery lamps separate from wet areas.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a trial race?: Buy course-marking equipment, competitor bib numbers and scorecards, timing and administration equipment, bike repair supplies, communication devices, lighting and refreshments. The exact quantity depends on the number of competitors, officials and repair points.
How many spare bike parts do I need for a trial race?: Start with at least one basic tool kit and bike pump at each repair point, plus spare inner tubes for common wheel sizes. For a small race, keep 2–4 spare tubes and one backup pump available; increase this for a longer course or larger field.
How many bib numbers and scorecards should I print?: Prepare one bib number and one scorecard per registered competitor, then print 5–10% extra. For 40 competitors, that means at least 42–44 sets, with more if registration is still open.
What power and lighting supplies are needed on race day?: Bring enough extension cords and power strips for every powered station, plus one charged power bank per laptop or tablet as backup. Pack work lights and battery lamps whenever setup, inspection or registration may take place in low light.

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