What you need for a trial race

A trial race needs more than obstacles and race numbers. You also need supplies for marking the course, repairing bikes, registering riders, judging attempts and keeping spectators out of danger. Plan your shopping around the course layout and the number of riders, judges and volunteers. Buy or collect equipment early, especially wooden beams, pallets, logs, bike spares, barriers and power supplies, because these are easy to overlook until course inspection day.

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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
Judges' table
High tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Wooden beamsqty 20
Wooden palletsqty 12
Concrete blocksqty 20
Logsqty 8
Bike tiresqty 12
Conesqty 30
Course tapeqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Bib numbersqty 100
Race numbersqty 100
Spare bike pumpsqty 2
Bike pumpqty 2
Basic bike toolsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bike standqty 2

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphone
Portable speaker
Stopwatchesqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Directional signsqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Starting flag
Finish flag
Stage blocksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving jugsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Storage boxesqty 12
Ice packsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Beer - 3 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Coffee cups - 150 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Cheese - 4 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Drawing pens - 20 pieces
- Colored pencils - 4 boxes
- Paper scorecards - 150 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Labels - 4 sheets
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Duct tape - 6 rolls
- Highlighters - 12 pieces

Tips

Prepare at least one clearly marked obstacle section for each planned course area, using cones and course tape to show boundaries. Add crowd control barriers wherever spectators could step onto the riding line.
For bike support, take one bike pump, at least two spare pumps if several groups ride at once, a basic bike tool kit and spare inner tubes. Check that every pump has the correct valve connection before race day.
Give each rider a bib or race number and keep a printed start list at registration. Bring a laptop and printer if numbers, updates or last-minute entries may need to be processed on site.
Set aside one table for judges and another for registration or administration. Pack stopwatches, walkie-talkies and a megaphone so officials can communicate without leaving their posts.
Test extension cords, power strips, lamps, speakers and power banks before loading them. Bring LED lamps for shaded or late-running areas, and chill drinks only after confirming there is enough cold storage on site.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a trial race course?: Plan for the selected obstacles, plus cones, course tape and crowd control barriers. The equipment list includes wooden beams, pallets, concrete blocks, logs and bike tires; confirm the quantity of each after the course inspection.
How many spare bike parts should I bring to a trial race?: Bring at least two spare inner tubes for a small field and add one more for every 10 to 15 riders if the course is rough. Pack one bike pump, spare pumps for busy repair points and a basic bike tool kit.
What do I need for trial race registration and judging?: Use bib numbers or race numbers, a printed start list, a laptop and a printer for administration. For judging, pack stopwatches, a judges' table and walkie-talkies; prepare one timing device per active judging point plus one spare.
When should I buy supplies for a trial race?: Buy or secure course materials and safety equipment at least 2 to 3 weeks before the race, then check everything during the course inspection. Purchase drinks and other perishables 1 to 2 days before the event so they can be chilled in time.

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