AKA: Don’t forget your special racing shoes, champ!
You trained. You tapered. You obsessed over tire pressure at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday and now it’s go time. But nothing crushes race day vibes like forgetting your helmet or showing up without your timing chip.
Why Tobias at LaneSpotter has crafted an epic checklist of everything you might need to set you up for success, even before hitting the starting line.
LaneSpotter’s Comprehensive Bike Racing Day Packing Checklist
This checklist? It’s for racing and event bike riders. Crits, gran fondos, gravel grinders, charity rides, even that local park race your friend peer-pressured you into. Doesn’t matter if you’re chasing a podium or just a better personal performance, get you and your bike ready like a pro and keep the chaos at bay.
Race-Day Essentials
- ✅ Helmet — No helmet = no race. Pack it first.
- ✅ Cycling shoes + cleats — Double check they’re not still by the front door.
- ✅ Race kit (jersey + bibs/shorts) — Bring your A-game fit.
- ✅ Timing chip & race number — If they gave ’em to you early, don’t leave them on your kitchen table.
- ✅ Sunglasses — For glare, grit, and looking fast.
- ✅ Gloves — Extra grip, and your hands will thank you after 50 miles of vibration.
- ✅ Flat kit (mini pump, CO₂, spare tube) — Even if there’s neutral support.
- ✅ Multi-tool — For that last-minute saddle tweak.
- ✅ Hydration:
- 2x water bottles
- Electrolyte mix or tabs
- ✅ Snacks or race fuel (gels, bars, chews)
- ✅ GPS or bike computer — Don’t rely on markers alone.
- ✅ Phone — Set to silent, but still handy.
- ✅ Watch or HR monitor (optional) — Data heads, unite.
Pre/Post-Race Gear
- ✅ Warm-up clothes (layers for morning chill)
- ✅ Post-race clothes (unless you like standing in wet bibs)
- ✅ Extra socks — Because nobody regrets extra socks
- ✅ Towel — For drying off sweat, rain, or beer spills
- ✅ Chamois cream — Apply before, thank me after
- ✅ Sunscreen — Especially for those long summer epics
- ✅ Lip balm — Windburn sneaks up on you
- ✅ Safety pins (if they’re using paper numbers)
- ✅ Zip ties — You’d be surprised how often they save the day
- ✅ Trash bag — Instant changing mat or dirty kit stash
First Aid & Relief
- ✅ Pain relievers (ibuprofen, etc.)
- ✅ Blister/band aid kit
- ✅ Electrolyte tablets — again, they’re that important
- ✅ Muscle rub or mini massage roller — treat your legs right
- ✅ Eye drops — Especially in dry/dusty races
Logistics & Race Stuff
- ✅ Race confirmation email or registration proof
- ✅ Directions to venue
- ✅ Cash/card (food trucks and last-minute gear booths are real)
- ✅ ID + insurance card (if required)
- ✅ Waiver (some still need it on paper)
- ✅ Snacks or full meal for post-race refuel
Optional / Bonus Gear
☐ Trainer or rollers — If you’re warming up like a pro
☐ Extra tubes/tires — For longer races or rough courses
☐ Chair — Trust me, post-race legs love a folding chair
☐ Cooler — Drinks, recovery food, or just being a hero friend
☐ GoPro or camera — For sweet post-race recap vids
☐ Cowbell — To hype teammates (or yourself)
Get The Race-Day/Event Checklist Printable PDF
Print it, highlight it, or laminate it and feel elite. Submit your e-mail below and we’ll send you the printable/digital copy PDF straight to your mail box for later use!
Racing is fun. Racing in the wrong shoes is horrible. This list is built to help you not forget anything vital, no matter what type of bike race or event you’re signed up for.
Pack smart, pedal hard, and don’t forget to get your breathing in, racer!
— Tobias