Intro to Off-Road Riding

It's no secret that we love biking and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realize that organizing your own biking trip can be a total hassle, let alone getting a group of like-minded people on board. On our biking trips, we've found a local host who has put together a perfect itinerary and will navigate for you all the way. Hassle eliminated! All you have to do is show up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow adventurers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!

This US gravel riding weekend is about more than just riding a bike. Your host focuses on getting social aspects spot-on for everyone as well. Relax and unwind in a fabulously comfy canvas camp, sit around the campfire, and meet and chat with your fellow adventurers. Mealtimes are special occasions and enjoyed together around the dinner and breakfast table set in stunning surroundings. Your food is freshly prepared using the best, wholesome ingredients - expertly combined to create some extraordinarily tasty and delicious meals! Have a read of the wonderful customer feedback and get in touch with Much Better Adventures if you have any queries before making a reservation.

Off-road riding involves embracing a variety of cycling routes on mixed terrains. This means you can explore natural and wild places on two wheels, as opposed to being confined to following the road network. During the weekend, you'll be taught about adventure prep and planning, gear essentials and the fundamentals of off-road riding – including ascending, descending, gear selection, cornering, braking and riding on varied terrain.

High-quality bike rental is included for all bookings on this adventure, and you will be allocated a bike before your trip based on your height. They are well-maintained by the host team and you'll be guided through their characteristics before starting to ride. The host has a fleet comprising two models of bike – Sonder Camino (drop bar gravel bikes) and Sonder Frontier (straight bar mountain bikes). After booking, you'll be able to speak directly to the host to share your height (for correct frame size allocation), ask any questions, and express a preference for which model of bike you would like to ride. Please note that there may be limited availability of one option over another (drop or straight bar) as they are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage, they all come with male/standard saddles, and your host provides either flat or SPD MTB pedals (and will discuss your choice with you beforehand).

Yes, if you prefer, it's fine to bring your own bike. This should be a gravel bike (but mountain bikes could also be used), with a minimum tire width of 40mm and a tread pattern suited to a variety of off-road terrains. It would be your responsibility to ensure that your bike and any equipment are in safe working order and suitable for the type of riding that this trip involves. You should bring a multitool, puncture repair and/or tubeless repair kit. Please make the host aware in advance should you plan to bring your own bike, and if in doubt of its suitability then just ask. No discounts can be made on the trip price if deciding not to utilize the included bike rent. There is space for bikes to be loaded onto the transfer vehicle from the train station meeting point at the start of the trip.

You'll be able to fill up your refillable water bottles at the campsite in the mornings and at several points during the rides.

Yes, you need to bring your own bike helmet on this adventure. It should meet recognized safety standards, display a relevant certification mark, and be in good condition. It is mandatory for all riders to wear a helmet whenever cycling.

Please make sure your helmet is:

• A purpose-built bike helmet that meets a recognized safety standard and displays a relevant certification mark, including (but not limited to):

  • CE/EN 1078 (UK & Europe)
  • CPSC or Snell B90/B95 (USA)
  • AS/NZS 2063 (Australia & New Zealand)

• In good condition:

  • ideally no more than five years old
  • not involved in a crash
  • no visible cracks/dents, compressed foam, or damaged straps

• A good fit:

  • sits level (not tipped back)
  • snug, secure and stable when fastened (doesn't rock or slide)
  • retention system and straps work properly

If your helmet isn’t suitable on arrival:

• you may need to rent or buy a suitable helmet locally (availability varies by destination)
• if a suitable helmet can't be sourced, you may be unable to join some or all cycling activities on safety grounds, in line with your booking conditions

Need help choosing or fitting a helmet?
For advice see British Cycling’s guidance.

Bike Safety Please see our cycling safety guidance for further information.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

This being England, it is fairly unpredictable! Average temperatures are lower for the early and late season departure dates so you should factor this in when packing your gear. As a general guide, it is best to come prepared for all eventualities, both on and off the bike, keeping a close eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to your trip. The host will be in touch to inform you of any weather-specific considerations that might come up.