Intro to Gravel Riding Weekender

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!

Gravel riding means embracing the variety of mixed-terrain cycling routes to allow a deeper exploration into, and connection with, the natural environment, as opposed to being confined to only following the road network. A range of bike styles can be used for this blend of very accessible off-road riding, but purposely designed gravel bikes are typically rigid frame models with drop handlebars and knobbly tyres, with their geometry and gearing somewhere between a mountain bike and a road bike.

You'll be taught about adventure prep and planning, equipment essentials and the fundamentals of off-road gravel riding - including ascending, descending, gear selection, cornering, braking and riding on varied terrain.

Far from being unscripted, the routes featured on this trip are specially designed to incorporate the best of the surrounding countryside landscapes and scenery, within a pre-planned structure that is suitable for the 'moderate' trip grading. A range of features, mixed terrain surfaces and gradients are included to provide multiple opportunities to develop skill and technique, and build confidence. The hand-picked routes have been pre-ridden and risk assessed by the host, and daily ride safety briefings will give you advanced knowledge of the specific terrains and ride characteristics that you'll encounter each day. The group will stick together at a social pace throughout the rides, and re-group at regular strategic points along the route, including at any intersections and for any mechanical problems. There may be moments when you might prefer to get off your bike and walk for a short section, and the weather could have an impact on the condition of the terrains encountered.

Ride #1: Surfaces Approx. 64% unpaved, 22% paved, 14% asphalt

Ride #2: Surfaces Approx. 69% unpaved, 15% paved, 16% asphalt

This weekend is an ideal introduction to gravel riding. Previous cycling experience is required but no previous off-road cycling is necessary as you'll be provided with introductory-level guidance. A good level of fitness is required and you should be comfortable with the distances and elevations specified in the itinerary. If you do not want to ride a 'drop bar' bike then let the host know in advance so that they can allocate you a flat bar bike instead - both models are designed for the type of riding that you'll be doing. The pace is approx. 15km an hour and you'll ride as a group, with plenty of breaks, with no one getting left behind. You will likely be on your bikes/outside for most of the day on Saturday, and until mid-afternoon on Sunday.

Gravel adventure bikes are included for all bookings, and you will be allocated one pre-trip based on your height. They are well-maintained by the host team and you'll be guided through their characteristics before commencing riding. The host has a fleet comprising of two bike models - Sonder Camino (drop bars) and Sonder Frontier (straight bars). 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 your preference for which bike you would like to ride. 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.

Yes, if you prefer, then it is fine to bring your own bike. This should be a gravel bike (but mountain bikes could also be used), with a minimum tyre 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 utilise the included bike hire. There is space for bikes to be loaded onto the transfer vehicle from the train station meeting point at the start of the trip.

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

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

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 kit. 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 running up to your trip. The host will be in touch to inform you of any weather-specific considerations that might come up.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

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

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.