Intro to Bikepacking Weekend

Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th April | £275

Ever wondered what it’s like to ride all day, pitch a tent, and wake up feeling energised? Not from the sleep, but from the adventure, the movement, and the steady presence of nature.

If you’ve been curious about bikepacking but aren’t sure where to start, this introductory weekend in Aviemore is designed to give you a real, supportive first taste of travelling by bike. You’ll ride approximately 25–30 miles per day, with accommodation on Friday night and one night camping under the stars on Saturday.

Designed for riders who want to try bikepacking for the first time, this course is ideal if you’re comfortable riding for a few hours on relatively flat terrain. You don’t need to be fast, just open to learning and willing to keep moving.

The weekend is moderately challenging, offering a real taste of what bikepacking is like. There may be moments that feel tough and moments that feel brilliant, that’s part of the experience. The fun really is in the challenge.

This is a supportive, welcoming and encouraging environment, with plenty of hands-on coaching, shared learning, and space to ask questions. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with the skills, confidence and practical knowledge to start planning your own bikepacking adventures, and the momentum to kick-start what could become a really awesome journey.

  • Friday – Arrival & Foundations

    Arrivals from 4pm

    Welcom

    • Welcome, introductions & settling in

    • What bikepacking really involves (expectations, highs & lows)

    • Riding a loaded bike: body position, pacing & effort

    • Nutrition & hydration for long days

    • Route planning basics: pace, distance & time

    • Navigation fundamentals: GPX, maps, pit stops & camping considerations

    • Finding comfort in the saddle

      • Padded shorts & liners

      • Saddle choice & setup

      • Managing soreness, pressure points & chafing

    • Open discussion & questions

    Saturday – Preparation & Riding

    Morning (9am–12pm)

    • Packing your bike: essentials vs non-essentials

    • Kit organisation & preparation

    • Bike setup: saddle position, tyre pressure & suspension

    • Basic bike mechanics & trailside fixes

    Afternoon – Riding the route

    • Riding with weight: technique & efficiency

    • Nutrition timing & energy management

    • Trail-side coaching and problem solving

    • Navigation practice in real time

    • Decision-making on the trail (when to push on, when to stop)

    Evening – Camp life

    • Choosing a camp spot & tent setup

    • Cooking & fuel management

    • Hygiene & chamois care

    • Recovery: stretching, hydration & sleep

    • Looking after your wellbeing after a full day on the bike

    Sunday – Integration & Ride Out

    • Morning routine & efficient packing

    • Coffee, breakfast & hydration

    • Gentle mobility & body check-in

    • Riding back to Aviemore

    • Group reflection, feedback & next steps for your own bikepacking trips

  • Is this for me?

    This weekend is for you if:

    • You’re curious about bikepacking but haven’t tried it before

    • You can ride for a few hours at a steady pace

    • You don’t need to be fast just comfortable being on the bike

    • You want to learn in a supportive, encouraging environment

    It’s not about pushing limits or proving anything, it’s about building confidence and learning what works for you.

    How fit do I need to be?

    A basic level of fitness is enough. The pace is steady, with plenty of stops. The terrain is relatively flat, but riding with a loaded bike adds challenge, that’s part of the learning.

    What kind of bike do I need?

    A mountain bike or gravel bike suitable for carrying bags is ideal. We’ll cover setup and adjustments during the weekend.

    What if I struggle or feel slow?

    That’s completely okay, and very normal. This is a supportive group, with coaching throughout. Everyone rides their own ride.

    Do I need bikepacking gear already?

    No. Here is the link to hire the kit you need

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    What’s included in the price?

    • Coaching and guidance throughout the weekend

    • Friday night accommodation

    • Group learning, route planning & navigation support

    What’s not Inlcuded

    • Food and snacks

    • Camping equipment

    • Bikepacking bags or hire

    • Personal bike maintenance beyond basic trailside support

  • This is:

    • Supportive, welcoming and encouraging

    • About learning, adapting and building confidence

    • A genuine introduction to bikepacking

    This isn’t:

    • A race or endurance challenge

    • A guided holiday where everything is done for you

    • About pushing through discomfort at all costs

Book now