When: Friday October14th 7pm - Sunday 16th Oct 4pm

Price: Thanks to support from SRAM and Komoot, we’re able to heavily subsidise the cost of the weekend for everyone, and additionally offer a couple of half price tickets for those who find the full price prohibitive. Full price ticket: £100/Subsidised £50

Starting Location : South Downs YHA, Southease, Lewes, BN8 6JS

Tickets: Buy Here

Our Sisters In The Wild festival showed us there's many folks out there who are keen to give bikepacking a go. We heard that kit, confidence, and people to share the adventure with were the common challenges to getting started.

We're teaming up with Vee Lowe, with support from SRAM and Komoot, to host this weekend specifically for women, non-binary and trans people of colour. Our aim is to create an opportunity for folks to try bikepacking in a supportive and fun space with all the gear and support needed to get out on an adventure.

Vee is a "scientist by day, and a cycling enthusiast literally every other minute outside of work". Starting out as a bike commuter, Vee is now a fully fledged bikepacker, taking on trips across Europe, Rwanda, and some epic challenges here in the UK. After coming to two of our previous Sisters in the Wild weekends, we're stoked to have Vee join us to share her bikepacking passion with others.

In small groups of 8-14, we'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over campfire, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the South Downs before rolling into our camp-spot for the evening.

We've chosen an area close to London to show that you don't need to go far from a big city to have a big adventure. And if you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents and bikepacking bags.

Who's this for?

Any women, non-binary or trans folks from POC/BAME communities, that want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles in a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road, and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in Southease , and camping on Saturday.

• Bike loan if you need it

• Camping kit and bikepacking bag loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

Meeting in Southease YHA on Friday evening (1 hr 15 on the train from London), we'll spend the evening getting to know each other, preparing dinner together and chatting around the campfire (weather permitting!).

Saturday morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of offroad and road in the gorgeous South Downs National Park. There will be hills and probably some pushing! But the pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll roll into our campsite late afternoon, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day. In the morning we'll get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Stoves and pans

• Sleeping Mats

What gear to I need to bring with me?

We'll share a proper kit list before, But key things you'll need to bring.

• An off-road ready bike (if you have one) - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out. We will have demo bikes to loan if you need. Book with ticket.

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email us in advance of booking.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike if you're bringing one. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink with

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of South Downs terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be some big hills, and we'll most likely all be pushing our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of dirt, mud, grass and rocky bridleways. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How do I get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to South Ease train station. Trains from London Victoria to Southease are around 1 hr 15 min.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156

Got a question?

Drop us an email hello@sistersinthewild.com

When: Friday 16 September 7:30pm - Sunday 19 September 4pm

Price: £210 full price/£95 subsidised (lower income)

Starting Location : South Downs YHA, Southease, Lewes, BN8 6JS

Tickets: Buy Here

Our Sisters In The Wild festival showed us there's many folks out there who are keen to give bikepacking a go. We heard that kit, confidence, and people to share the adventure with were the common challenges to getting started.

Our aims for these weekend events were to remove some of those barriers and create an opportunity to try bikepacking in a supportive and fun space. Our inaugural weekend in the South Downs in October 2021 was a big success, and with support from Ortlieb and Alpkit, we’re stoked to bring them back for 2022!

In small groups of 8-14, we'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over campfire, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the South Downs before rolling into our camp-spot for the evening.

We've chosen an area close to London to show that you don't need to go far from a big city to have a big adventure. And if you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents and bikepacking bags.

Who's this for?

Any women, non-binary or trans folks who want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles in a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road, and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in Southease , and in a nearly-wild campsite on Saturday.

• Kit loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

Meeting in Southease YHA on Friday evening (1 hr 15 on the train from London), we'll spend the evening getting to know each other, preparing dinner together and chatting around the campfire (weather permitting!).

Saturday morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of offroad and road in the gorgeous South Downs National Park. There will be hills and probably some pushing! But the pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll aim to roll into our nearly-wild campsite before dark, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day. In the morning we'll get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Stoves and pans

• Sleeping Mats

What gear to I need to bring with me?

We'll share a proper kit list before, But key things you'll need to bring.

• A bike - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email us in advance of booking.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink with

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of South Downs terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be some big hills, and we'll most likely all be pushing our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of dirt, mud, grass and rocky bridleways. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How do I get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to South Ease train station. Trains from London Victoria to Southease are around 1 hr 15 min.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156

Got a question?

Drop us an email hello@sistersinthewild.com

When: Friday 5th August 7pm - Sunday 7 August 4pm

Price: £195 full price/£95 subsidised (lower income)

Starting Location :Windermere YHA, Troutbeck Bridge, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LA

Tickets: Buy Here

Our Sisters In The Wild festival showed us there's many folks out there who are keen to give bikepacking a go. We heard that kit, confidence, and people to share the adventure with were the common challenges to getting started.

Our aim for this weekend event is to remove some of those barriers and create an opportunity to try bikepacking in a supportive and fun space. We'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over campfire, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the Lake Distrcit before rolling into our campsite for the evening.

If you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents, mats and bikepacking bags.

Who's this for?

Any women, non-binary or trans folks who want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road (or are up for hiring one - we can give tips!), and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in the YHA in Windermere , and camping on Saturday.

• Kit loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

Meeting in Windermere YHA on Friday evening , we'll spend the evening getting to know each other, preparing dinner together and chatting around the campfire (weather permitting!).

Saturday morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of off-road and road in the gorgeous Lake District National Park. There’ll definitely be a few hills and maybe bits of riding that will give yo a chance to test out your off-road skills!. But we ride together as a group! The pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll aim to roll into our campsite before dark, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day. In the morning we'll get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Stoves

• We'll have a limited number of sleeping mats and bags too. Get in touch before booking if you need one of these.

What gear to I need to bring with me?

We'll share a proper kit list before, But key things you'll need to bring.

• A bike - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out. There’s plenty of places to hire on locally - ask us for advice!

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email us in advance of booking.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink from

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of Lake District terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be a few hills, some bits of more technical terrain, and we'll most likely all be off walking our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of mellow gravel tracks, a dirt, grass and a few rocky bridleways to try out. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How do I get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to Windermere train station. Trains from Manchester 2 hours, or about 2hr 45 from London.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156.

Bike Hire

Is available close to the hostel from few places, and costs around £60 - £70 for the weekend. A good place to start is https://www.countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk/ , right next to Windermere train station. We recommend hiring one of their hardtail MTB for the weekend.

Want to know more?

Take a look at some of the highlight videos on our instagram page, and read our testimonials to see what other people thought of our previous weekends. And feel free to drop us an email with any niggling questions!

When: Friday 15 July 7:30pm - Sunday 17 July 4pm

Price: £210 full price/£95 subsidised (lower income)

Starting Location : South Downs YHA, Southease, Lewes, BN8 6JS

Tickets: Buy Here

Our Sisters In The Wild festival showed us there's many folks out there who are keen to give bikepacking a go. We heard that kit, confidence, and people to share the adventure with were the common challenges to getting started.

Our aims for these weekend events were to remove some of those barriers and create an opportunity to try bikepacking in a supportive and fun space. Our inaugural weekend in the South Downs in October 2021 was a big success, and with support from Ortlieb and Alpkit, we’re stoked to bring them back for 2022!

In small groups of 8-14, we'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over campfire, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the South Downs before rolling into our camp-spot for the evening.

We've chosen an area close to London to show that you don't need to go far from a big city to have a big adventure. And if you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents and bikepacking bags.

Who's this for?

Any women, non-binary or trans folks who want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles in a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road, and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in Southease , and in a nearly-wild campsite on Saturday.

• Kit loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

Meeting in Southease YHA on Friday evening (1 hr 15 on the train from London), we'll spend the evening getting to know each other, preparing dinner together and chatting around the campfire (weather permitting!).

Saturday morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of offroad and road in the gorgeous South Downs National Park. There will be hills and probably some pushing! But the pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll aim to roll into our nearly-wild campsite before dark, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day. In the morning we'll get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Stoves and pans

• Sleeping Mats

What gear to I need to bring with me?

We'll share a proper kit list before, But key things you'll need to bring.

• A bike - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email us in advance of booking.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink with

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of South Downs terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be some big hills, and we'll most likely all be pushing our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of dirt, mud, grass and rocky bridleways. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How do I get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to South Ease train station. Trains from London Victoria to Southease are around 1 hr 15 min.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156

Got a question?

Drop us an email hello@sistersinthewild.com

When: 15th April 6pm - 17 April 4pm

Price: £195 full price/£95 subsidised (lower income)

Starting Location : Edale YHA, Edale, Hope Valley, S33 7ZH

Tickets: Buy Here

Our Sisters In The Wild festival showed us there's many folks out there who are keen to give bikepacking a go. We heard that kit, confidence, and people to share the adventure with were the common challenges to getting started.

Our aim for this weekend event is to remove some of those barriers and create an opportunity to try bikepacking in a supportive and fun space. We'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over campfire, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the South Downs before rolling into our camp-spot for the evening.

We've chosen an area close to London to show that you don't need to go far from a big city to have a big adventure. And if you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents and bikepacking bags.

Who's this for?

Any women, non-binary or trans folks who want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road, and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in the YHA in Edale, and in camping on Saturday.

• Kit loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

Meeting in Edale YHA on Friday evening , we'll spend the evening getting to know each other, preparing dinner together and chatting around the campfire (weather permitting!).

Saturday morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of offroad and road in the gorgeous Peak District National Park. There will be hills and probably some pushing! But the pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll aim to roll into our secluded campsite before dark, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day. In the morning we'll get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Stoves

• We'll have a limited number of sleeping mats and bags too. Get in touch before booking if you need one of these.

What gear to I need to bring with me?

We'll share a proper kit list before, But key things you'll need to bring.

• A bike - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email us in advance of booking.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink from

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of Peak District terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be some big hills, some bits of more technical terrain, and we'll most likely all be pushing our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of dirt, mud, grass and rocky bridleways. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How do I get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to Edale train station. Trains from Manchester and Sheffield are around 45 minutes, or about 2hr 45 from London.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156

When: 8th April 6pm - 10th April 4pm

Price: £195, £95 subsidized (+ Eventbrite booking fee)

Starting Location : Edale YHA, Edale, Hope Valley, S33 7ZH

We’re collaborating with Adventure Queens to run a Introduction To Bikepacking weekend for their awesome women’s outdoor community. Our aim for this weekend event is to create an opportunity to try bikepacking in a fun space, with all the gear, tips and support you need to give it a go! Our starting location in Edale is easily accessible by train, and if you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents and bikepacking bags.

Who are Adventure Queens?

Adventure Queens is a UK based, not-for-profit women’s adventure community – set up with the aim of delicately bringing down the barriers that prevent women from going on outdoor adventures and realising their full potential.

They’re free to join, highly accessible and completely inclusive for anyone that identifies as a woman.

Who's this for?

Any woman* who want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road, and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

*Whilst most of our SITW events are open to any WTFNB person, this one is focused on anyone who identifies as a woman

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in the YHA in Edale, and in camping on Saturday.

• Kit loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

We'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over a communal meal, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the Peak District, before rolling into our camp-spot for the evening.

Friday:

Meeting in Edale YHA on Friday evening, we'll spend the evening getting to know each other over a communal dinner, talking about the plan for the weekend, hopes and fears, and share tips for packing for a weekend of bikepacking!

Saturday:

Morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of offroad and road in the gorgeous Peak District National Park. There will be hills and probably some pushing! But the pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll aim to roll into our secluded campsite before dark, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day.

Sunday

After breakfast at camp, we'll pack up tents and get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Sleeping Mat

• Stoves

• We'll have a limited number of sleeping bags too. Get in touch before booking if you need one of these.

What gear do I need?

We'll share a proper kit list before, but key things you'll need to bring include:

• A bike - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out.

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email sistersinthewilduk@gmail.com in advance of booking to check if we have one available.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink from

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of Peak District terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be some big hills, some bits of more technical terrain, and we'll most likely all be pushing our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of dirt, mud, grass and rocky bridleways. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How to get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to Edale train station. Trains from Manchester and Sheffield are around 45 minutes, or about 2hr 45 from London. Remember to book your bike on the train if coming in advance.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156

Bike hire

Bike hire will be available! £70 for the weekend through The Bike Garage, including delivery and pick up from our start/end point. Book directly through https://bikegarage.co.uk/, and then drop them and us an email to tell them its for the SITW weekend at Edale YHA.

Can I join if I’m not part of the Adventure Queens community?

This event is exclusively for the AQ community, which is free to join. Take a look at their website or facebook group, and if that seems like something you’d like to be a part of, go join!

When: 18th March 6pm - 20 March 4pm

Price: £195 full price/£95 subsidised (lower income)

Starting Location : South Downs YHA, Southease, Lewes, BN8 6JS

Tickets: Buy Here

Our Sisters In The Wild festival showed us there's many folks out there who are keen to give bikepacking a go. We heard that kit, confidence, and people to share the adventure with were the common challenges to getting started.

Our aims for these weekend events were to remove some of those barriers and create an opportunity to try bikepacking in a supportive and fun space. Our inaugural weekend in the South Downs in October 2021 was a big success, and with support from Ortlieb and Alpkit, we’re stoked to bring them back for 2022!

In small groups of 8-14, we'll start the weekend in true Sisters In The Wild style, sharing skills and tips over campfire, before loading up to head out on our own overnight bikepacking adventure together. We'll ride a mix of on road and off, getting comfortable with our loaded bikes on the dirt tracks of the South Downs before rolling into our camp-spot for the evening.

We've chosen an area close to London to show that you don't need to go far from a big city to have a big adventure. And if you don't have all the gear - don't worry. We can provide many of the essentials, including lightweight tents and bikepacking bags.

Who's this for?

Any women, non-binary or trans folks who want to share a bikepacking adventure and skill building experience in a fun and supportive environment. This might be your first ever bikepacking trip or you may be coming with some tales to share! We just ask that you are comfortable riding around 25 miles in a day in hilly/mixed terrain, have a bike capable of riding off-road, and are up for sharing a bit of a challenge! There will be some mandatory gear to bring which you'll find at the bottom, but we can provide most of the big stuff.

What's included

• Friday night accommodation (shared dorm) in Southease , and in a nearly-wild campsite on Saturday.

• Kit loan if you need it. Before the weekend we'll share a kit list and help to go through what you already have and what you need

• Practical , hands-on skill sharing on bikepacking essentials from experienced bikepackers and your fellow attendees. Expect chats on gear, packing, food, route planning and the practical stuff no one talks about (periods? poop? we've got you covered!)

• Guided rides on Saturday and Sunday from qualified leaders. Expect somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 miles over the weekend on mixed terrain

• A communal dinner on Friday (we'll all pitch in to cook) and a hearty breakfast before we head out on the bikes. We'll kit everyone out with some basic bikepacking grub to cook up for dinner and breakfast whilst at our overnight camp.

• Lots of support, cheerleading and cake stops as we share in this challenge together!

The plan

Meeting in Southease YHA on Friday evening (1 hr 15 on the train from London), we'll spend the evening getting to know each other, preparing dinner together and chatting around the campfire (weather permitting!).

Saturday morning will see us up early for a good breakie, before we start to get our bikes and bodies ready for the ride! We'll talk about packing, distribute gear and supplies, and get our bikes loaded up with everything we need for our overnight adventure. We'll say goodbye to the hostel, and set out on a 25 mile-ish ride, taking in a mix of offroad and road in the gorgeous South Downs National Park. There will be hills and probably some pushing! But the pace will be very friendly and there will be plenty of time for snacks and chatting along the way.

We'll aim to roll into our nearly-wild campsite before dark, set up our tents together and settle in for an evening of campfire, cooking up our dinners and sharing stories from the day. In the morning we'll get the bikes loaded up once again for our return ride to the hostel with lunch on the way. We'll get back around 4pm, unload our gear and get ready for a return to civilization!

What gear can I borrow

• Bikepacking bags - we'll have a range of handlebar rolls, saddle bag and frame bags to borrow

• Tent

• Stoves and pans

• Sleeping Mats

What gear to I need to bring with me?

We'll share a proper kit list before, But key things you'll need to bring.

• A bike - One you are comfortable riding off road (e.g. on dirt, gravel, bridleways etc), and that is in good working order. A MTB or Gravel bike works great. We'd suggest a minimum of 38mm tyres. Full suspension bikes only if suspension can be locked out

• Sleeping Bag - A 3 season, lightweight bag. We'll have a very limited number of these to borrow - please email us in advance of booking.

• A small rucksack - Around 20L, that you'll be comfortable riding with

• Helmet

• Spares/tools for your own bike. E.g. inner tubes,

• Headtorch & Bike Lights

• Waterproofs

• Something to eat and drink with

Riding

The ride will take in a mixed bag of South Downs terrain, with a mix of offroad and quiet roads. There will be some big hills, and we'll most likely all be pushing our bikes at times! But that's all part of the fun, and the views (and cake stops!) are worth it. Expect a mix of dirt, mud, grass and rocky bridleways. We expect to cover about 50 miles over the weekend.

How do I get there?

Our Friday meeting point is is very close to South Ease train station. Trains from London Victoria to Southease are around 1 hr 15 min.

Car sharing encouraged! Check out the Lift Sharing facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/830374944541156

Got a question?

Drop us an email sistersinthewildUK@gmail.com