FAQs
Ok, what is bikepacking?
Read this blog piece by Jim for some answers…
How do I book a weekend trip with rideawaybikepacking?
You can send Jim at rideawaybikepacking an email, message via Instagram or Facebook or give him a phone. It is important that we both have a proper discussion so that you get booked on the right trip for you, at the right time in the right manner.
How much do weekend trips cost with rideawaybikepacking?
All weekend trips are either £345 or £275 per person depending on whether you stay in Speyside Hotel on Friday night. Other trip prices are shown on trips page.
Please note a single person supplement and maximum of 4 guests applies.
A 50% deposit is required to secure your weekend trip.
The balance is due 4 weeks before your weekend trip.
If you cancel less than 4 weeks before your weekend there is no refund.
Please note at the Point of Sale, all guests eligible deposits in rideawaybikepacking account with Monzo are protected, for example if the accommodation isn’t available then your money can be refunded.
What will you rideaway and learn…
How to identify appropriate multi-day routes of your own.
Choosing what equipment, food and clothing to take when bikepacking.
How to manage your bike, equipment and self on multi-day routes.
How to ride appropriately when wilderness biking on multi-day routes.
Emergency procedures.
Navigation using map & compass, GPS and mobile apps.
What you don’t need to bring:
On Saturday evening meal, breakfast on Sunday as these are included in the price.
Snacks on the trail each day.
First aid kit, we take care of that.
An extensive bike repair kit.
Specialist bike luggage or a lightweight tent - I can let you borrow some kit.
What is NOT included on all weekend trips
All travel to and from our base at The Speyside Hotel, Grantown on Spey.
Dinner on Friday and Sunday night
Your biking and travel insurance.
Alcoholic drinks, additional drinks and snacks to those provided by rideawaybikepacking
Bike
Click on the link below to see our
Why is everything all inclusive?
The rideawaybikepacking ethos is to collaborate with local communities and businesses. By sourcing and purchasing everything for your trip here in Grantown on Spey we are supporting and learning about the local businesses. Hopefully you will take this approach back home with you for future bikepacking trips of your own as well as having a leavenotrace approach
Why don’t you have a list of dates when weekend trips are offered?
It is important that guests of rideawaybikepacking get to choose the dates that suit them NOT somehow fit into a schedule. So for 2024 just get in touch with Jim and tell him what you would like to do and when. We can take it from there.
Why do you have a maximum group size?
Again this goes back to the ethos of rideawaybikepacking as we want guests to have a unique personal experience with their partner, family or friends without the hassle of different expectations, experience or skills that larger open-groups can sometimes have. Small groups of 1, 2, 3 or 4 guests also importantly have less impact on our precious environment and resources.
What skill level is required?
The distance and elevation gain is shown on the website for the introductory, intermediate and advanced weekend trips. The time taken for each day can vary depending upon the size of the group, prevailing weather and trail conditions and how many photo/snack stops we take!
For the introductory and intermediate weekend trips some experience of simple off road riding on forest trails, or green/blue trail centre routes. Guests should be fit enough to ride on varied but not severe trails for up to 5 hours, for each of the two days, covering approximately 20 miles a day. A desire to learn new skills, ride a loaded bikepacking rig and perhaps try out camping for the first time. For riders who are already comfortably doing all of this they might want to consider the advanced weekend trip
Suggested items to bring:
Trainers, approach shoes or biking shoes to ride in.
Socks and liners (for extra comfort), plus spares.
Padded cycle shorts.
Full-length base layer top and bottoms.
Cycle top to ride in, one with ventilation works best, e.g. full length zip.
Fleece or soft shell top to put on top if it gets cold.
Waterproof jacket.
Insulated jacket or gilet for stops, or to put under a waterproof jacket if it is really cold!
Warm hat and gloves.
Cycling gloves, helmet and cycling glasses.
Water bottle, or hydration system to use when riding.
Spare full-length base layer top and bottoms to change into at night for sleeping, or for emergency use.
Change of clothes for camp and sandals, or crocs.
Overnight toiletries, towel and personal medication.
3 season sleeping bag and camping mat
Mobile phone and charger.
Personal money for extra refreshments, or drinks
Midge repellent and net
Head torch for personal use at camp, we do not plan to ride after dark!
A day sack, typically 20 litres capacity to carry stuff when you are riding.
Plenty of dry bags, or plastic bags to wrap your stuff up in.
A working mountain bike you’ve ridden before, we can give advice on its suitability, or suggest where you can hire one.
Two spare inner tubes for your bike, spare brake blocks/pads and an emergency chain link for your bike. Your bike guide will carry some spares but we cannot stock spares for the wide range of bikes out there!
Please don’t worry if you don’t have all of that kit, it is a long list! Jim can discuss what you have and what you need to bring if you are unsure.
What if I need to rent a bike?
Jim can advise on local bike shops who can rent you a bike.
What if I don’t have a sleeping bag or camping mat?
You can borrow from rideawaybikepacking free of charge!
What if it is too hard or too easy for me!?
The routes on offer are designed to be very interchangeable. This is sometimes possible en route but can definitely be done on day 2 after we have discussed this with the whole group the night before at camp.
What if I arrive by public transport?
Inverness Airport is 45 minutes away by taxi. There is a bus service from Aviemore train station to Grantown on Spey.
What if I arrive late on Friday night?
Just let Jim know and he will tell the hotel what time to expect you. The briefing can wait until Saturday morning, the most important thing is that you arrive safely and can get fed and comfortable on Friday night after travelling here.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Guests who have special dietary requirements such as vegan or vegetarian or Halal can make Jim aware of this at booking. He will then discuss the best options for you, for example Fiona’s Wholefoods can provide a vegetarian alternative to meat for Saturday night’s meal at camp.
Where do I leave my ‘non-bikepacking’ kit on Saturday and Sunday?
Guests of rideawaybikepacking can leave their belongings in storage safely at the Speyside Hotel until they return on Sunday afternoon. Other arrangements are possible if not staying at the hotel, just ask Jim.
Can we stay at the Speyside Hotel for two nights?
By staying at The Speyside Hotel for two separate nights you have the chance to get to know the staff there and have the opportunity on Monday to visit Grantown on Spey’s many other attractions such as The Cairn Distillery or The Bookmark book shop. Just ask for this option when booking.
Can I just do a day ride?
Day rides are possible with a similar ethos, just get in touch!
Can I choose where I stay and eat when in Grantown on Spey?
Of course! Click here to see some of our favourite places to stay, eat and see.
What if I have other questions that aren’t here!?
Please contact Jim at rideawaybikepacking and he will get back to you with an answer, an explanation or a plan.
