Joining a group cycling trip can be intimidating, especially if you worry about being the slowest rider. But according to Much Better Adventures’ cycling expert Vicky Leach, the key to enjoying these journeys isn’t your position in the bunch, but the experiences you collect along the way. “Your position in the group isn’t what you’ll remember. It’s the landscapes you cross, the people you meet, and the moments you feel connected to the journey,” she says.
With group adventure cycling on the rise – UK search interest has climbed by 33% year-on-year – more riders are seeking meaningful, low-impact experiences that mix challenge, culture and camaraderie. Concerns over fitness often hold people back, yet Leach stresses that guided trips are designed for mixed-ability groups and paced to ensure everyone gets the most out of them. “Trying to keep pace with faster riders can drain your energy and make you miss the moments you came for. You’re not here to race. You’re here to ride.”
Finding your rhythm
Pairing up with someone who rides at a similar pace helps conserve energy and makes the day more enjoyable. “It’s easier to support each other and stay motivated when you’re riding in sync. You won’t be left on your own either. During the day the guides may split the team into smaller groups when needed, and everyone regroups regularly, usually every 20 kilometres, so you’re always connected to your fellow adventurers.”
Staying present on the bike
Cycling offers the rare balance of moving fast enough to cover ground but slow enough to truly take in your surroundings. Leach encourages riders not to miss that. “I always tell people not to forget to look up, take in the view, and enjoy where you are.”
Equally important is listening to your body. Staying hydrated, eating regularly and resting when needed are all part of keeping the pedals turning. “On our cycling trips there’s always a support vehicle nearby if you need a break. It’s there to help you go further, safely, not to take you out of the adventure.”
The power of group energy
Riding as part of a group is about more than drafting or sharing the workload. “The energy of a group really shapes the whole experience,” Leach says. Offering encouragement, checking in on others, or asking for help when you need it all contributes to the sense of camaraderie that makes an adventure more memorable.
Looking beyond the saddle
One of the best parts of long-distance cycling is the chance to reach remote corners often missed by car or on foot. “If there’s somewhere you’re curious about, ask your local guide to share their knowledge and take a break from the saddle to explore and discover new cultures.”
Adventures with purpose
Today’s cyclists are increasingly searching for trips that tread lightly, support local communities and create genuine connections with people and places. Much Better Adventures, founded with the goal of protecting the world’s wild places, has expanded its cycling portfolio to reflect that trend.
Five new cycling adventure routes have been added – Kyrgyzstan, Northern Vietnam, Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, Sicily and Albania’s backroads – each designed to take travellers away from tourist hotspots and into landscapes where slower, more considered travel leaves a deeper impression.
