“Creating unforgettable experiences where riders of all levels can push their boundaries, build confidence, and make lifelong adventure buddies...”
A good yarn with Director of Sisters In The Wild, Charlotte Inman. Camp leader and community wrangler of the ever-growing group of bikepacking and gravel enthusiasts. They’re all for having a good time, fostering inclusion, representation, and belonging for women, trans, and non-binary folk from all across the UK.
We chat Charlotte’s intro to the community, her motivations to take it further and what’s penciled in for the rides ahead. Not forgetting the Summer Gathering in its fifth year, calling hundreds of gravel riders of all levels to the unlevel fells and mountainsides of the Lake District. We’ll be making our way up this June.
It’s been a little while since our last Around The Fire, a big thank you to Charlotte for giving up her time to talk shop.
Settle back, this one’s a good’n.
A Passenger classic and one we ask all our fireside compadres, what is Meaningful Escapism to you?
“Great question! To me, meaningful escapism isn’t about going bigger, better, or further. It's about finding a deeper connection. It’s about intentionally stepping away from the noise and tuning into yourself, your community, or the natural world around you. It's not about chasing the perfect photo or a great story… It's about reconnecting in a way that feels grounded and real.”
We’ve been following tracks for a while, but can you give us an intro to the Sisters in the Wild community? What’s it all about?
“Sisters in the Wild is all about building community through bikepacking and gravel events for women, trans, and non-binary folks. We focus on creating unforgettable experiences where riders of all levels can push their boundaries, build confidence, and make lifelong adventure buddies along the way.
“This year (2025), we’re excited to welcome over 1,000 riders to join us in exploring incredible places—from a huge community gathering in the UK’s stunning Lake District to bikepacking journeys in places like Kyrgyzstan, Albania, and Slovenia. It’s about more than just the ride; it’s about the people, the places, and the memories we create together.”
And what is it that motivated you personally to grow Sisters in the Wild? When did you first hear about it, and what’s your story with the group?
“Prior to Lockdown in the UK, travel and bikepacking had grown to be a big part of my identity and was how I sought freedom and adventure. Riding a bike in wild places had become where I felt my most confident and true self, but a series of big life events, alongside lockdown, shook that sense of self.
“That summer of 2020, when Europe opened up for a short window, I was lucky enough to join the first iteration of a Sisters in the Wild event in Slovenia. Hosted by local bikepacker Neza Peterca, it was a small gathering for 10 female bikepackers who came together to ride beautiful gravel routes and share slow conversations. I almost didn’t walk through the entrance gate! But as I’d hoped, the weekend reignited a flicker of inspiration and future possibilities, and I left the camp wanting to be able to share that beautiful space and opportunity that Neza had created with more people.”
“We’ve kept building on that spirit of connection and growth, always staying true to our core mission: promoting access, representation, and a sense of belonging…”
“Back in the UK, during lockdown, grassroots gravel communities like the New Forest Offroad Club and Lakes Gravel Gang began to take shape, all driven by the same desire to reconnect and create community after being isolated for so long. In 2021, just as restrictions lifted, we held our first Sisters in the Wild UK gathering, and it was pure magic. It felt like the perfect way to bring all those like-minded groups together for the first time, and the potential for more was palpable.
“Since then, we’ve kept building on that spirit of connection and growth, always staying true to our core mission: promoting access, representation, and a sense of belonging for everyone in the world of bikepacking and gravel riding.”
Can you tell us how cycling has impacted your life? What’s changed since the early days of commuting and escaping the 9-5 on your bike?
“Discovering a love for riding bikes has changed my life in almost every way, shaping my work, lifestyle, and giving me a community to share it all with. More than anything, it’s become my way to escape and to reconnect with myself and the world around me.
“My journey into cycling started with a love for travel. I listened to a talk by a woman who had ridden across the US on a £100 bike, and something clicked—I thought, “Maybe I could do that too?” The idea of travelling at a slower pace, of really immersing myself in places and meeting people away from the typical tourist paths, felt incredibly appealing. My early trips became my escape from the grind of a stressful 9-5 city job, crammed into weekends and vacation allowance.
“Eventually, I was lucky enough to be able to take a year off to go on a big bike adventure through South America. We travelled slowly and increasingly started to seek out the gravel roads that took us away from the busy highways and towards people and places off the beaten tourist track. Sleeping outside and moving intentionally this way for a year changed my perspective on what was important to me. Once back at home, I found it hard to settle back into the old routines of office life indoors, and soon I was on a new path as a cycling guide and eventually, Sisters in the Wild.”
“Our Summer Gathering is our big annual event, held in the Lake District in June. We host riders of all levels, from completely new off-road riders to ultra-distance gravel racers.”
You live up in the Lakes now, what is it about the place that you love so much? What was the draw to put down roots up there?
“What’s not to love! The Lakes really is an adventure playground, and the hardest part is deciding what to do (and, of course, hoping the weather plays ball). For me, it’s hands-down the best gravel riding in England. You’ve got everything from smooth, scenic cycle trails to more challenging routes with jaw-dropping views at every turn. And no matter how remote you get, you're never far from a cosy pub or a local café serving up a slice of cake.
“In between those stops, you can completely unplug and feel miles away from the hustle of everyday life. I’m based in Kendal on the southern edge of the Lakes, and it’s full of people who’ve consciously chosen to live closer to nature (and to brave the weather regardless). Plus, every November, Kendal hosts the Kendal Mountain Festival, a weekend when this small town becomes the epicentre of the outdoor world—there’s nothing quite like it!”
We’re excited for your upcoming annual Summer Gathering, can you tell us more about it and how people can get involved?
“Our Summer Gathering is our big annual event, held in the Lake District in June. We host riders of all levels, from completely new off-road riders to ultra-distance gravel racers. It’s a come-as-you-are type vibe, and we love the mix of people that come by. It’s the highlight of our year, with speakers, skills sessions, and loads of surprises that make it a heap of fun. We camp in a ridiculously scenic campsite nestled in the hills, share meals, go wild swimming, and of course, ride bikes!
“We’re excited to welcome over 300 riders for our 5th year, and it’s fully sold out I’m afraid. But watch this space for next year…”
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Sisters In The Wild? What’s next for the community?
“We’d like to keep doing what we’re doing, keep creating opportunities for our brilliant community to come together and welcome new members, and to curate more once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking trips in wild places. There are so many trips on our radar. We asked our community what destinations they were dreaming of, and have added Albania, Kyrgyzstan, and Wales to our destinations for 2025. Next on the list is Georgia and maybe even Patagonia for 2026… we’re excited to make this one happen!
“Alongside this, we’re refocusing on our representation initiatives this year, and looking at how we can further collaborate and work with communities to enhance access and participation at events. We also want to run more mechanics classes, gravel skills, and guide qualifications to help folks build the skills and confidence to do more on their bikes.
“Our goal is to continue doing what we love—creating opportunities for our community to come together…”
“Our goal is to continue doing what we love—creating opportunities for our community to come together, while also welcoming new riders into the fold. We’re committed to working more closely with communities to enhance access and participation at our events, ensuring that everyone has the chance to get involved. We also plan to offer more practical opportunities, like mechanics classes, gravel skills sessions, and guide qualifications, to help riders build the confidence and skills they need to pursue even more ambitious adventures on their bikes. It’s going to be a busy year!”
A super quick one to round things off... ultimate Summer Gathering food pick?
“A slow-cooked wholesome one-pot wonder, ready to dish out to 300 hungry riders! And it always MUST be finished with s'mores, toasted over a campfire.”
Thanks Charlotte, you’re doing awesome work. We’ll be sure to bring a few extra sporks with us in June...
Ride slow, roam far. Find freedom on the gravel tracks, the coffee stops, shared miles and sunsets. You’re sure in for some stunner views, good vibes, and future stories to tell. Why not share your bike adventures with us?
