Women’s Gravel Bike Camp in the West Kootenays
3 Days · 2 Nights · For women and non binary folks who want to thrive on a bike.
In partnership with Building Momentum Bikepacking
The Blue Gravel Women’s Camp is a welcoming, supportive introduction to multi-day gravel riding and bikepacking-style experiences. Rooted in the mission of Building Momentum Bikepacking (BMB), this camp is designed to create space for women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming riders to explore cycling in a way that feels accessible, encouraging, and community-driven.
This is not about performance or pushing limits—it’s about building confidence, learning together, and discovering what’s possible on the bike.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- 3 days of group rides with skill building and technical feedback along the way
- 2 nights at the White Grizzly Lodge
- Private chef and locally sourced meals and snacks
Who This Camp Is For
This camp is ideal for riders who:
- Have some gravel riding experience
- Are curious about bikepacking or multi-day riding
- Want a supportive, non-competitive environment
- Value connection, community, and shared learning
What to Expect
We intentionally keep the riding approachable so the focus stays on connection and growth.
Over the course of three days, you’ll:
- Build confidence riding gravel over multiple days
- Learn pacing strategies and group riding skills
- Practice basic on-route problem solving
- Experience riding in a supportive, no-drop environment
- Share space for reflection, conversation, and community
There’s no pressure to ride fast, no expectation to perform, just space to show up as you are.
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS CAMP
Sample Itinerary
Friday – Arrival & Warm-Up Ride
Ease into the weekend with a relaxed half-day ride.
- Distance: up to 20 km
- Minimal elevation
- Focus: settling in, meeting the group, getting comfortable
- 7pm : Dinner
- 8pm : Fireside Chat
Saturday – Full Day Ride
Our main riding day with plenty of time for breaks and regrouping.
- Distance: 40–55 km
- Elevation: 400–700 m
- 7pm : Dinner
- 8pm : Fireside Chat
Sunday – Closing Ride
A shorter ride to wrap up the experience together.
- Distance: 30–35 km
- Elevation: 300–500 m
Terrain & Riding Style
This camp focuses on “blue gravel” terrain : approachable, non-technical routes designed to build confidence.
You can expect:
- No long or overly demanding climbs
- Manageable distances and elevation
- Frequent regrouping and rest breaks
- A supportive, no-drop group dynamic
- A great time with like-minded ridders
The goal is to feel steady, capable, and supported, and obviously, to have a lot of fun.
Adventure & connection.
Building Momentum Bikepacking Mission
Building Momentum Bikepacking exists to create more inclusive pathways into cycling and outdoor spaces.
We believe:
- Everyone deserves to feel they belong in cycling
- Confidence grows through supportive experiences
- Community is just as important as the ride itself
This camp reflects those values by prioritizing accessibility, encouragement, and shared experience over performance.
White Grizzly is honoured and grateful to be collaborating on this camp with Moe, founder of Building Momentum Bikepacking.
Why Choose White Grizzly for biking
The White Grizzly Lodge is nestled in the old growth forest of Meadow Creek, with access to stunning trails right from the doorstep. It’s also an incredibly cozy place where you’ll be well looked after—this isn’t a hostel, but a true lodge experience, complete with a hot tub and all the amenities you need to relax and recharge.
From the lodge, we can also easily access incredible alpine terrain for longer session.
After your ride, take a refreshing swim in Duncan or Kootenay Lake and then unwind in our cozy, timber-frame lodge, with incredible food, and share stories of the day around a fire.
FAQs
IS THE CAMP BEGINNER FRIENDLY?
The camp is designed for riders with some gravel experience who are curious about gravel riding, but don’t identify as “seasoned.” We intentionally keep distances, elevation, and technical difficulty approachable so the focus stays on community rather than performance. If you are unsure, just reach out to us!
WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO I NEED?
A gravel bike is ideal, but any bike suitable for gravel roads (such as a hardtail mountain bike) will work. Your bike should be in good working condition and comfortable for longer rides.
HOW DIFFICULT ARE THE RIDES?
The routes are intentionally designed to be approachable:
– Moderate distances
– Manageable elevation
– No long climbs or technical terrain
We ride at a relaxed pace with frequent stops and regrouping. This is a no-drop environment, meaning no one gets left behind.
WHAT DOES BLUE GRAVEL MEAN?
“Blue gravel” refers to terrain that is non-technical and accessible, similar to an intermediate-level trail rating. Expect well-maintained gravel roads without challenging obstacles.
DO I NEED BIKEPACKING EXPERIENCE?
No prior bikepacking experience is required. This camp is a great introduction to multi-day riding and the skills that go along with it.
IS THIS A COMPETITIVE OR TRAINING-FOCUSED CAMP?
Not at all. This camp is about community, confidence, and connection, not performance. There are no expectations around speed, fitness level, or output.
WHO IS THIS CAMP FOR?
This camp is designed specifically for:
– Women
– Non-binary riders
– Gender non-conforming riders
We aim to create a space where participants feel safe, supported, and welcome.
WHAT IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT KEEPING UP?
That’s completely normal—and exactly why this camp exists. We ride as a group, take breaks often, and support each other throughout. The focus is on shared experience, not pace.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
You’ll receive a detailed packing list after registration, but generally you’ll need:
– A well-maintained bike
– Helmet and basic repair kit
– Weather-appropriate clothing
– Personal gear for a 2-night stay, including swimwear for the lake or the hot tub
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CAMP?
Details will vary, but typically the camp includes:
– Guided rides
– Accommodation at the White Grizzly lodge
– Locally-sourced meals and snacks prepared by a private chef (if you don’t come for the ride, come for the food 😉 )
– Route planning and support
– Skill-building and group riding guidance
– Community-focused programming
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN THE GROUP
We keep group sizes intentionally small to ensure a supportive and connected experience. We need 8 riders to be able to run the camp, and it will be capped at 12.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
We ride in a variety of conditions, but safety always comes first. Routes or plans may be adjusted if needed. Vibes are always good.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
You can register through the link above. Spaces are limited to maintain a high-quality, supportive experience.
Join Our Gravel Bike Camp
If you’re looking for a biking experience that goes beyond the usual, this is it.
Ride wild terrain. Learn new skills. Meet rad womxn.
And experience the mountains from a different perspective.