Bikepacking Essentials (2 day)
June 13, 2020 - June 14, 2020 @
Aviemore PH22, UK
Postponed due to COVID 19 please get in touch to find out about new dates.
2 DAY ESSENTIALS
“Not all those who wander are lost” – J.R.R Tolkein
25/26 Apr, 13/14 Jun 2020 | Course dates are available here on our online calendar.
Your bike is one of the best adventure tools that you could ask for, and we think that there’s no better way to experience the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Travelling using only the gear that you and your bike can carry might be challenging, but the rewards are simple: pedal-turning freedom and inspirational riding through the pine forests, glens and moorlands of our home base in the Cairngorms. If single-day bike adventures seem too short and leave you wanting more, then this will be right up your, err, trail.
On this 2-day essentials course, we want to equip you with the gear and the knowledge you need to plan and experience an adventure of your own — after all, the best way to learn is by doing! After a morning spent looking at what to pack and where to put it, we’ll saddle up, sally forth and spend a night out under the stars in the remote terrain of the Cairngorms National Park, before a healthy dose of porridge to fuel up for more of the same the next day! Along the way, we’ll look at the planning decisions, trail knowledge and riding skills that add up to a memorable bikepacking adventure. Our guides are highly qualified, hugely knowledgeable and passionate about all the good things that happen when big tyres and big plans collide. Just don’t ask them about the best recipe for instant mashed potato...
What do I need?
Some previous experience of riding off-tarmac on mixed surfaces will allow you to get the most out of the course. Whatever your technical ability, the tracks and trails of the Cairngorms have something to offer, and we’re lucky to have a huge range of options right on our doorstep.
You will need to provide your own mountain bike in good working order. If in doubt, a quick tune up at your local, independent bike shop will get you all set.
Bikepacking bags can be provided by us free of charge, as well as core camping kit consisting of a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and stove. Just let us know in advance.
What’s included?
Guiding and coaching from our team of bikepacking gurus.
Use of bikepacking and camping gear with no extra charge.
Transport to/from the start/finish of the ride if needed from BackCountry HQ
Courses run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people.
Price: £220
Course dates are available here on our online calendar.
Book Here Clicky
Women's Bikepacking essentials (2 day)
June 27, 2020 - June 28, 2020 @
Aviemore PH22, UK
Postponed due to COVID 19 please get in touch to find out about new dates.
Womens Bikepacking Essentials (2 Day )
Your bike is one of the best adventure tools that you could ask for. Travelling using only the gear that your bike can carry can be challenging, but the rewards are simple: pedal-turning freedom and inspirational riding through the pine forests, glens and moorlands of our home base in the Cairngorms. If a bike-powered adventure with like-minded ladies and a female guide sounds like your cup of tea, this course could be for you.
On this 2-day essentials course, we want to equip you with the gear and the knowledge you need to plan and experience an adventure of your own — after all, the best way to learn is by doing! After a morning spent looking at what to pack and where to put it, we’ll saddle up, sally forth and spend a night out under the stars in the remote terrain of the Cairngorms National Park, before a healthy dose of porridge and repeating it all the next day! Along the way, we’ll look at the planning decisions and riding skills that add up to a memorable bikepacking adventure. Our guides are highly qualified, hugely knowledgeable and passionate about all the good things that happen when big tyres and big plans collide.
What do I need?
Some previous experience of riding off-tarmac on mixed surfaces will allow you to get the most out of the course. Whatever your technical ability, the tracks and trails of the Cairngorms have something to offer and we have a huge range of options on our doorstep.
You will need to provide your own mountain bike in good working order. If in doubt, a quick tune up at your local independent bike shop will get you all set.
Bikepacking bags can be provided by us free of charge, as well as the core camping kit of: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and stove. Just let us know in advance.
What’s included?
Guiding and coaching from our team of bikepacking gurus.
Use of bikepacking and camping gear with no extra charge.
Transport to/from the start/finish of the ride if needed from BackCountry HQ
Courses run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people.
Price: £220
Course dates are available here on our online calendar.
Book Here Clicky
Further, faster.
July 18, 2020 - July 19, 2020 @
Aviemore PH22, UK
FURTHER, FASTER.
Your next step in the art of fast and light bike travel.
4/5 Apr, 18/19 Jul 2020 | Course dates can be found on our online calendar.
Not every adventure has to be a race, but pushing your limits against the clock can become a strangely addictive endeavour… If you’re interested in going lighter, faster and further, or you’re eyeing up the start line of your first bikepacking race like the Highland Trail 550 or even further afield, this course aims to help you get there. We’ll look at what goes on physically and mentally on long bike rides, as well as advice on gear selection and strategy, all while having our own lightweight adventure and a night out in the Cairngorms National Park.
After a morning spent looking at what we really need to carry for a lightweight setup (although it’s personal and some would say that a hip flask is an essential), we’ll spend the day riding through some of the incredible terrain that we have on our doorstep. In the evening, we’ll head to base camp and get the wood-fired pizza oven on the go, before heading out on an optional night ride. Bivvys are good for saving grams but not always the best thing for a good night’s sleep, so base camp will also have some additional shelter in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. After a big bowl of porridge in the morning, we’ll continue exploring the singletrack on our way back to Aviemore. The trails are a great place to learn about the challenges that endurance riders face, from river crossings to technical trails, fuelling and trailside repairs.
What do I need?
Some experience of riding on off-road surfaces will be needed, but whatever your technical ability, the tracks and trails of the Cairngorms have something to offer and we have a huge range of options on our doorstep. Feel free to get in touch for a chat if you're unsure.
You will need to provide your own mountain bike in good working order. If in doubt, a quick tune up at your local independent bike shop will get you all set.
Bikepacking bags can be provided by us free of charge for the duration of the course, as well as the core camping kit, consisting of a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and stove. Just let us know in advance.
What’s Included?
Guiding and coaching from our team of bikepacking gurus.
Use of bikepacking and camping gear (no extra charge).
Evening meal on day 1, plus breakfast on day 2.
Transport to/from the start/finish of the ride if needed from BackCountry HQ.
2 Days, Price £260/person
Course dates can be found on our online calendar.
Book Here Clicky
Packrafting: British Canoeing White water Safety and rescue Course
August 1, 2020 - August 2, 2020 @
Aviemore PH22, UK
A 2-day course which is a must for all paddlers who paddle white water.
The main drive of the course is preventions, however, it will include solutions as well.
This practical based training allows you to apply new techniques and explore their limitations with a watchful eye to keep you safe.
The WWSR training course is designed for all paddlers operating in a moderate to advanced white water environment
PRE-REQUISITES
-Moving water experience
-Ability to swim
-Over 16 years old
SYLLABUS
Paddling gear and safety equipment
Group dynamics
Safe and aggressive swimming / self rescue
Shout, reach and throw bag rescues
Use of a harness
Attaching to anchors, belays and simple vector pulls
Live bait rescue techniques
Kit retrieval
Attendance Certificates are issued to successful candidates by British Canoeing following a recommendation from the course provider, subject to the following Certification fees:
£160
£5 for members
£10 for non-members
Packrafting White Water Essentials Course, with Rapid Development
September 12, 2020 - September 13, 2020 @
Aviemore PH22, UK
This Year Backcountry is proud to have teamed up with Matt Haydock of Rapid development, I have been pointing packrafters in Matts Direction for a while now.
Matt is a top level Hardshell coach that worked hard over the last year to understand the specific needs of Us Packrafters. having already run Bespoke rolling clinic's and White water safety and rescue courses for packrafters.
This course is aimed at current packrafters who are looking to begin the mastery of moving water, enabling you to expand your Packraft adventures... Cost is £180 not including food or Accomodation, but does include Transport to venues and top notch banter.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
-Throw line and river knife if you have one ( we may be able to loan you this)
-Dry suit or wetsuit that will keep you warm throughout the day along with a cag and suitable thermal layers for the weather conditions
-Food and warm drink (to be taken on the river)
PRE-REQUISITES
-Ability to swim
-Over 18 years old
Book Online
get in touch to book.
Andy