BoC Alpine Gravel Raid - Badia to Bormio

BoC Escapes are not races, they're an adventure. We ride socially, with a cafe/coffee stop midway through each ride.

That said, BoC Escapes are tough. You'll ride 6 back to back big days with up to 4000m of climbing (13,000ft) per day.

We would suggest you should be capable of climbing for at least 90 minutes at a gradient of 7% without stopping. Average speeds are very difficult to gauge, but most riders on our Escapes will average at least 10kph per hour (6mph) on a climb of 7%. Some will ride much quicker of course, but you are free to ride at your own pace.

We would suggest the trip is for intermediate or above level riders, or those with at least some experience of riding in the mountains and a decent level of fitness. At no point will any rider be left behind on their own for too long, as our guides will be on the road with you at all times and will always be close by.

We aim to ride as a group, although on long climbs we usually split up, before regrouping at the summits, or cafe stops if the temperatures at the summits are too cold.

Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we try to keep any waiting times between the first and last riders reaching the summits to a minimum. You are free to ride at your own speed. This is not a race. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.

Absolutely! Around 95% of all our Escape riders come on their own. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes.

1. We do not mix males and females in shared rooms (unless booked as a couple or on request by both parties)

2. All rooms are twin beds, with en suite bathrooms

3. Rooms are allocated at random, unless booked as pairs or couples.

4. We can allocate rooms to friends on request (email us once booked)

5. If we have one single female, on a trip of 10 male riders, the female will be given a single room, to avoid sharing with a male (unless requested). Likewise, if we have a trip with 10 females, a solo male will be given a single room.

6. 95% of our guests come as solo riders. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes. 

Single Rooms are available, with a supplement of £500. Single Rooms can be reserved at the time of booking.

You will have 2 BoC ride guides on the road with you at all times. We'll ride with the group, and ensure no rider is left behind.

We also have 1 support van which will carry tools, spares, and your bad weather kit, plus energy gels and food. So you don't need to carry anything for too long.

If your legs decide to give up, or you need a rest, you are welcome to ride in the van and miss a climb or section if you need to, or end your ride early

Basso Palta Gravel Bike Rental is available, with a charge of £400. Your bike will be ready at the hotel on arrival, and will be returned for you at the end of the Escape.

All of our Escapes include Breakfasts and evening meals. In most locations, a set menu is offered with a 3 to 5 course evening dinner. Wine and Beer is included in some locations, but alcoholic drinks are extra in others.

We can cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc...

Each day, we eat breakfast and dinner together, around one table. This allows further friendships to form away from the road. The dining experience is a big part of our Escapes!

Lunch is not included, as we stop at a cafe mid way around each ride. A typical lunch stop will take 30-40 minutes, and you are free to eat/drink whatever you choose from our planned cafe.

Please view our cancellation and refund policy. We offer a simple and flexible policy which allows you to simply transfer to any other future Escape (subject to availability) should you need to cancel, even at short notice.

Our riders travel from all over the world. We've had riders from South America, Australia, Asia, North America and across Europe. usually very keen cyclists, most Escape riders are aged between 25 and 55, although we've had younger, and older too!

Most riders travel individually, but we've had small groups of friends, married couples, and father son, and mother daughter combos too.

The Alpine Gravel Escape is not suitable for a non riding partner.