Nicola, being bold and building a community
There’s a common idea in outdoor sports, you have to be fast, competitive, or experienced. But what if adventure wasn’t about winning races or proving yourself? What if you want to enjoy the chill outdoors, have fun and enjoy the ride?
That’s exactly how Nic sees it.
After twenty years in London, Nic didn’t set out to become a long-distance cyclist or a community leader, but that’s exactly where her journey took her. Now, as the founder of Forest Gravel Cycling Club, she’s helping others find their place in cycling, no matter their pace, background, or experience level. Because women’s cycling should be for everyone, not just the fastest riders.
From City Life to Open Roads: How Bikepacking Changed Everything
Nic’s journey into adventure started with a simple need: freedom.
London had been home for two decades, but the constant rush of city life had lost its appeal. She wanted space. A different rhythm. Something that felt more like an adventure and less like a daily routine.
That’s when she discovered bikepacking—and everything changed.
She didn’t grow up cycling. She didn’t have top-of-the-line gear. She didn’t even know how to fix a puncture. But she got on a bike anyway, figuring things out as she went. It wasn’t about speed, it wasn’t about competition—it was about movement, independence, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you can keep going.
Now, she’s proving that bikepacking for beginners doesn’t have to be intimidating, that you don’t need to be an expert to get started, and that cycling isn’t just about performance—it’s about the experience.
Rethinking Cycling: Why Adventure Isn’t Just About Speed
The cycling world, like many outdoor spaces, can feel intimidating—especially for women.
Many group rides focus on speed and endurance, and there’s often pressure to prove yourself before you feel ready. If you’re not fast enough, fit enough, or technical enough, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong.
Nic felt that pressure herself. She knew what it was like to be the slowest rider, to wonder if she was “doing it right,” to feel like she had to justify her place. That’s exactly why she started Forest Gravel Cycling Club—to create the kind of beginner-friendly cycling community she wished existed when she was starting out.
“Start with what you have, and you’ll figure out what you need along the way. If things don’t go to plan, at least you’ll have a great story!… A few years ago, I teamed up with Komoot on a campaign. Their tagline was “Plan Less, Discover More,” and that motto really stuck with me. Being spontaneous, curious, and open to adventure fuels how I approach trips now. I also love using Komoot Live Tracking—even when my plan goes off-piste, my safety contacts always know where I am!”
Now, she’s building a cycling community where the focus isn’t on performance, but on connection. A place where women can ride without pressure, without judgment, and without feeling like they have to ‘earn’ their place in adventure.
More Than Miles: The Power of a Women’s Cycling Community
For Nic, cycling has never been about the miles, it’s about the people.
“I’m constantly inspired by my friends who push themselves out of their comfort zones. Even the seemingly small moments—getting their bike into a car for the first time or showing up alone at an adventure event—are acts of courage! Watching friends flourish after taking that first brave step is just the best.”
“I’m also endlessly inspired by Lael Wilcox—her determination and resilience make her such a fantastic role model for women in the bikepacking world!”
Nic has used her passion, and incredible spirit to built Forest Gravel Cycling Club as a response to the competitive culture that often dominates cycling. It’s a space where women can start cycling without fear of being too slow, too inexperienced, or “not a real cyclist.”
Women’s cycling groups like Nic’s are making it easier for people to get into gravel cycling for beginners, try bikepacking without experience, and simply ride for the joy of it.
Because adventure isn’t about keeping up with someone else’s pace—it’s about finding your own.
Making Adventure More Inclusive
Outdoor spaces should feel welcoming, not exclusive. Here’s how we can all help make cycling and adventure sports more accessible for women and beginners.
Let go of the performance mindset. Not every ride has to be about speed or endurance—sometimes, adventure is just about the experience.
Create spaces where beginners feel welcome. Everyone starts somewhere. The more we support each other, the more people will want to get involved.
Celebrate progress, not just achievements. Riding five miles for the first time is just as meaningful as riding a hundred.
Encourage more women in cycling to take up space. The outdoors isn’t reserved for a certain type of person. It’s for anyone willing to start.
Adventure, On Your Own Terms
Nic’s story isn’t about winning races or chasing records. It’s about freedom, resilience, and seeing where life takes you!
She’s proving that you don’t have to be the fastest, the strongest, or the most experienced to belong in adventure sports. If you’ve ever wanted to try cycling, gravel riding, or bikepacking but felt unsure where to start, Nic’s story proves that adventure belongs to everyone.
At LU Innovations, we believe the outdoors should be for everyone. Through our work, we’re committed to breaking down barriers, supporting bold women in adventure, and making outdoor experiences more accessible.
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to share the stories of incredible women who are redefining what it means to be bold. Because adventure isn’t about being fearless—it’s about showing up.
Check out Forest Gravel Cycling Club—a space for women to ride, connect, and find adventure at their own pace.
📢 Follow along as we continue to champion women in the outdoors.
