Episode 162: Claire Sharpe

Building Inclusive Bike Adventure Communities & the Bristol Rally

Like many others Claire Sharpe got into riding bikes during Covid. Before she knew it she was hooked! Now you’ll find her helping others learn mtb skills, doing all things related to bikepacking, and fostering the bike adventure community through holding events such as the Bristol Rally. What I really love is how she is intentionally thinking about making bike adventures feel welcoming, accessible, and genuinely fun.

From the very start of our conversation, Claire talked about riding bikes as something that was never meant to feel serious or intimidating. It was always meant to be enjoyable. Muddy, chaotic, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately fun. We kept coming back to the idea that it’s often the ridiculous moments which create the best memories after all.

Coming to bikes through curiosity, not pressure

Claire didn’t grow up as a lifelong cyclist. She spent years playing and coaching roller derby, a sport she absolutely loved, until COVID put an abrupt stop to indoor, full-contact activities. Like many people, she suddenly had to rethink how movement and exercise would fit into her life.

She tried running, but didn’t love it. Then she got on a bike and quickly discovered that she enjoyed going downhill fast in beautiful places. What she really loved was off-road riding, technical trails, and learning new skills.

I loved how honest Claire was about this phase. There was no sense of “I knew exactly where this would lead.” It was very much about following what felt good and letting things evolve from there.

Coaching with empathy and lived experience

Claire’s love for riding bikes soon turned into her becoming a qualified mountain bike instructor. We spoke about how important lived experience is when you are helping others build confidence. Especially now as Claire is training people to be trainers themselves.

Claire still remembers what it feels like to be new. To be nervous. To feel unsure on descents. To wonder whether you belong in a space. Because of that, her coaching approach is rooted in empathy rather than ego.

We talked a lot about fear, especially fear on descents, and how pushing too hard or too fast can completely shut people down. It really resonated with me, because I have absolutely had rides where I felt like I survived rather than enjoyed them. Claire’s made a very valid point that confidence is built through small, repeatable wins. Sometimes you can personally dial back the intensity and then use that as the point you build your skills from. Ultimately, just keep doing the stuff that makes you happy.

Why community matters so much in bike adventure

Community came up again and again throughout this episode, and it is something I personally care deeply about through Seek Travel Ride.

Claire spoke about how riding in groups helped her learn faster, feel safer, and stay motivated. She also talked about how intimidating it can be to turn up to a ride or an event alone, and how much energy she puts into making sure people feel welcome from the very start.

This is where the Bristol Rally comes in. It is a three-day, fixed-route rally that showcases some of the best riding in southwest England, but it is also designed to feel supportive rather than competitive. You ride at your own pace. You choose how you sleep. You find your people along the way.

Claire has also been really intentional about inclusivity. From ring-fencing tickets for women and marginalised genders, to sharing route planning resources, to partnering with brands to loan bikepacking bags, the rally is built around removing barriers rather than reinforcing them.

We also had an honest conversation about where the bike adventure community still has work to do, particularly around racial diversity. It was refreshing to speak with someone who is not pretending to have all the answers, but is actively thinking about how to do better.

Rallies, misadventures, and why the hard bits matter

Naturally, we also got into rally culture, misadventures, hike-a-bike moments, and why the hardest sections often end up being the most memorable.

Claire shared stories from the Torino Nice Rally, including moments of frustration, tears, and ultimately joy. We talked about how preparation helps, but also how accepting uncertainty is part of the experience. Sometimes you do need to put a time on your phone so that you can cry for three minutes, before you keep going again.

Adventure does not mean everything goes to plan. But if you can go into it with a mindset of being adaptable, finding humour in the chaos, and trusting that you will figure it out as you go, it means you’ll more likely be smiling by the end of it.

Building bike adventure communities

Claire is not trying to create elite athletes or exclusive spaces. She is creating environments where people can show up as they are, learn, grow, and maybe surprise themselves along the way.

If you have ever told yourself you are not fit enough, skilled enough, or experienced enough to take on a bike adventure, this episode is a strong reminder that you do not need permission to start and how seeking out your own community within bike adventures, can be the perfect recipe for making new friends and sharing the stoke.

You can follow Claire via her instagram account – @ClaireSharpe and check out her events such as the Bristol Rally via her website – All Terre

The Seek Travel Ride podcast