How does roll models work?

Mentorship often happens informally within the outdoor community, but we are keen to create a space for it to happen with intention. We invite people who are curious but might not yet have the knowledge or confidence to go bikepacking; with those who already have a fair few adventures under their belt.

We run a structured mentorship programme where small groups (2 mentors to 3–4 mentees) develop skills and relationships through shared riding goals. We received almost 100 applications for our 2026 programme, and are now working with 55 people across 10 groups – include on-road touring, off-road bikepacking, ultra-distance riding, and “Kid-ventures” for those wanting to adventure by bike with children.

Ready to apply?

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. Please read the key information here to understand how the process works.

We open applications once per year, and work with a cohort of around 50 people. If you missed out, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram to find out about any other opportunities to get involved.

  • Unfortunately not. In 2025, we received over 70 applications for 36 places.

    In 2026, we anticipate inviting approximately 50 people into the cohort (10 groups).

  • We want to make our programme as accessible as possible, but Roll Models does not receive funding and we have to charge a small fee to cover costs for programming, insurance and coordination.

    The cost for participation for the year is £75 (operated on a sliding scale). Campsite fees and some food costs will be additional.

    Sliding scale participation fee:

    Standard (£75)
    You might consider paying this fee if you’re able to comfortably cover the cost of the programme without it causing financial strain. For example, you have a stable income, can generally meet your basic needs, and the standard price feels manageable within your budget.

    Concessions (£50)
    You might consider paying the this fee if the standard price would make it difficult for you to take part right now. This might apply if you’re on a lower income, are a student, receiving benefits, between jobs, supporting dependants, or if paying the standard fee would mean cutting back on essential expenses. This option exists so that cost doesn’t become a barrier to joining the programme.

    Supporter / Pay It Forward (£100)
    You might consider choosing the supporter fee if you’re in a position to contribute a little extra. For example, you can comfortably meet your basic needs, have a stable income, may own your home or have financial security, and paying a higher fee won’t impact your ability to cover living costs. Your contribution helps subsidise places for riders who choose the lower-cost option and supports the growth of the Roll Models community.

    We trust you
    We run this pricing system on trust. We won’t ask for proof of income – we trust participants to choose the option that best reflects their circumstances.

    • Connection with a group of FLINTA folk to build confidence and get out adventuring by bike, with support from the Roll Models team

    • Access to monthly events, rides and meet ups

    • Access to 2 x annual bikepacking trips/camp outs (campsite fees and food costs are additional)

    • Free access to our gear library full of bike luggage from Tailfin and Restrap, as well as lightweight camping kit from Alpkit, OEX and other brands to support your cycling adventures

    • Discount codes from outdoor/cycling brands

  • We run programming throughout the year. You can come to as much or as little as you like, but we ask that you try to attend the launch event as it is essential to relationship-building.

    • 23 March – cohort announced

    • 12 April – mandatory launch event in Bristol

    • 12-14 June – mid-season camp near Bristol

    • 25-27 September – end of season camp out (likely South Wales)

    • Monthly social events will take place from April - September

  • We will group mentors/mentees based on goals and experience – ie. groups for those looking to hone off-road riding skills, those just getting started, those looking to enter ultra-distance events, and everything in between!

    When you apply, you will tell us about your experience level, and whether you’d like to focus on off-road bikepacking or just general adventuring by bike. We’ll also have a specific group for those who are interested in ultra-distance events/races.

CLOSED

Our peer-led mentorship approach

Like any relationship, a successful bikepacking mentorship often comes down to the strength of the bond between people. Long hours planning, riding, and camping together can build something special — but only if the chemistry is right. When it isn’t, things can naturally fizzle out.

We use a group mentorship model (2 mentors to 3-4 mentees) to foster strong connections, peer learning, and to create plenty of opportunities to meet folks to get out and ride bikes with. As well as these groups, we will create opportunities for the full cohort (and often the 2025 alumni!) to come together.

Mentorship groups will be based on goals (ie. road bike touring, off-road bikepacking, ultra-distance racing) and experience level.

2 Mentors

A mentor is someone who’s excited to share their cycling experience and help others build confidence on the bike. They will be paired with another mentor with complementary skills to support the mentees.

3-4 Mentees

A mentee is someone who’s keen to learn, grow, and wants to use their bike to explore and go on adventures. You should be able to ride a bike safely and on the road, but do not need any prior bikepacking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Roll Models programming is geared towards women and other marginalised genders (FLINTA) in Bristol. We know that outdoor communities can often feel intimidating, hostile and inaccessible, which is why through Roll Models, we seek to remove barriers and create a space where all are invited to grow confidence and knowledge.

    Please note: Roll Models facilitates in-person rides, meet ups and events in Bristol. You must be based locally in order to get the most out of the programme. We forgot to add this disclaimer in 2025, and had people apply from as far as the Highlands of Scotland!

  • Mentor
    A mentor is someone who’s excited to share their cycling experience and help others build confidence on the bike. You don’t need to be the fastest rider or a technical off-road expert – what matters is your willingness to share what you know to support someone.

    Whether you’ve gone on a few overnight trips with friends, taken part in solo bikepacking races, or simply know how to make adventures by bike comfortable and enjoyable, your experience could be invaluable to someone just getting started.

    In our model of mentorship, mentors work in pairs – matched for complementary skills – to support 3-4 mentees who have similar goals.

    Mentee 
    A mentee is someone who’s keen to learn, grow, and wants to use their bike to explore and go on adventures. You should be able to ride a bike safely and on the road.

    You do not need prior bikepacking or touring experience – just curiosity, enthusiasm, and an openness to learn together in a supporting group. 

    Overlap
    Everyone has something to learn and something to share. Mentors and mentees ride, learn, and grow together, and roles simply reflect where you feel most comfortable contributing right now.

    We know that imposter syndrome is real – so many people tell us they don’t have enough experience, but they do! If you’re unsure about applying as a mentor, please reach out to us via our website or Instagram for a chat!

  • You’ll need a bike, and that’s about it! We have a gear library full of bike bags, and we can help you borrow camping equipment when needed. You can read more about our Gear LIbrary here.

  • We encourage groups to set their own rhythms and intentions, but at a minimum we suggest that groups organise:

    • An initial meet up to get to know one each once you’ve been matched;

    • A goal-setting session together as a group or in pairs (as part of the above!);

    • An in-person meet-up with at least 1 member of the group every month (i.e. bike ride, planning session, Roll Models social event, or overnighter);

    • Attendance to the Cohort Kickoff Event TBC (Sunday 12 April)

    • One overnighter per cohort (TBC, but likely bi-annually) – this could be just with your group, or as part of a Roll Models cohort event.

    Above all, we ask that you put your best efforts into nurturing your mentorship relationship. If you have any questions about the time commitment or participation in the programme, please reach out to hello.roll.models@gmail.com to discuss.

  • We want to make our programme as accessible as possible, but Roll Models does not receive funding and we have to charge a small fee to cover our costs – insurance, programming costs (workshops/events/courses), and coordination.

    If accepted into the cohort, the cost for participation is £50 (sliding scale £25 low income, £50 standard, £75 solidarity) to be involved for the duration of the programme, which also includes full access to our gear library (where you can borrow bikepacking bags and kit). The cost is on a sliding scale, and we trust you to select the fee that best reflects your circumstances.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We seek to make our programme as accessible as possible, so if this cost is still a barrier to you, we will work together to find a solution on an individual basis.

    Why might I pay a low income fee?
    If finances are a significant factor in your decision to participate – ie. paying the standard fee would mean sacrificing basic needs.

    Why might I pay a standard fee?
    You can comfortably meet your basic needs, and have some financial stability (ie. regular hours/salaried job).

    Why might I pay a solidarity fee?
    This tier helps subsidise places for lower-income participants, and supports the long-term sustainability of Roll Models. You might consider paying this if you own a home/property, have access to savings or inherited wealth, and can meet your basic needs while putting money into savings.

  • Roll Models is all about building community, so we encourage previous cohorts to stay involved year on year!

    This could include joining community rides, accessing the gear library, joining workshops and trips, and being active on the Whatsapp group.

    We will also have cohort-specific gatherings (ie the launch event), but fully intent to create regular opportunities for connection between the new and existing cohorts to build a welcoming, self-organising, and sustainable community.

    We ask for a donation to be part of the group as an alumni, which will cover access to the gear library, and you will be first to know about events and discounts.

  • Mentorship often happens informally within the outdoor community, but we are keen to create a space for it to happen with intention. Through a mentor-mentee relationship, we’d like to invite people who are curious, but might not have the knowledge, gear or confidence; with those who already have a fair few adventures under their belt.

    Roll Models is inspired by a brilliant mentorship scheme in Canada called Mountain Mentors that Roll Models Founder Athlyn was involved in, both as a mentee and mentor. Mountain Mentors has been operating in British Columbia, Canada for over 8 years, pairing over 1,000 people in activities like backcountry skiing and climbing. They’re doing incredible work to support women and other marginalised genders to safely experience and explore outdoors, and we’d like to give a big shout-out to them for what  they’ve created!