The Wild Escape
Story by: Melanie Schautt
Photos: Victoria Dauter @vicky.visions
The Wild Escape: Creating Space for Women in Bikepacking
What happens when you bring together a group of women, gravel bikes, sleeping bags, and a shared sense of adventure?
You get The Wild Escape - an all-female* community event in the Tyrolean Alps. It's a 3-day happening with one night of camping, one night in a traditional hut, and a whole lot of gravel riding.
Me - Mel - and my friend Jazz created the Wild Escape last year to make gravel riding and bikepacking more approachable, welcoming, and community-driven. After a successful first edition in 2025, we just had an amazing second edition at the end of May, 2026.
Why We Started The Wild Escape
Living in Innsbruck, we are surrounded by an incredible cycling scene. But like many places, the bike world can often feel highly performance-oriented and male-dominated. While races, challenges, and personal records certainly have their place, we felt there was a need for something different.
We wanted to create a space where women could experience gravel riding and bikepacking without pressure, regardless of their experience level. A space where curiosity mattered more than speed, where conversations were just as important as kilometers, and where first-timers felt just as welcome as seasoned adventurers.
Both of us share a deep passion for bikepacking. For me, that passion started during an eight-month journey across South America in 2024. I began that trip with virtually no bikepacking experience, and it completely changed my perspective on travel, and life in general: freedom, confidence, connection, and unforgettable memories. We wanted more women to discover that feeling.
More Than a Ride: A Community Experience
At its core, The Wild Escape is about community.
Rather than focusing on competition, we focus on shared experiences. Participants ride together, support one another, share meals, swap stories around camp, and celebrate the small moments that make bikepacking special.
One participant described the weekend perfectly:
"Had such an amazing time. You truly considered every detail, from the perfect group size to beautiful routes, great food, and lovely little goodies. You created such a magical and welcoming space for all of us girls—it meant a lot to be able to share these adventures together."
Another rider shared:
"It was my first bikepacking experience, and now I feel stoked to go on more trips. Thanks for this inspiring weekend!"
These are exactly the experiences we hoped to create. As more women discover gravel riding and bikepacking, we hope The Wild Escape can continue to inspire confidence, build friendships, and encourage new adventures.
Summing it up in Lena's words (one of our participants):
“Honestly, it was a 20/10 experience… or even higher! Thank you for creating such beautiful memories, unforgettable moments, and a space where we could feel welcome, connected, and inspired. It was truly something special.”
Because sometimes all it takes is one weekend, one bike, and one supportive community to start a journey that lasts a lifetime.
And we're already excited to go again next year!
