FEATURE


A selection of the 2025 cohort.


PHOTO BY CAT GIOVANETTI


Roll Models: Using Bikepacking as a Tool to Build Community, 


Roll Models is setting the standard for industry engagement through its mentorship program for women and gender minorities. By tackling key participation barriers, including cost (via a sponsored gear library) and lack of knowledge, the Bristol-based scheme is not just diversifying the cycling community; it’s a blueprint for brands seeking genuine connection and sustained growth.


I


f your algorithm manages to feed you cycling content, you’ve probably seen an influx of bikepacking content over the last few years. The idea of adventuring by bike, whether in the UK or abroad, has captivated thousands. And since gravel and off-road riding became more touring-focused, a bigger market for bikepacking emerged. But unless you have a circle of friends that also enjoy


bikepacking or know of people you can ask, it can be quite intimidating to get started with. From all the kit you need to route planning, figuring out where you can camp (if you’re


www.bikebiz.com


camping, of course), and other logistics can be overwhelming. In Bristol, there’s a burgeoning cycling scene, with many


clubs, groups, events and the like. But again, if you haven’t found your way to the ‘right’ people to cater to your interest in bikepacking, you might not take the leap. And that’s where Roll Models, a bikepacking mentorship scheme for women and gender minorities, comes in. Based in Bristol, Roll Models is run by Athlyn Cathcart, who launched the first cohort of mentors and mentees in January 2025. The reason for launching Roll Models came from the


April 2026 | 21


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68