Tor Divide Reflections
We first introduced Laura when she was awarded the Tor Divide Bursary – as a rider with limited off-road experience, but plenty of curiosity and determination. Since then, she’s been steadily preparing for the challenge of self-supported bikepacking, from turbo trainer sessions to testing bivvy gear in her parents’ garden, and gradually building confidence on gravel through skills sessions and nerding out on equipment (and nearly buying some Schwalbe Tacky Chan's).
In March, we shared an update on her progress – including a multi-day ride from Manchester to her home – offering a glimpse into her growing bikepacking toolkit and some of the terrain the Tor Divide covers. You can read that update here.
The Tor Divide Bursary exists to support those who are intrigued by self-supported adventures but feel the world of bikepacking might be out of reach – whether due to confidence, experience, or cost. Thanks to the support from Acier, PeakBikefitting, Schwalbe and Ciovita, the 2025 Bursary gave Laura the chance to prepare, learn, and ride the Tor Divide in her own way.
And ride she did – taking on the Peak Gravel route: 200km and over 4,000m of climbing. What followed was a weekend of laughs, squeals - we’ve been there! - resilience, and discovery.
Read on for Laura’s own reflections on the ride. Her first event, and hopefully not her last.
Photo by Laura
“It’s just under a week since the Tor Divide, and I’m sat with a brew as I write this, still basking in the afterglow of what was—without doubt—one of the most joyful and soul-nourishing weekends I’ve spent on a bike. My heart feels full. Full of gratitude, adventure and a whole lot of laughter.
I’ve been cycling for a few years now—mainly on the road. But last summer, Bert (my gravel bike) joined the family, and since then, a whole new world has opened up. One with rougher trails, muddier shoes, quieter paths and lots of tricksy gates.
Reading about the Tor Divide bursary last year felt like the opening of a doorway I was keen to roll right through. It was about making space—space for more people to explore by bike, to learn, and experience a branch of cycling that can sometimes feel a little out of reach. Whether that’s down to cost, confidence, or simply not knowing where to begin with bikepacking. This bursary quietly said: we’re here to help you do this.
Together, the brilliant bursary team helped me get to the start line feeling equipped, supported, and genuinely excited to take on the Tor Divide bikepacking challenge in the Peak District.
A huge thanks goes to Acier—especially my coach, Samuel Thompson—who not only endorsed my watt-based puns but helped me train smart, practice off-road bike handling, test and refine my setup, and fuel properly on the go. Peak Bikefitting brought extra comfort to Bert’s setup, and CIOVITA and Schwalbe Tyres provided kit that didn’t just survive the journey but thrived. From clothing that held strong through unpredictable weather and endless washes, to tyres that rolled confidently over everything the Peak District threw at them.
Valerio—who heads up the Tor Divide—deserves a special mention too. From route recces to answering my many (many) questions, he brought warmth, lightness, and a genuine sense of inclusivity to the whole process.
And what a ride the Tor Divide was.
“Which brings me to what truly stuck with me the most—the people. The Tor Divide felt open and inclusive in the most genuine way. There was no pressure, no posturing—just people riding (or hiking!) their bikes in whatever way brought them joy. [...] That sense of community was incredibly strong, and it’s stayed with me long after the event wrapped up. ”
Photo by Laura
There were descents that tested the limits of my internal squeal-o-meter and moments that caught me off guard—like getting winded by a gate that didn’t swing quite as wide as I expected it to, or the kind woman who gave me a perfectly timed shove via my saddlebag when I was mid-wobble on a steep section of a climb.
There were cows who were a little too curious, and there was the great pizza escape—when half my supper unknowingly vanished somewhere along a particularly bumpy stretch thanks to some part-time bungee straps.
And then there was the lamb. On a frilly lead. With a matching frilly harness. Being walked down the High Peak. Was that real? - or just something my overexcited brain conjured up?
I bivvied in the wild for the first time, strayed off the map more than once (including five minutes of shouting “hello?” into a patch of dense woodland), and soaked in the views of the Peak District with a grin I couldn’t seem to shift.
A standout moment was unexpectedly meeting two fellow Peak Gravellers in Bakewell (Gareth and Neil). We shared a wild camp spot, rode the remaining miles together and laughed for a substantial chunk of this duration. It was the kind of spontaneous connection I hadn’t anticipated but will always remember.
Which brings me to what truly stuck with me the most—the people. The Tor Divide felt open and inclusive in the most genuine way. There was no pressure, no posturing—just people riding (or hiking!) their bikes in whatever way brought them joy. Whether zipping along for a speed demon time or taking it at a pace to savour the views, you were welcome. I shared so many gorgeous moments with folk along the route—swapping stories, giggling at gates, and mutually huffing on some hot climbs. That sense of community was incredibly strong, and it’s stayed with me long after the event wrapped up.
Photo by Laura
I’ve not long had a few film shots come back from the weekend—slightly grainy time capsules of the Tor Divide, some of which are paired with this write-up. They represent just a handful of favourite moments from this special adventure—from skirting alongside Dragon’s Back (Chrome Hill), to looking for a place to bivvy and a morning spent with Ladybower (reservoir).
I came away from the Tor Divide and the Tor Divide Bursary with an experience I’ll carry with me for a lifetime - new skills, a renewed sense of what’s possible, and an even greater curiosity for the kind of places Bert and I can explore next. This journey has given me a solid foundation in bikepacking —one I’m excited to keep building on.
If you’re considering applying for the 2026 bursary—or just wondering about giving bikepacking a go—I can’t recommend it enough. Your first step doesn’t have to be epic. It just has to be yours and in way that feels right to you.
And to everyone who followed along, messaged, or cheered from afar—thank you. You were part of it too.
Happy cycling,
Laura”
It’s hard to put into words what a privilege it’s been to witness Laura’s journey. From the very beginning, she threw herself into the challenge with openness, determination and a brilliantly positive attitude. She navigated the hurdles of preparing for her first self-supported event with curiosity and courage — and watching her grow into the rider who completed the Peak Gravel route with a big smile on her face was nothing short of inspiring.
Laura truly embodies the spirit of Tor Divide: it’s not about speed, gear or appearance, but about showing up, being open to the unknown, and discovering what you’re capable of. We’re so proud of what she’s achieved, and we hope her reflections will spark something in others who might be curious about bikepacking but unsure where to start.
If Laura’s story resonates with you — if you’ve ever thought, maybe I could do something like that — then we’d love to welcome you to a future edition of Tor Divide. Whether you’re completely new to off-road riding or just looking for a fresh challenge, there’s a place for you here.
Valerio
Thanks to the following Sponsors for supporting the Tor Divide 2025 Bursary
