• A POINT TO POINT GRAVEL TRAVERSE OF THE ITALIAN ALPS

    EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN

  • 450km OF STUNNING MULTI TERRAIN RIDING

    ESCAPE TO A PATH LESS TRAVELLED

  • 13,000m OF ELEVATION. ON AND OFF ROAD

    GRAVEL CLIMBS HIT DIFFERENT

THE BoC ALPINE GRAVEL RAID

SEPTEMBER 5th to 11th 2027

The BoC Alpine Gravel Raid is an epic point to point all terrain adventure. The Alpine Gravel Raid will see you cross the Italian Alps, from Bormio in the Alps, to Badia in the Dolomites. To make this crossing, you'll ride the secret, 4th side of Passo dello Stelvio, the gravel side only few dare ride. You'll traverse raw mountains, explore dead end climbs and raid through Bolzano, a bustling city exclusively on winding cycle paths through vineyards and alongside flowing rivers.

With 3 days of epic gravel riding in Bormio, a 2 day point to point crossing of the Alps, and a final day of mind blowing gravel riding in the Dolomites, this is a gravel adventure like no other. With a competely unique route designed by the BoC team, van and rider support, and stunning accommodation and dinners throughout, the Alpine Gravel Raid will be the adventure cycling event of 2027.

16 PLACES AVAILABLE SOON

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boc-escapes

BoC Alpine Gravel Raid 2027

BoC Alpine Gravel Raid 2027

BOOKING OPENS SOON

£300.00 GBP
£300.00 GBP
Sale NOT AVAILABLE
Tax included.

TOTAL PRICE : Entry: £2350 (Shared room) or £2850 (Single Room) Full pricing detail below.

Escape Pricing

£300 non refundable deposit secures your place on the Escape. (Shared Room)

Total cost for the Escape is £2350 (including Deposit)

OR

£800 non refundable deposit secures your place on the Escape. (Single Room)

Total cost for the Escape is £2850 (including Deposit)

Refund Policy

Please view our cancellation and refund policy. We offer a simple and flexible policy which allows you to simply transfer to any other future Escape in the current or following calendar year (subject to availability) should you need to cancel, even at short notice.

Recommended Flights

Please take note that the arrival and departure airports are different, due to the locations of the start and finish of the Alpine Gravel Raid.

ARRIVALS - BERGAMO (BGY)

Please fly into Bergamo Airport (BGY) before 10.30am on Sunday 5th September 2027, in order to join our scheduled transfer for our riders at circa 11.00am.

If you cannot find a flight that arrives before 11am, we suggest flying in a day early, on 4th, and staying in our suggested Airport Hotel, the NH Hotel Orio Al Serio. If you stay at the NH Hotel we may be able to collect you from there on the morning of 5th. If you stay in alternative hotels, we will ask you to return to the airport to join the transfer. 

ARRIVALS - MALPENSA (MXP)

We are aware that for long haul travellers, flying into Milan Malpensa Airport is the only option. We can offer transfers from Malpensa too, with a supplement of £80 per person, per transfer. To join the Malpensa Transfer, please fly into MXP before 9am on Sunday Sept 5th. Our transfer will depart MXP Airport at 10am. 

If you cannot find a flight that arrives before 09.00am, we suggest flying in a day early, on 4th, and staying in a nearby airport hotel. Many hotels have a shuttle bus that will take you back to the airport.

LONG HAUL TRAVELLERS 
We always suggest if you're flying in from outside Europe, to arrive at least 1 day early. This is to help you recover from the long flight, and also adjust a little to the time difference so you can ride easier after a good sleep!

DEPARTURES - VENICE
Please book a return flight AFTER 10.00am from Venice Marco Polo Airport on Saturday 11th September to your chosen destination. Our scheduled transfer is based on the earliest flight time of all guests. But your flight should not be before 10.00am due to the transfer time to the airport; 3 hours.

We recommend a flight time from 10.00am - 12pm, if you can, to avoid a long wait at the airport for an evening flight. However, if that is your only option, then of course that's fine for us.

Any flights booked before 10.00am will require a private transfer at an additional cost of £400.

View full details

THE BoC ALPINE GRAVEL RAID ITINERARY

  • DAY ONE

    35km + 900m

    Bormio Gravel

    Day 1 on every BoC Escape is about shaking out the legs ahead of a big week. Today we venture off the beaten path and ride the beautiful gravel trails around and above the town of Bormio, with some steep gradients which will give you a taste of what's to come.

    Today we ride from, and return to Hotel Funivia for a stunning 3 course dinner to end the day.

  • DAY TWO

    60km + 1300m

    Cancano Gravel

    Today we head out of Bormio to Lago di Cancano, a paradise for gravel riding around the beautiful blue lakes. We take on some of the area's most beautiful gravel trails today.

    There are some steep and rocky sections of the route, with incredible views of the the surrounding peaks awaiting us.

  • DAY THREE

    60km + 1900m

    Stelvio Gravel

    There are no words to describe the raw beauty and level of challenge you'll face today, as we ride the hidden, remote and outstanding gravel side of Passo dello Stelvio. Today may seem a relatively short ride, but don't be fooled, today is tough. If the 2km at around 15% on loose gravel isn't hard enough for you, the narrow switchbacks on the side of the mountain might be. This is a ride for the ages, and not to be missed.

  • DAY FOUR

    100km + 2100m

    Bormio to Tuenno

    Today we begin our 2 day crossing of the Alps. We leave Bormio and hit the slopes of Passo di Gavia, rising over 30km on tarmac to over 2600m.

    A descent towards Ponte di Legno follows, before a climb of Passo Tonale takes into the Vall di Sole. An amazing network of cycle paths for almost 40km then directs us to Tuenno, in apple orchard country for our next stay.

  • DAY FIVE

    135km + 3500m

    Tuenno to Badia

    A huge day today, as we leave the apple orchards over Passo Mendola, then descend into Bolzano, crossing the city on cycle paths alongside the majastic Alpine river, as we head towards Alpe di Suisi. Europe's highest Alpine Plateau, over gravel tracks and tarmac. This section is incredible, the views are out of this world.

    We then rejoin the tarmac and the climb of Passo Gardena, before a final circuit of the Pralongia Tour takes us into Badia, and our final hotel of the week.

    If today's ride is too big, there is an option to skip the final 1000m climb of Passo Gardena, and take a cable car the summit (Cost of €30 not included)

  • DAY SIX

    85km + 1900m

    Pederu Tour

    For the final ride of the BoC Alpine Gravel Raid, we may have saved the best for last, and that's saying something after what you've already ridden. The Pederu Tour is an out and back ride featuring one of the most incredible climbs you'll ever ride.

    A dead end climb, to a remote brewery high in the Dolomites awaits, over steep, sandy gravel with the most breathtaking switchbacks you'll ever see.

Note that all routes on the Alpine Gravel Raid may be subject to change due to weather, road works, land changes or gravel riding conditions

AN ALL TERRAIN ITALIAN TRAVERSE

The BoC Alpine Gravel Raid is a multi day, point to point traverse of the Italian Alps. We begin in the majestic Italian Alps, at the foot of Passo dello Stelvio, before a 2 day ride to the beautiful Dolomites. Road, gravel, forest tracks and urban cycle paths all await you on the Alpine Gravel Raid.

6 Nights Accommodation

Your place on the BoC Alpine Gravel Raid includes 6 nights of accommodation in some of our favourite cycling hotels. Each morning you'll enjoy a buffet breakfast, and each evening dine on 3-5 course evening meals, which are all included, along with secure bike storage, and tools and wash facilities in most hotels.

Van + Rider Supported Rides

The BoC Alpine Gravel Raid is a fully supported Tour, with 3 ride guides from Band of Climbers on the road with you at all times. A Support van and mechanical assistance is also on hand to support your rides, and transport your kit from hotel to hotel. Need a break on a ride? Simply jump in the van. Mechanical issue? A full tool kit is also on hand. Carry minimal kit with you as your cold weather kit is ready and waiting in the support van whenever you need it, as are energy gels, bars, snacks and water.

Airport Transfers Included

All you need to do is choose your flights. We'll collect you and your bike from Bergamo Airport, and transport you to the start location hotel.

At the end of the Raid, we'll transport you to Venice for your flight home. We'll also transport your kit, and bike box from Bormio to Badia ready for your arrival.

ALPINE GRAVEL GALLERY

ALPINE GRAVEL RAID 2027

KEY DETAILS + INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • 6 nights accommodation in a shared twin room in our partner hotels, including Hotel Funivia in Bormio
  • Daily breakfasts and dinners. 3-5 courses each evening.
  • Daily supported rides and mechanical support with a support van
  • Transport of kit & clothing from hotel to hotel
  • Ride Guides from Band of Climbers
  • All energy gels, drinks and bars from OTE Sports
  • Airport transfers in private vehicles (group transfer)
  • 1 x Exclusive Band of Climbers Escape Jersey
  • Comprehensive Digital Road Book with all GPX / Strava Files for each ride
  • Printed Road Book to keep as a souvenir
  • Early access to book any BoC Escape the following year

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights
  • Personal Travel or Bike Insurance
  • Spare parts or equipment
  • Medical Cover
  • Bike hire
  • Coffee or lunch/cafe bought snacks during rides
  • Drinks over dinner
  • Additional nights accommodation if arriving early or departing late

RECOMMENDED FLIGHT PLANS

Please take note that the arrival and departure airports are different, due to the locations of the start and finish of the Alpine Gravel Raid.

ARRIVALS - BERGAMO (BGY)

Please fly into Bergamo Airport (BGY) before 10.30am on Sunday 5th September 2027, in order to join our scheduled transfer for our riders at circa 11.00am.

If you cannot find a flight that arrives before 11am, we suggest flying in a day early, on 4th, and staying in our suggested Airport Hotel, the NH Hotel Orio Al Serio. If you stay at the NH Hotel we may be able to collect you from there on the morning of 5th. If you stay in alternative hotels, we will ask you to return to the airport to join the transfer. 

ARRIVALS - MALPENSA (MXP)

We are aware that for long haul travellers, flying into Milan Malpensa Airport is the only option. We can offer transfers from Malpensa too, with a supplement of £80 per person, per transfer. To join the Malpensa Transfer, please fly into MXP before 9am on Sunday Sept 5th. Our transfer will depart MXP Airport at 10am. 

If you cannot find a flight that arrives before 09.00am, we suggest flying in a day early, on 4th, and staying in a nearby airport hotel. Many hotels have a shuttle bus that will take you back to the airport.

LONG HAUL TRAVELLERS 
We always suggest if you're flying in from outside Europe, to arrive at least 1 day early. This is to help you recover from the long flight, and also adjust a little to the time difference so you can ride easier after a good sleep!

DEPARTURES - VENICE
Please book a return flight AFTER 10.00am from Venice Marco Polo Airport on Saturday 11th September to your chosen destination. Our scheduled transfer is based on the earliest flight time of all guests. But your flight should not be before 10.00am due to the transfer time to the airport; 3 hours.

We recommend a flight time from 10.00am - 12pm, if you can, to avoid a long wait at the airport for an evening flight. However, if that is your only option, then of course that's fine for us.

Any flights booked before 10.00am will require a private transfer at an additional cost of £400.

ACCOMODATION ITINERARY

Accommodation Itinerary

Sept 5 - Arrival day - Stay at Hotel Funivia in Bormio

Sept 6 - Stay at Hotel Funivia in Bormio

Sept 7 - Stay at Hotel Funivia in Bormio

Sept 8 - Stay in Tuenno

Sept 9 - Stay in Alta Badia

Sept 10 - Stay in Alta Badia

Sept 11 - Early morning transfers to Venice Marco Polo Airport (non riding day)

IS THIS ESCAPE FOR ME?

Our Escapes are designed to be very challenging. They're adventures, not races. You don't need to be race fit, but you do need to be prepared to be challenged physically.

Our Escapes are not designed for beginners to cycling. Typically our Tours are ridden by riders who train year round, averaging at least 5 hours per week on the bike, year round.

On our Escapes, you will ride more hours than a typical pro rider during a week on the Tour de France. You will climb as much elevation as a Grand Tour week too. So here's some things you should be capable of:

1. Riding up to 5-7 hours per day, on back to back days. Being able to recover and go again day after day.


2. Climbing up to 4000m per day, on back to back days. In reality, very few people can train for this, but being used to climbing gradients of around 7% for around 90 minutes without stopping is key.

3. Basic bike self sufficiency. You should be able to change your own punctures, assemble and disassemble your own bike on arrival and departure. Our team are there to help, but you should have the ability to be self sufficient should our team be a few KM's away mid ride.

4. Self sufficient riding. We have 2-3 ride guides on every Escape, with up to 20 guests. So at some stage, you will find yourself riding alone. You must be comfortable riding alone, in potentially extreme conditions such as high altitude, heat, cold, and rain.

Our support van is available on most escapes (Excludes Mallorca) but this is not a taxi service. It's designed to rescue riders in the event of injury, mechanical problems or extreme fatigue. If you're unable to complete an entire route due to your physical fitness, we may suggest you retrace your ride back to the hotel, rather than ride in the support van all day, depending on your location at the time, and the weather conditions.

5. Ride in a small group. We try to ride together in groups where possible, typically on flat roads to the starts of the climbs. So having the ability to ride in groups helps.

6. Being able to follow routes. You MUST have a GPS head unit or means of following a route on your bike. This is to ensure you follow our planned, safe routes, and to avoid getting lost, and delaying the group whilst we try and find you.

Completing a BoC Escape is an amazing feeling. The sense of accomplishment is huge. But it helps to prepare for our Escapes physically, as you'll enjoy it so much more.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ'S

How fit do I need to be?

BoC Escapes are not races, they're an adventure. We ride socially, with a cafe/coffee stop midway through each ride.

That said, BoC Escapes are tough. You'll ride 6 back to back big days with up to 4000m of climbing (13,000ft) per day.

We would suggest you should be capable of climbing for at least 90 minutes at a gradient of 7% without stopping. Average speeds are very difficult to gauge, but most riders on our Escapes will average at least 10kph per hour (6mph) on a climb of 7%. Some will ride much quicker of course, but you are free to ride at your own pace.

We would suggest the trip is for intermediate or above level riders, or those with at least some experience of riding in the mountains and a decent level of fitness. At no point will any rider be left behind on their own for too long, as our guides will be on the road with you at all times and will always be close by.

We aim to ride as a group, although on long climbs we usually split up, before regrouping at the summits, or cafe stops if the temperatures at the summits are too cold.

Of course, some riders will be faster than others, but we try to keep any waiting times between the first and last riders reaching the summits to a minimum. You are free to ride at your own speed. This is not a race. It's a chance to test your own legs at your own pace.

What bike/tyres/gears?

For the BoC Alpine Gravel Raid, we recommend a gravel bike with 45mm - 50mm gravel tyres. Whilst some of the terrain is rocky, there is a lot of tarmac too, so having a versatile tyre is key.

We recommend having at least 1:1 gearing, so for example a 34t inner chainring and a 34t rear cassette as a minimum, but the wider range of gears you can run, the better. If running a 1x setup, then a 40t front with a 46 or higher rear would be advised.

You will also need to carry some essential kit, such as a rain jacket, gloves, and fuel, as there are some sections our support van cannot reach. So having bike bags to carry spare kit is essential.

Can I attend as a solo rider?

Absolutely! Around 95% of all our Escape riders come on their own. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes.

How do shared rooms work?

1. We do not mix males and females in shared rooms (unless booked as a couple or on request by both parties)

2. All rooms are twin beds, with en suite bathrooms

3. Rooms are allocated at random, unless booked as pairs or couples.

4. We can allocate rooms to friends on request (email us once booked)

5. If we have one single female, on a trip of 10 male riders, the female will be given a single room, to avoid sharing with a male (unless requested). Likewise, if we have a trip with 10 females, a solo male will be given a single room.

6. 95% of our guests come as solo riders. Making new friendships is a big part of our Escapes. 

Can I have a Single Room?

Single Rooms are available, with a supplement of £500. Single Rooms can be reserved at the time of booking.

What support is available?

You will have 2 BoC ride guides on the road with you at all times. We'll ride with the group, and ensure no rider is left behind.

We also have 1 support van which will carry tools, spares, and your bad weather kit, plus energy gels and food. So you don't need to carry anything for too long.

If your legs decide to give up, or you need a rest, you are welcome to ride in the van and miss a climb or section if you need to, or end your ride early

Is bike rental available?

Gravel Bikes are available to rent for around €500 (Euro) per week, which includes delivery and the return of your bike to Bormio.

Are meals included?

All of our Escapes include Breakfasts and evening meals. In most locations, a set menu is offered with a 3 to 5 course evening dinner. Wine and Beer is included in some locations, but alcoholic drinks are extra in others.

We can cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc...

Each day, we eat breakfast and dinner together, around one table. This allows further friendships to form away from the road. The dining experience is a big part of our Escapes!

Lunch is not included, as we stop at a cafe mid way around each ride. A typical lunch stop will take 30-40 minutes, and you are free to eat/drink whatever you choose from our planned cafe.

Cancellations and Refunds

Please view our cancellation and refund policy. We offer a simple and flexible policy which allows you to simply transfer to any other future Escape (subject to availability) should you need to cancel.

Who is a typical Escape rider?

Our riders travel from all over the world. We've had riders from South America, Australia, Asia, North America and across Europe. usually very keen cyclists, most Escape riders are aged between 25 and 55, although we've had younger, and older too!

Most riders travel individually, but we've had small groups of friends, married couples, and father son, and mother daughter combos too.

Can I bring a non riding partner?

The Alpine Gravel Escape is not suitable for a non riding partner due to the point to point nature of the event. Non riding partners are very welcome on any of our fixed location Escapes.