Pannier

Name: Pannier
Address: Birmingham, GB
Telephone: +441215650484
Rating: 5

Hosted Bikepacking Expeditions & Journal. Unhurried, since 2012.
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PANNIER is an adventure cycling resource for the travelling cyclists:

TOURS & EXPEDITIONS / JOURNAL / SHOP & HIRE

The aim? To inspire and enable the adventure cycling experience - the best, most way of exploring and discovering the world. If you have touring stories, are planning an adventure in the near future or are after more information, please get in touch with us -

[email protected]
[email protected]

PANNIER
www.pannier.cc

23/03/2025

We’ve been quite this winter…
Snow falling, fire crackling, tea brewing. Time to slow down, reset, and look back.
2024 took us deep into some of the world’s wildest corners — on two wheels, over high passes, and through unforgettable moments.

Kyrgyzstan
Towering mountains, open steppe, endless gravel tracks, and warm nights in yurts under starry skies. We returned to the Tian Shan for another round of raw, remote adventure — bikepacking through nomadic heartlands where the mountains never end.

Torino-Nice / the Alps
From the edge of the Po Valley to the shores of the Med, we traced a rugged line across the Cottian and Maritime Alps. Big climbs, big views, and some of the finest food and stays along the way. Torino to Nice delivered again — wild, beautiful, and full of soul.

Annapurna Circuit-Nepal
We rode beneath 8000m giants on the Annapurna Circuit — through deep valleys, remote villages, and up to some of the highest rideable passes on Earth. Long days, Dal Bhat, and views that stopped us in our tracks. Nepal was next-level.

2025 is here.
We’ve still got places open on all our Pannier Expeditions.
Got questions? Ready to roll? Drop us a message.
And while you wait — enjoy this little ride down memory lane.
ph

24/01/2025

Bikepackers,
Adventurers,
Friends,

We’re back on the road, with a crafted calendar of small-group bikepacking adventures in some of the world’s most untamed places. Just get yourselves to the meeting point—we’ll handle everything else.
This year, we’d love to have you join us. Choose from epic mountain passes, cozy huts, and yurts across Europe and Asia, or explore the rugged, untouched beauty of Sardinia.

Upcoming adventures:
TIAN SHAN / June 29 - July 7, 2025
TORINO-NICE / July 20 - 27, 2025
SARDINIA / September 20 - 24, 2025
ANNAPURNA / October 21 - November 02, 2025

We’d love to host you.
Link in Stories / Bio.
Any questions or requests, please email ([email protected]) or DM.

30/10/2024

.cc TORINO-NICE II
July 24
3/3

We are about to set off on the last trip of the 2024 season, and with a bit of nostalgia looking back at these photos. We wanted to title this post “the great adventure,” because the Via del Sale, after a week and several thousand meters of elevation gain in our legs, truly is! The Alta Via del Sale is a spectacular former military white road in the Maritime Alps, winding between 1800 and 2100 meters in altitude, along the main Alpine watershed at the Italian-French border.

The Via del Sale was uncertain in our program, because before confirming to the group that we would go, we wanted to check everyone’s conditions. The night before in Limone Piemonte, we looked each other in the eyes and said: OK, let’s go!

A few months have passed, but the most vivid memory in my mind along the Via del Sale is the scent—yes, at a certain point you turn a corner and smell the sea. An unmistakable feeling that you are almost there, you’ve arrived, Nice is right there.

Hosts:

Provisional Next Edition:
26 July - 03 August 2025

Words

Photos

09/10/2024

Today, we leave behind the majestic peaks of Col d’Izoard, racing downhill at full speed towards a cozy chalet nestled at the foot of the mountain. Awaiting us is an evening filled with raclette and celebratory Crémant, as the light dimmed over the southern Izoard skyline.
The group has really come together, and we ride as one, crossing the invisible borders between Italy and France, and conquering some of the most stunning mountain passes in Europe.

Did you know that in Italy, nestled between the Maira, Stura, and Grana valleys, there’s a plateau known as the “Little Peru”, due to the likened landscape and peaks like Rocca d’la Meja. It’s the Altopiano della Gardetta, a hidden gem only reachable by foot or bike. Here, you can truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and the people around you. At Rifugio Gardetta, life is simple, time slows down, and the only connection you feel is the human one.
As we gaze out at the vast stretches of gravel surrounding us we can’t help but wonder - do we really want to leave this paradise?

Hosts:

Provisional Next Edition:
26 July - 03 August 2025

Words

Photos

03/10/2024

Last July, on a warm summer morning, as the city was just waking up, we set off for our second edition of the Pannier Torino-Nice group trip, following in the tracks of the

Turin is an incredibly welcoming city for cyclists: just a few pedal strokes are enough to leave the city’s paved roads behind and find yourself surrounded by nature, with the Alps towering in the distance, waiting to be conquered.

Our journey soon took us to one of Europe’s most epic climbs: the Colle delle Finestre. An 18-kilometer ascent winding through the woods between the Val di Susa and the Val Chisone. The climb starts on asphalt, but the last 8 kilometers turn into a charming gravel road. The first part of the route is shaded by the dense forest, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. But then, as you climb higher, the trees give way, and the switchbacks open up, revealing breathtaking views. The air grows cooler, and the panorama is simply stunning, leaving you in awe.
Once we reached the top, at 2,178 meters, we rewarded ourselves with a well-deserved break: a hearty snack, enjoyed while gazing at the horizon. From there, the road beckoned us toward new adventures: the historic military roads perched high in the mountains. The Strada dell’Assietta offered us spectacular scenery, and as we pedaled along, we encountered a few old military vehicles, like a window into the past.

But what’s better, after a long day of climbing through the Alps, than stopping at an agriturismo? In the evening, we were treated to a typical local dinner, with the warmth of wood and the aroma of traditional cuisine recharging our spirits, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Hosts:

Provisional Next Edition:
26 July - 03 August 2025

Words

Photos

12/09/2024

ANNAPURNA 20204

We're happy and excited to announce the first edition of our Annapurna (Nepal) expedition is confirmed to ride, and are headed out to journey our take on the Annapurna Circuit, alongside local guides, this November.

We've a great group together, but are seeking one or two more intrepid souls who are up for a late-minute adventure! Send us an email if you'd like to hear more or chat about it - [email protected]

>> 31 Oct - 12 November 2024 inclusive, with option to leave on the 11th if needed. You'd need to get to Kathmandu and back. Basic bike hire is available out there if needed

27/08/2024

KYRGYZSTAN III
June/July 2024
3/3

Summit day. The big one; everything the week has been riding towards, up to almost 4000M on a pass that's historically been the connection between communities in Naryn and Issyk-Kul.

We awoke that morning to low visibility and fresh snow on bikes and tents; nothing that some experienced optimism and a communal brew wouldn't burn off. The trepidation was tangible, though. But, it wouldn't be an adventure if everything was known or easy.

The rugged col of Tosor Pass has always nestled above the snowline, making theis vast range of the Tian Shan mountains other worldly. The climb up there from camp was a morning's ride, river-hop, and short-switchback-push in the company of few - a Lada, an Audi 100, and horsemen featured, of course - before an adventurous 35KM off-road descent of 2200M- to the shoreline sanctuary of a warm Issyk-Kul that pretty much signifies the end of the journey.

Issyk-Kul means "warm lake" in Kyrgyz, and at a comfy 1600M+ it sure makes for a super swim after a week on the road, as it has been for Silk Road travellers going back generations.

Looking back from the lake's sandy southern beaches, it's a seatpack load of satisfaction and relief to look up at the layers and layers of peaks and freezing conditions we'd popped out that lunchtime.

Time for a rest, recoup, and journal over some drinks and food for a couple of days...and this year, some late-night Euro Quarter Final games to seek out and watch on patchy yurt camp wifi!

Back to Bishkek, and then home. Daydreaming about extraordinary Kyrgyzstan.

Hosts:

Provisional Next Edition:
29 June - 07 July 2025

Words & Photos:

14/08/2024

KYRGYZSTAN III
June/July 2024
2/3

Journeying on, east, into the morning sun. Following never-ending valley double-tracks into the less familiar amongst roaming yak, sheep and horse herds; stopping for the evening wherever we lay our helmets. We have our favourite three riverside camp-spots to dip, wash, and cool drinks in, of course :) Everything on us we could need. Slow travel at its finest, and second nature by now.

By day three on the road, yurt camps become wild camps,
Stovetop chai, camp-stove mokkas and teas,
Yak dung stoves, sleeping bags and DIY hot water bottles,
Longdrops, trusty trowel digs.

Onwards. To our 'summit day' camp at 3100M.

What do we eat and drink on a Pannier trip like this? We like to think there are no compromises, despite the off-grid locations. For brekky we'll typically do loaded overnight oats and egg x lepeshka bread; lunches are typically picnic spreads and camp-mug pasta; dinners are barbeques, trad plov cooked from scratch cooked in a kazan over flame, and noodle dishes. Guilty pleasures? 3-in-1 morning brew sachets.

Hosts:

Provisional Next Edition:
29 June - 07 July 2025

Words & Photos:

05/08/2024

KYRGYZSTAN III
June/July 2024
1/3

This one begins in Bishkek - Kyrgyzstan's cosmo capital; a city of approx one-million perched at 800M+ beneath a snowcapped Tian Shan hazy horizon at the heart of the Asian landmass. Despite Kyrgyzstan's own vast scale, glance at a map and it's made to look a tiny enclave, surrounded by it's mammoth neighbours to the north, Kazakhstan; to the east and south, China; and to the west Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

It's a joy to visit this young (given the nomadic heritage) city. Each year, there are new hotspots to visit, and a steadying pace. The urban riding and messenger scene is noticeable gaining traction, too - super to see more people on bikes.

A welcome meal later, and the traditional spork, mug and journal (Pannier Pack) handout signalled the start of the trip, before transferring to a high altitude lake - Son Kul, at 3000M+, from where we journey on for seven fulfilling days.

By day two, the escape, disconnection ... and switchbacks arrive proper, acclimatised to this Tian Shan range altitude, and also dill. It's in everything.

Asphalt quickly becomes gravel and dirt,
Hotels, yurts
Flat whites, stovetop chai
Radiators, yak dung stoves
Loos, longdrops

Onwards. Further east.

Who joins a Pannier trip like this? This edition saw a great group of two couples, three singles, a dad and his two sons journey together. All from the UK, Australia and US. A third of the group had been on previous Pannier trips.

Hosts:

Provisional Next Edition:
29 June - 07 July 2025

Words & Photos:

29/02/2024

ANNAPURNA / Nepal
31 October - 12 November 2024

https://www.pannier.cc/product/annapurna-circuit-bikepacking-expedition-nepal/

The first edition of our journey through the Annapurna range is set to ride late 2024, the dates designed to ensure we are in Kathmandu for Tihar Festival. ‘Annapurna’ sees us ride a combination of 4x4 tracks, dirt trails and roads up to summit day on Thorong La Pass. Hardships and altitude aside, you will be rewarded with incredible riding and the opportunities to get up close and personal with life in these mountain villages.

A point-to-point ride between a series of mountain teahouses and towns like Manang, expect short but big days, big mountain passes, 8000m peaks ... and plenty of Dal Bhat.

Group size: 6-14
Hire Options: Bags, Teahouse Kit
Join: £2045 / €2355

We’d love to host you.
Link in Stories / Bio.
Any questions or requests, please email ([email protected]) or DM.

Photo -

22/02/2024

HIGHLAND DROVER / Scotland
7 - 11 September 2024

https://www.pannier.cc/product/highland-drover-scotland-bikepacking-expedition/

The third edition of our macaroni fuelled bikepack in the Scottish Highlands is set to ride in September!

‘Highland Drover’ is a four-day journey through the loch, peak and moorland studded Grampian Mountains.

A point-to-point ride between a series of ace accommodations, expect historic gravel drove roads, lochan swims, distillery drams, and hearty mac-and-cheese cookouts.

The right level of challenge for all levels of rider, this journey doubles up as a super escape, and introduction to adventuring off-road. With Pannier levels of support, you’ve time to enjoy the Highland wilds.

Group size: 10-12
Hire Options: Bike, Bags
Join: £895 / €1025

We’d love to host you.
Link in Stories / Bio.
Any questions or requests, please email ([email protected]) or DM.

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+441215650484

Website

http://www.pannier.cc/

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