2 Nights / 3 Days — A Weekend With Women Who Ride
A collaboration between Essential Cycles and Betty Go Hard
Hornby Island is one of BC's best-kept secrets — quiet roads, flowy singletrack, stunning ocean views, and a laid-back island pace that makes you forget about everything else. This retreat is about more than just riding. It's about building skills, gaining confidence, and spending a weekend with other women who love bikes.
Great trails. Great food. Great company.
Retreat at a Glance
Dates
September 25–27, 2026
Friday to Sunday
Base
Bradsdadsland Campground
Hornby Island
Group Size
Max 18 riders
3 coaches, small group vibes
Skill Level
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Groups split by ability
The Weekend
Day 1: Friday — Arrival & Shake-Out Ride
Travel: Self-drive to Hornby Island via BC Ferries (Horseshoe Bay → Nanaimo, then Buckley Bay → Denman → Hornby). Plan to catch a ferry that gets you to Hornby by mid-afternoon — the last ferry to Hornby is 6pm (9:30pm on Fridays).
Afternoon: Check in at Bradsdadsland Campground. Set up camp, meet your crew, settle into island time.
Evening Ride: Shake-out spin to loosen the legs. Easy loops, no pressure — just getting acquainted with the island and each other.
Dinner: Group dinner at camp.
Day 2: Saturday — Skills & Trails
Morning: Coaching sessions split by skill level. Small groups, personalized feedback, lots of reps. Work on the fundamentals or push into new territory — your choice.
Lunch: Refuel together.
Afternoon: Trail ride putting those skills into practice. Guided ride through Hornby's best singletrack with coaches by your side.
Evening: Dinner together. Campfire hangs, stories, and good company.
Day 3: Sunday — Final Ride & Departure
Morning: One more ride before we say goodbye. Re-ride your favorites or try something new.
Late Morning: Pack up camp, catch the ferry home.
What's Included
- 2 nights camping at Bradsdadsland Campground (glamping area)
- Expert coaching from Essential Cycles & Betty Go Hard
- Guided trail rides (3 days)
- Skill groups: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
- Meals and good company
Not Included
- Ferry travel to Hornby Island (~$180–$250 RT with vehicle, ~$50–$70 RT walk-on)
- Bike (rentals available — contact us)
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc.)
- Travel/medical insurance
- Alcohol
Carpooling encouraged! We'll connect registered riders to coordinate travel.
Pricing
$329 + GST per person
Full payment due at time of booking.
Staying Longer?
25% off camping at Bradsdadsland Campground if you want to extend your stay Thursday through Tuesday. Island time is worth it.
The Details
- Dates: September 25–27, 2026
- Group size: Maximum 18 riders
- Skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced (groups split by ability)
- Coaches: 3 (Essential Cycles + Betty Go Hard)
Ready to Ride?
Questions? Want to secure your spot?
Email: jaclyn@essentialcycles.com
A weekend of bikes, skills, and good company on one of BC's most beautiful islands.