Lael’s Rally to Croatia: A Women’s Gravel Bike Adventure Across Borders
My phone pinged, and within minutes I was Googling gravel riding in Croatia. A message from my good friend Lael Wilcox landed in my inbox, inviting me to join the very first Lael’s Rally for women — an ultra-distance gravel cycling adventure from Italy to Slovenia and down through the islands of Croatia, before looping back up the Adriatic coast to Trieste, Italy.
Eight days. Roughly 600 kilometres. No racing. Just riding.
That alone was enough to say yes.
What Is Lael’s Rally?
Lael’s Rally to Croatia isn’t a race — and that’s exactly the point. It’s a self-supported women’s gravel rally focused on adventure, resilience, and curiosity rather than speed or watts. Open to women of all abilities — from beginners to elite riders — the rally is about long days in the saddle, problem-solving on the fly, and soaking up incredible landscapes.
Sixty women rolled out together from Trieste, united by a shared sense of adventure rather than competition. From the very first kilometres, it was classic gravel riding: mixed surfaces, broken tarmac, fast hardpack, chunky farm tracks, and the occasional hike-a-bike. The constantly changing terrain meant bike setup mattered just as much as fitness.
This wasn’t about racing — it was about efficiency, comfort, durability, and fun.
My Gravel Bike Setup for Lael’s Rally
For this adventure, I rode my Reilly Titanium Reflex gravel bike, and it was absolutely perfect for the demands of the route.
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Titanium frame for a supple, forgiving ride over long days
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Low gearing for endless climbs
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45mm gravel tyres for stability and comfort on rough terrain
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A carefully dialled cockpit for long hours on the hoods
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A comfortable saddle built for all-day riding
Checking tyre pressure quickly became a daily ritual, adjusting for rough gravel sectors followed by smooth coastal tarmac. Packing and unpacking tents and gear became slicker as the days went on. Remembering to charge electronics, however, was my biggest challenge — my phone was constantly flat from endless photo opportunities, and my Wahoo head unit ran dangerously low more than once. Café stops often doubled as charging stations (coffee in hand, of course).
Bikepacking Bags and Gear Setup
My bikepacking setup was simple but intentional, designed to keep weight low and evenly balanced for better handling.
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Tailfin frame bag: tools, spares, food
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Fork bags: sleeping kit
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Tailfin AeroPack: clothes and bulkier items
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Top tube bags: snacks, sunscreen, electronics
Everything had its place, and everything earned its weight. By the end of the rally, I knew exactly where every item lived — even in the dark.
A Supportive Women’s Cycling Environment
What truly sets Lael’s Rally apart is the environment it creates. With a strong representation of women riders and an ethos rooted in respect and self-reliance, it felt like a genuinely safe and supportive space to ride big miles — solo, but never isolated.
There was no bravado, no pressure to perform. Just quiet encouragement, shared knowledge, and mutual respect. That atmosphere makes a huge difference when navigating unfamiliar places, fatigue, and long stretches alone.
Each day I rode with different people, sharing stories, laughter, advice, and learning about different cultures. Even in the hardest moments, humour was never far away. Riders could also adapt the route to suit their abilities, skipping tougher hike-a-bike sections or daunting climbs if needed.
Riding Through Croatia: Islands, Gravel, and the Adriatic
With no stages or daily targets, each day became a lesson in pacing and problem-solving. Hydration, fuelling whenever the opportunity arose, and staying ahead of small mechanical issues mattered far more than speed.
Riders constantly drifted in and out of view — sharing gravel sectors, gelato stops, or a few supportive words before disappearing again down the road. I never once camped alone. A busy WhatsApp group shared campsite and guesthouse locations, making connection easy.
The Croatian islands were simply stunning. Camping along the coastline was straightforward, resupply was easy, and crystal-clear water provided plenty of opportunities for swim stops. Shops and cafés were always close enough to keep spirits (and energy levels) high.
Rolling Back Into Italy
By the time we rolled back into Italy from Croatia, my bike was dusty, the bags were scuffed, and everything I’d packed had proven its worth. Dust gave way to salt air as the Adriatic coastline delivered blue water, sun-soaked cafés, and a slower rhythm.
The finish back in Trieste wasn’t marked by fanfare or a finishers’ arch. Instead, riders gathered in a shaded square, sharing stories and smiles — united by a deep sense of satisfaction and pride in what we’d all achieved.
Why Lael’s Rally Matters
Lael’s Rally is bikepacking stripped back to its essentials:
a well-set-up bike, thoughtfully chosen gear, and an incredibly supportive environment that makes long-distance adventure accessible — especially for women.
One pedal stroke at a time.
Want to Join the Next Lael’s Rally?
If you’re interested in taking part in a future Lael’s Rally or want to learn more, visit www.laelsrallies.com