Bikepacking is a strange world to get into.
On paper it's nothing: grab a bike, strap some bags to it, ride out, find a place to sleep, do it again the next day. Standing at the edge of it, though, the first step feels a lot bigger. First, you need a bike that actually works, and then some way to carry your stuff. You need to know what to bring and what to leave behind, where you're going to sleep, how far is too far, how much food is enough. And ultimately, underneath all of that, whether you're even the kind of person who enjoys this sort of thing.
We'd like more people to get to answer that last one for themselves.
So this year, together with Loose Cycles, we're running the Loose Cycles x gravgrav collective Bikepacking Scholarship for Loose in the Woods 2026: 5 fully subsidised spots for riders who want to come along but for whom the cost (of the event, the gear, or just taking the first step) would otherwise get in the way.
What the scholarship covers
It covers the full cost of taking part in Loose in the Woods: accommodation, the meals included in the event, the whole experience.
It doesn't cover getting there and back. Loose in the Woods starts in Ljubljana, and we're asking applicants to be able to reach the start by ground transport: we'd rather keep the event's carbon footprint low.
Who it's for
We're looking for riders based in Slovenia, the wider Balkans, or somewhere nearby. Priority goes to riders aged 18–27, though we'll look at others too if the fit is strong.
You don't need any bikepacking experience. If anything, this is aimed at people who are newer to it and curious about multi-day riding, up for a self-supported group trip, but not necessarily seasoned.
It's open to everyone eligible, and we'll give priority to people who are underrepresented in cycling and bikepacking, women and non-binary riders included.
Mostly we care that you're keen, that you can handle a few days of riding, and that you're into the spirit of the thing: riding together, looking after yourself and the people around you, and not turning it into a race.
What we're looking for in an application
Not a perfect one.
We'd take something honest and specific over something slick (and AI-written) any day. Tell us who you are, why Loose in the Woods appeals to you, where you're at with cycling or bikepacking so far, and what difference a scholarship would actually make for you.
Maybe you've never done a real bikepacking trip. Maybe you've done long days but never slept out, or you've got the bike but not the bags. Or maybe you've been quietly watching events like this for years without ever signing up. Any of that is exactly what we have in mind.
After the event
Afterwards, we'd love for you to make something small for gravgrav: a short reflection, a few photos, a drawing, whatever feels right.
Don't overthink it. It doesn't need to be long or polished. We're just curious what the event looks like through the eyes of someone taking their first proper step into bikepacking.
About Loose in the Woods
Loose in the Woods 2026 is a three-day bikepacking event that starts and ends in Ljubljana. This year it runs 31 July to 2 August 2026.
Expect forest roads, hills, maybe even a swim, a good crew, shared meals, nights spent outside, and at least one moment of staring at the one thing you packed and never touched.
It's not a race, and it's not a guided tour. It's a self-supported ride with a social heart.
How to apply
Applications are open.
Apply here
Deadline: 30. 6. 2026 at midnight
We'll go through everything after the deadline and get in touch with the riders we pick.
And if part of you isn't sure you count as "bikepacker enough" to apply, that's probably exactly the sign to apply.
