A Decade of Slow: Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary

This November, we welcomed over 450 Slow Cyclists to our 10 year anniversary party at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The guest list was filled with past guests, future travellers, guides, hosts and friends, all coming together to celebrate this milestone. It was a testament to the strength of the community that has grown around our handlebars over the last decade. The atmosphere was buzzing with reunited friends (some from the very first Slow Cyclist trip to Transylvania!) and with a shared love of slow travel and the anticipation of adventures still to come.

To mark the occasion, we gathered a programme of speakers who represent the very best of what we aspire to: storytelling, community and a deep respect for the natural world.

We were honoured to listen to the wit and insights of journalist Rachel Johnson who, after her recent travels with us to Transylvania, described us lovingly (we hope!) as a 'cult' dedicated to 'an attitude, not a speed.'

Next up was the inspiring Paul Sinton-Hewitt, founder of parkrun, whose work in building global communities through movement resonates deeply with our own ethos.

We were also joined by the celebrated author William Blacker, whose writing on Transylvania has long inspired our journeys into the wild corners of Romania.

Providing the musical atmosphere for the evening were the sounds of Larkspur, the musical duo of Giles Lewin and Melissa Holding, offering a taste of music from around the world, alongside the Armenian Folk Trio, bringing traditional Armenian folk music to the evening.

But beyond the champagne and the speeches, it meant the world to see our community come together in one room. It was a reminder that The Slow Cyclist is not just about bikes and experiences; it is about the people.

While we cannot predict the next decade - who knows what the next ten years have in store? - we know that some things will never change. We commit to working tirelessly with our guides and partners to make a positive local impact. We will continue to support the communities that host us and to bring people together through genuine cultural exchange.

Above all, we commit to continual improvement, holding fast to the patience required to keep doing the small things others stop doing when they grow. It is in those small details - the extra care, the personal touch, the authentic connection - that the magic of slow travel truly lies.

Thank you for riding with us for the first ten years. Here’s to the milestones yet to come!

If you've been inspired by our 10-year journey, why not explore a journey of your own? We curate electric bike tours in Europe, Africa and India. From the hills of Northern Rwanda to the Taurus Mountains of Turkey, to the hills of Abruzzo in Italy, there's a journey for every adventurer. Contact us for more details.