London – Beyond offering performancewear for road riding, clothing company Rapha provides a holistic brand experience, which now includes cycling trips in the US and Europe.
Rapha Retreats are guided cycling trips complete with mechanics and soigneur support as well as accommodation on private estates and fine dining. The offer is in contrast to many cycling tours, which are based on spartan training methods, with minimalist accommodation and gruelling rides. Rapha Retreats are meant to be as challenging as riders wish, and accommodate both group and solo rides, as well as providing cultural pit stops and distractions.
‘For me, every bike ride is a form of therapy, a precious sanctuary from the stresses and strains of normal life,’ says Rapha founder Simon Mottram. ‘It is this idea of ‘riding as therapy’ that inspired us to create Rapha Retreats.’
After a soft launch last year, Rapha Retreats is now offering 36 global destinations. Lots of men are seeking ways to escape from the concrete jungle and find their inner adventurer. For more, read our Man-venturism microtrend.