Alice Baker

Chief People Herder and Exploration Enabler

Alice came to NZ on holiday in 2013 and never left! Soon after came the realisation that mountain biking is the most fun activity (ever?!) plus it’s an excellent way to travel Aotearoa and see the world. Also, real fruit ice cream.

Alice’s first Escape trip was to Africa in 2019 to lead our Kenya & Tanzania tours since then Alice has been involved in all the New Zealand Cycle Tours and lead tours in Kenya & Tanzania, Namibia and Kyrgyzstan. Juggling the tour communications manager role with guiding, Alice will still be out there leading tours whenever possible!

When she’s not with Escape, Alice can be found coaching MTB skills courses, organising women’s ride events and refining her snack game.

SMALL GROUPS

When we say small, we mean up to 12 people only. That lets us focus on you and your unique holiday, and not on a big unwieldy group of cyclists.

Expert Leaders

All our cycle tours are led by two of our Escape Adventures leaders. We pride ourselves on the calibre and resourcefulness of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with.

Keeping It Really Local

We know that our most precious memories are of real people. We’ve been going to the same villages for many years. You’ll meet locals on their terms, and make friends that will seem like family when you leave.

Making a Difference

By supporting local accommodations, restaurants and small businesses we make a direct and real contribution to the economies of the areas we visit.

Meet more of the Escape Adventures Team

Kegan Ellmers

Cycle Tour Guide and Cultural Connoisseur

Kegan is an enthusiastic explorer with a passion for incorporating indigenous cultures into tourism and outdoor education. Her background of outdoor instructing in New Zealand, and a hobby list that includes kayaking, caving, tramping and mountain biking lets you know you are in good hands! Prepare to be amazed by her mean origami cranes and ridiculous riddles on tour in Kenya and Tanzania.

John Etherington + Mandy Richards

Founders of Escape Adventures

John is the founder of Escape Adventures, new trip dreamer upper-er, ‘follow ya nose’ route finder, trusty team and tour leader, fix-everything man, and vital cuppa tea boy. Mandy is the ultimate sidekick, turning her hand (and pedals) to literally anything. Together they searched out the most amazing cycle touring routes around the world and developed relationships with people in remarkable places – which has grown Escape Adventures cycle tours to what they are today.

Collie Courouble

Cycle Tour Guide and Exploration Engineer

Collie hails from both France and Australia, living a nomadic life of travel and adventure. With a background in hospitality and outdoor guiding she followed the snow to Queenstown, where it was the incredible mountain biking that stole her heart! When she’s not cycle touring, Collie can be found exploring the Otago regions multitude of trails, climbing rocks and hiking up mountains. A true foodie, you can be sure there will always be snacks and yummy food on tour! And cheese (of course).