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

Alice Baker

Chief People Herder & Exploration Enabler

Alice’s role is all about tour communications, she would love for everyone to choose cycling as their preferred way see the world. Her fulfilment comes from helping to make cycle touring dreams come true, whether that’s planning a trip or leading the tour itself. She has been with Escape since 2019 working in NZ, Africa and Kyrgyzstan (so far). Outside of work it is all about mountain biking and empowering women to get involved! Nelson has become home since arriving in New Zealand 10 years ago.

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.

Tom Kearney

Head Honcho & Swiss Army Knife

Tom and Jaimee took on Escape Adventures NZ back in 2022.  Having been in business together for over 12 years from preschools to farming and specialty Agri businesses servicing New Zealand. They are a kiwi family who enjoys sport, an adventure and spending time outdoors, taking advantage of the amazing tracks and walks their local region. Jaimee and Tom are self-professed late starters in the travel world. Developing their passion over the last few years, with opportunities to explore further afield as a family. All these roads have led to Escape Adventures and continuing what Mandy and John started all those years ago!