Jennifer Shepherd

Chief People Herder and Exploration Enabler

Jennifer leads Escape Adventures’ marketing, sales, and development, bringing together people, plans, and pathways to create unforgettable cycling and adventure experiences. Passionate about people, stories, and great travel, she focuses on strong relationships, clear communication, and seamless customer journeys. Known for her ability to herd busy humans and enable great adventures, Jennifer helps turn “one day” ideas into well-organised, unforgettable journeys.

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

Zoe Moulam

Cycle Tour Guide & Snack Specialist

Zoe emigrated from big city England living, and discovered Nelson, NZ is her happy place. She loves the outdoors and has found bike packing is the perfect combination of exploring beautiful places & sampling tasty snacks! You’ll also find her dabbling with playing saxophone in a swing band and loves a good pot of tea, with a book in the sun.

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.

Bruce Telford

Cycle Tour Guide & Master of Enthusiasm

Affectionately known as “Brucie T” after honing his bush skills and pursuing a career as an Outward Bound instructor and sea kayak guide, Bruce spent 23 years in the NZ police force, and now he’s a bike guide! Bruce is living the dream ‘van life’, travelling NZ with his wife Annie. He loves being closer to their grandchildren…when he’s not out riding his bike, scrambling up rock walls, kayaking down raging rivers or leaping tall buildings in a single bound.