Working as a guide on a gravel camp involves so much more than just physically managing your group and getting them safely from A to B. Your role is also to inspire, motivate, teach and encourage. It’s not a job that suits everyone, but Claudia Gerosa has been bitten by the guiding bug and has now worked as a guide at three United We Are Gravel camps. She reports back from the latest one, held in northern Italy at the end of September.
For Claudia Gerosa, gravel isn’t just about escaping traffic; it’s become a way to reconnect with the outdoors and ultimately, guide other women. Over the past three years, she’s been guiding at the United We Are Gravel (UWAG) camps, part of an annual women-led event that brings together riders from all corners of the globe - this year’s participants ranged from ages 30 to 67, with riders from Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Each year, UWAG is hosted in a different scenic location somewhere in Italy, handpicked by Milly De Mori, the founder of No Gods No Masters, an Italian women’s technical apparel brand. This year’s camp took place in Friuli, offering riders rugged, point-to-point gravel stages, bookended with luxurious hotels, yoga sessions and expert-led workshops.
Claudia’s path to becoming a guide was entirely self-driven. As she explored different regions of Italy, participated in events and embarked on solo gravel trips, her enthusiasm for the sport continued to grow. After repeatedly crossing paths with Milly - an almost inevitable meeting in Northern Italy’s tight-knit gravel community, where female participation remains low - the idea of guiding began to take shape. With a background as a competitive softball player, the collaborative side of guiding felt instinctive.
“I’ve always been drawn to teamwork,” Claudia reflects. “I never saw myself as a guide, but I love sharing my passion with other women. I want to remind them that nothing is impossible—we can tackle anything and do it well.”
Guiding, Claudia learned, comes with its own set of challenges, especially when experience levels vary so much. Claudia’s approach, though, is all about keeping things light and fun. “I try to stay playful - after all, a smile can work wonders,” she explains. “I encourage them to push through their fears and help them see where they can improve. Gravel is all about taking on small challenges and coming out stronger.”
The camp manages different skill levels by letting participants choose one of three groups based on pace and distance. “Everyone picks the group that feels right for them, and they’re free to switch between groups if they need to,” Claudia explains. While she’s previously led the shortest distance group, this time she guided the intermediate riders. “It was great to see them find their rhythm together. When the group clicks, you get this amazing sense of harmony.”
This year’s camp brought its fair share of adventure - particularly on the first day when riders were caught in a thunderstorm. “Rain, hail, mud - everything!” Claudia laughs. “It was intense but unforgettable. The final day was my favourite though - lots of climbs, rolling hills and wooded trails, just the kind of terrain I love.”
When it came to the rougher sections - notably worsened by the downpour - Claudia focused on helping her riders anticipate the terrain. “I guide by picking the best line and teaching them how to read what’s ahead,” she says. “It’s about giving them confidence so they can handle whatever comes their way.”
A typical day at the camp starts with breakfast at 7am, with all three groups out on the trails by 9. Along the route, there are feed stations with options for everyone - vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, whatever they need. After lunch, there’s time to relax and chat over a gelato, followed by optional yoga sessions and mechanic workshops.
For Claudia, gravel is about more than fitness. “Gravel gives you a real sense of escape,” she says. “You’re out there in the open, away from traffic and noise, just soaking up the surroundings. It’s not really about where you’re going but much more about enjoying the ride.”
The social aspect is just as important. “A great ride combines adventure, beautiful scenery and the right company,” Claudia says. “I love pushing myself on challenging routes, but it’s even better when you’re riding with others. Sharing those experiences with like-minded people is something really special.”
One thing that continues to surprise Claudia at UWAG is how quickly bonds form between the women. “It never ceases to amaze me how easily the participants connect,” she says. “Despite different backgrounds and levels of experience, there’s always a strong sense of togetherness. During tough moments, like that storm on the first day, everyone came together - it was heartwarming.”
In the end, guiding for Claudia is about helping women discover their own strength and confidence. “What I love most is seeing how the women grow over the course of the camp,” she says. “They arrive a little unsure, but by the end, they’re riding with more belief in themselves. That’s what makes it all worth it for me.”
If you would like to find out more about United We Are Gravel camps, then all the details are available on their website.