Who we are…

Out There Biking is organised and lead by Cass Gilbert and Cara Coolbaugh. It's the result of an idea fuelled by one sugar-packed chai too many, in a makeshift tea stall somewhere on a Spitian backroad in the summer of 2003. As keen bike travellers, the plan was always to offer self-supported and community-based tours that retained a strong flavour of independence about them, yet made the most of our knowledge and enthusiasm of the area. We’re really pleased to have the tours up and running, and hope you enjoy the ride.

Cass is a freelance journalist for various cycling and outdoor publications, including Cycling Plus, What Mountain Bike, Outdoor Adventure Guide and the CTC's Cycle magazine, specialising in touring and expeditions. Aside from extended travels around South America, Cass has clocked up plenty of miles in the saddle, having completed a 2 year, 25,000km bike ride from Sydney to London (raising £25,000 for Children With Aids Charity), a 6 month tandem tour of Central Asia and various bike tours to destinations such as India, Morocco and West Coast USA. Cass has also worked for Rough Guides, often gives talks at travel shows around the country and is rarely to be seen off his bike (or at least, one of them...).

US born Cara's background is in business but her love has always been for the great outdoors. Cara contributes to Cycling Plus and has written for Dirt Rag. She's an accomplished adventure racer and triathlete at national level (Hawaii, California, Virginia), has coached cross-country running and athletics, and lead school expeditions around the UK. A pint-sized powerhouse, Cara cycles and climbs at every opportunity, with other interests including trekking and marathon kayaking. Cara's a real people person, and takes great delight in leading small, low impact groups around this spectacular region.

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