About

We believe in two things. Learning from local experts, so that the money you give goes to community-based organisations you have met on the road. And adventure travel by bicycle, in a small group, off the beaten track. We invite you to experience both.

How and Why We Started

Brett set out to ride a bicycle from London to Melbourne. He knew he would arrive home a different person. He had no idea how much. It took more than 28,000 km in the saddle, 26 countries and two and a half years, and along the way he gave £12,500 to 13 different NGOs. By the end, one thing was clear: this kind of travel should be available to everybody. Social Cycles is that idea, turned into small-group rides.

The ride was covered by Gulf News, the Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) and the Hindustan Times, and Brett talked about it on the Thoughtful Travel Podcast.

Our Purpose

We use group cycling adventures to help people understand, in some depth, the issues facing communities in the countries we ride through. Riders meet the people running local NGOs, see for themselves how those organisations work, and watch the difference the money makes to the people it reaches. Then they decide where their own donation goes.

Your Donations

Your money. Your decision. Based on what you have learned on the road.

Every rider gives 200 AUD. It is a set donation, part of the trip, not an optional extra. It goes directly to the organisation you choose. All of it, with no bank fees and no commission taken out. Near the end of the trip you choose which of the organisations you have met receives yours. It is your money and your call; no one decides for you. Ten riders can mean ten different choices.

The partners we ride with are on the Impact page.

How We Travel

Every tour visits no fewer than four NGOs. We pay each one for their time and resources whether or not a donation follows; a typical visit runs one to two hours.

Social Cycles is an official partner of ChildSafe, and every group attends a responsible-tourism presentation by Friends International or one of its official partners.

As part of our child-protection policy, riders do not interact or engage with children at schools or nurseries, we do not offer or promote short-term unskilled volunteering, and riders do not photograph or engage with children during NGO visits.

On the road, riders carry reusable bottles, and we buy water in 50 L drums rather than 330 ml plastic bottles.

Ride with Us

Have a look at the adventures, read what past riders have said, or get in touch with a question. Groups, clubs and companies wanting their own trip should start with Private & Groups.