Self-confessed gravel and bikepacking geek Katherine Moore is the creator and presenter of the Unpaved podcast which showcases off-road cycling in the UK. She's also worked for cycle touring companies and for the YouTube channel Global Cycling Network. Her work and riding constantly pushes boundaries and she's not afraid to open dialogues about the barriers women face in the cycling world.

Katherine Moore said…

“I'm a self-confessed gravel and bikepacking geek, but it hasn't always been that way. I got into road cycling in my early twenties in an attempt to get fit. I was the least sporty kid at school and hated running, but I'd used my trusty hybrid to get about town at uni so it was an extension of that when I bit the bullet and bought my first glittery white Cannondale to ride a charity sportive. 

“I was soon hooked and with the help of a cycling club at the Gorilla Firm, up near Peterborough where I was living, road cycling quickly became my life... so much so that I left a career in the agriculture sector to pursue a life in the sport that I adored so much, thanks to some encouraging words from a new friend, the then women's editor at Bike Radar, Aoife Glass. 

Working in the bike industry hasn't always been easy, but it's a life choice that I will never regret

Katherine Moore

“Working in the bike industry hasn't always been easy, but it's a life choice that I will never regret. Like many other of my hobbies and former employment, it is male-dominated, but just like my stubborn Granny, if I'm told I can't do something, I try twice as hard to prove that person wrong. 

“I've worked for cycle touring companies as a guide and a local bike shop before spending over two years at YouTube giant Global Cycling Network, working mainly behind the scenes but also with a few opportunities to get in front of the camera, including the chance to ride the fearsome 206-mile Dirty Kanza gravel race in the United States.”

“More recently I've been working with a number of different organisations as a freelance writer and host, which gives me the flexibility to align my effort with the areas of cycling that I feel most passionately about, namely off-road cycling and diversifying the industry. 

“One of my favourite roles is working for the route-planning app Komoot to research all the amazing long-distance routes that we boast here, including Cycling UK's Great North Trail and King Alfred's Way; it's a real tease when I'm sat at my desk! 

“Probably my most successful piece this year was a guide I wrote for Bikepacking.com about how to cycle with your period, which was incredible well received, and I hope is just one more step toward crushing the taboo. 

“This year I also launched Unpaved Podcast with Tom Bonnett, aiming to showcase the wonderful off-road riding that we have here in the UK while chatting to some of the most fascinating people up and down the country. 

I love showing people that you don't have to go far to have fun and explore something totally new, especially with the diverse and captivating landscapes that we have here in the UK

Katherine Moore

“When I'm not working, you'll likely find me off on an overnighter camp out or bikepacking tour. I love showing people that you don't have to go far to have fun and explore something totally new, especially with the diverse and captivating landscapes that we have here in the UK.”

Nominated by…

Katherine was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Immy S-W, who said: 

“Katherine continuously pushes the cycling community in new and innovative ways. 

“She helped set up the GCN women cycling community, cycled and published a zine on the Second City Divide (all profits were donated to charities that open up and support the cycling community). 

“She has co-founded the incredible Unpaved podcast, and has competed in insanely epic rides across the UK and America – all while promoting women in cycling and trying to remove the barriers to entry. 

Katherine has changed the narrative about what cycling is all about – she is truly a role model for those who are average cyclists, just wanted to cycle and adventure about without breaking records.

“Katherine has changed the narrative about what cycling is all about – she is truly a role model for those who are average cyclists, just wanted to cycle and adventure about without breaking records. 

“She has written about periods while bike packing, and really opened a dialogue I had previously been afraid to engage in. 

“She is also extremely active in her own local cycling community. I find her inspirational, because she works so incredibly tirelessly to ensure that women (and men) of all ages, shapes and sizes are able to have the cycling experiences she has had. 

“Katherine has fundamentally altered my cycling, and has contributed more to it than I could ever have imagined. I really feel that she is really creating a revolution, and the cycling landscape would really be amiss without her. 

“Katherine's passion, drive, and love for the sport will produce ripples throughout the cycling scene for years to come – I am sure of it.”