Gravel Camp X Bike Mechanic School
Session One - 10/30/25-11/3/25
Session Two - 11/5/25-11/9/25
Registration opens March - Join the waitlist
This event sold out very quickly in 2024!
Join us for 4-days of gravel camp meets bike mechanic school in beautiful Patagonia, AZ. This women’s only camp creates a safe space for you to learn, ride, and connect with other rad women!
You’ll split your days between learning bike mechanic skills (on your own bike) and exploring some of Arizona’s best gravel. This all-inclusive trip is limited to 12 guests and will feature bike mechanic and instructor, Casey Wytaske.
Sign up for 10/30-11/3 - 3 spots remaining
Sign up for 11/5-9 - Sold out - Join the Waitlist
Mechanic Sessions:
Day One - Arrive and Bike Build Party 🎉
Reassemble your bike with our mechanic present to assist with any assembly questions. Please note, the mechanic will not be building your bike for you, but will walk you through the steps if you need assistance.
Day Two : Tubeless Tire Maintenance and Set Up
Learn how to service your tubeless tires, including converting from tubes
to tubeless, maintaining tubeless setups, adding/changing sealant, taping rims
This session also covers tubeless repairs, terminology and tire pressure.
For non-tubeless riders, you’ll have the option to convert or partner with another participant for this learning session.
Day Three - Drivetrain & Cockpit
Chain maintenance, repairs and replacement
Cable indexing and adjustments
Wireless drivetrain troubleshooting and adjustments
Checking derailleur hanger
Derailleur parts and function
Bar tape replacement
Day Four - Brakes
Learn about different brake systems
Checking and changing brake pads & rotors
Bedding in brakes
Identifying when a brake bleed is needed.
Bonus mini-session: How to clean/care for your bike with a bike wash & a group bike packing party (30 minutes)
The camp will also include an optional pre-camp zoom session with Casey to learn to pack your bike and supervised bike-building sessions when you arrive (you’ll be assembling your own bike, Casey will be there to help if you get stuck!)
**You’ll be doing all of the work on YOUR bike for the weekend. The goal is for you to get your hands dirty and learn!
*cost of the camp includes materials such as sealant, rim tape, and other items you may need for tubeless conversions. Items will be available for purchase at a discounted rate if you want to change out things like brake pads, chains, etc.
The Rides
Each day we’ll offer a 12-30 mile ride option that allows you to explore the gravel of Patagonia. The riding is out the door and most people found that 1 - 1.5 hours of riding a day was plenty with all of the focused time they spent working on bikes. These will be group rides without SAG support so be sure to be prepared. (We will have an emergency vehicle that can pick you up if everything goes wrong). Rides will be either in the morning or afternoon, depending on when each day’s bike maintenance session occurs.
The Downtime
Between rides and your time in mechanic school, there isn’t a lot of downtime but you’ll still have a few moments to visit the cute little shops in Patagonia, enjoy a drink at the Patagonia Lumber Company or explore one of the nearby hiking trails. Patagonia is also a mecca for bird watching so if you love birds, bring your binoculars!
Where you’ll stay:
The first 9 participants to sign up will stay at The Gravel House at 316 with your own private room and bathroom. Once we reach 9 participants, we’ll evaluate other housing options!
Meals
Meals will be prepared with consideration for dietary restrictions and served family style each day.
What’s Included:
4 nights hotel (single occupancy)
All instruction
Group rides (self supported)
4 dinners, 3 lunches, daily serve-yourself breakfast
Fabulous swag
Not Included:
Transportation to and from Patagonia (Tuscon is the nearest airport)
Alcoholic beverages
Excursions
Tips (optional)
Total Cost: $2400-$2900 (housing choice dependent)
Meet Your Instructor
Casey Wytaske is a pro bike mechanic and certified MTB instructor who has coached folks on bike maintenance and handling skills since 2016.
Casey is from Minnesota but has travelled the United States for the last 5 years as a bike demo technician. She's committed to making sure everyone walks away from her clinics with new knowledge to empower them out on their bike
Current Certifications: United Bicycle Institute Certified Mechanic, PMBIA Level 1, BICP Level 1, Wilderness & Remote First Aid, CPR & AED
You’ll also be joined by Girls Gone Gravel Podcast cohosts, Kathryn Taylor & Kristi Mohn!
The cost of the camp, all instruction, housing and meals is $2800. We have payment plan options available.
Space is limited to 12 participants. All trips have a 30-day penalty free cancellation policy and a free transfer policy. Details can be found on the sign up page.
FAQs
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This event is for any woman who wants to gain confidence in her bike mechanic skills. We will have time for riding each day, but the majority of the time will be spent in hands-on educational sessions with our mechanic.
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We’ll split into groups by your daily pace choice for rides. Most of the rides have a way to shorten the distance or choose an out and back option. At previous camps, faster riders or those wanting to get extra miles either got out the door earlier (all rides are done from the door) or booked an extra day on the front or back end for a longer ride.
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The Tucson airport just over an hour away by car. There is a local shuttle driver who you can book or we’ll provide connection points to share car reservations. Once you arrive in Patagonia, everything is walkable or bikeable.
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We have a 30-day no questions asked refund policy. After that 30-days, you can transfer to another person with no penalty. If we have folks on the waitlist, we’ll send emails on your behalf
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We adapt meals for diet restrictions and try to manage preferences but all meals are served family style with special consideration for allergies.
More questions or interested in sponsorship? Email yourfriends@livefeisty.com