Join the Rider Development Program

Three horses in Kyrgyzstan walking on a dirt trail during a colorful sunset with clouds in the sky and mountain silhouettes in the distance. Song Kul Lake.

A 12-Month Mentorship for International Bikepacking

You have the dream. Let’s make it reality.

The thought of riding through the Himalayas, the ambition to tackle the Tour Divide or the calling to cross the Andes... these are powerful dreams. But right alongside the excitement, there is often a nagging question: "Am I truly ready?"

The fear of the unknown—mechanical issues in remote places, complex logistics or just the physical scale of the journey—is often what keeps these life-changing trips on the shelf.

The Rider Development Program is here to bridge that gap. It is a 12-month, one-on-one mentorship designed to build your skills, your fitness and your confidence.

We don't just plan a route; we build a partnership. Over the next year, we will work together to turn you into a self-sufficient, confident and capable international explorer, ready for the journey of a lifetime.


John Paul Lopez Taberdo with a group of people riding mountain bikes on a dirt trail through a forest with tall trees and green foliage. Otway Odyssey mountain bike marathon event in Victoria, Australia.

Usually, preparing for a big trip involves piecing together advice from a fitness coach, a travel agent and a local bike shop—and hoping it all works together.

Global Bikepacker offers a unique mentorship led by a veteran of the Silk Road Mountain Race who is also a professional bicycle mechanic.

This combination allows us to look at your preparation holistically. We don't just look at your fitness data; we look at the reality of life on the road. I am here to teach you how to handle everything from a slashed tyre sidewall at 4,000 metres to navigating a language barrier at a border crossing.


The "Unfair Advantage": Why Global Bikepacker?

A heavily loaded mountain bike resting on a dirt trail in a grassy open landscape with mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by various gear and supplies including a red bag, water bottles, and a portable stove. Kyrgyzstan.

This is a high-touch, personal mentorship capped at just 10 riders per year. This small group ensures I can give your journey the attention, care and detailed planning it deserves.

Phase 1: The Vision (Strategy & Setup)

We start by listening. We’ll sit down for an in-depth strategy session to map out your dream, your timeline and your budget.

  • Outcome: A clear, exciting roadmap for the year ahead and a "Blueprint" document that makes your big goal feel achievable.

Phase 2: Mechanical Confidence (Hands-On Skills)

Mechanical anxiety shouldn't hold you back. We will turn your bike from a mystery into a tool you understand inside out.

  • Component Consulting: I’ll help you choose the right gear for your specific body and route—ensuring comfort and reliability.

  • Remote Workshop: Through live video sessions, I’ll teach you how to fix your specific bike so you can handle repairs in the field with calm confidence.

Phase 3: Route & Logistics Planning

We move beyond lines on a map to create a rich, safe and viable experience.

  • Professional Mapping: We analyse road surfaces, water sources and elevation to ensure your route is beautiful and rideable.

  • Navigating Bureaucracy: I’ll support you through the maze of visas, bike-friendly flights and insurance so you can focus on the riding.

Phase 4: The Engine (Fitness & Mindset)

  • Regular Mentorship Calls: We catch up twice a month to check your progress, adjust your training and keep the motivation high.

  • Holistic Prep: We focus on building a resilient body and a resilient mind, preparing you for the highs and lows of expedition life.

Your Journey: The Program Architecture

Too Early? Learn How to Fix Your Bike First

Learn more
John Paul Lopez Taberdo with three participants of a presentation about the Silk Road Mountain Race, with a mountain bike in the foreground, inside a brick-walled restaurant or cafe with large windows and a television on the wall.

What You Will Achieve

By the end of our time together, you won't just have a plan; you will be a different kind of rider. You will walk away with:

  • A Finalised Expedition Plan: A meticulously planned route complete with resupply strategies, accommodation options and cultural considerations.

  • A Resilient Body: A holistic training plan that goes beyond cycling to include strength, yoga or Pilates to ensure you remain injury-free.

  • Mechanical Mastery: Your bike will be perfectly set up for the journey and you will possess the practical field maintenance skills to keep it rolling.

  • Logistical Clarity: Clear, actionable plans for everything from booking bike-friendly flights to navigating complex visa requirements.

  • Unshakeable Confidence: The knowledge that you have the skills, the plan and the support to handle whatever the trail throws your way.

A Silk Road Mountain Race rider in Kyrgyzstan in a yellow shirt, helmet, and sunglasses, with a backpack, leaning over their black mountain bike in a rocky desert landscape with mountains in the background and the sun setting behind the mountains.

Investment & Tiers

We offer two levels of support to suit your needs and your budget. Both options provide the same high-quality mentorship and community.

Tier 1: The Expedition Standard

  • Investment: AUD $5,500 (~USD $3,600) or AUD $500/month (~USD $330/month) with deposit.

  • Includes:

    • Full 12-Month Mentorship (2 calls/month).

    • Custom Training & Nutrition Strategy.

    • Gear List Review & Component Advice.

    • Route Consulting (I guide you as you build your dream route).

    • Field Mechanics Training.

Tier 2: The All-Access Expedition

  • Investment: AUD $7,500 (~USD $4,950) or AUD $700/month (~USD $460/month) with deposit.

  • Includes:

    • Everything in Tier 1, plus:

    • "Done-For-You" Route Creation: I personally build your master GPX files, resupply points and emergency exits so you can simply load them and ride.

    • Priority Access: A direct WhatsApp line to me for those quick questions or moments of doubt.

    • "Crunch Time" Support: Weekly check-ins during the final 4 weeks before you fly.

Close-up of a mountain bike on a rocky trail with green hillside and cloudy sky in the background. Altitude training for the Silk Road Mountain Race ultra endurance bikepacking event.

Is This Program Right For You?

This program isn't about how fast you are or how expensive your bike is. It is about your commitment to the journey.

This is for you if:

  • You are ready to invest in yourself and want to fast-track your learning curve by working with an expert.

  • You view this cost as an investment in your safety and the success of a trip that means the world to you.

  • You are humble, curious and excited to learn about the world and your own capabilities.

Apply Now

Because we work so closely together for a full year, intake is limited. I want to ensure we are a great fit for each other, so entry is by application only. Step 1: Complete the short form below. Step 2: We’ll jump on a friendly 30-minute Discovery Call to chat about your dreams and see if I can help you achieve them. Step 3: If we’re a match, you place a deposit to secure your spot.