Toby touring on his bamboo gravel frame. Bamboo combined with flax is well suited to touring as bamb

Whitewell 2. Clitheroe 11. Lancaster 15. Trough of Bowland ahead. The fingerposts of northern England point in every direction, and Toby's bamboo gravel bike is ready for all of them.

This is proper British touring: red Ortlieb pannier loaded with essentials, tan-wall tyres gripping the verge, ferns reaching into the frame of a photo that could only happen in summer. The Forest of Bowland sits at the heart of some of England's quietest riding.

The white painted lugs pop against natural bamboo — a colour choice that works surprisingly well against all that green landscape. Drop bars with white tape continue the theme, giving the bike a distinctive look without trying too hard.

Touring in the UK means dealing with hills, wet roads, and navigation that assumes you can read a fingersign while moving. The gravel setup handles all of it: wide enough tyres for unpredictable surfaces, gearing for climbing, position comfortable enough for all-day rides.

Lancaster one way, Slaidburn another, decisions everywhere. That's the joy of touring — every junction offers choices, every choice leads somewhere worth going.

Bowland awaits. Keep pedalling, Toby. 🇬🇧