1700km self-supported bikepacking race on the Wild Atlantic Way

The Challenge

Cycling 1,700km of the Wild Atlantic Way

I’ll be cycling the Transatlantic Way Race for the third time this June. It’s an annual self-supported ride along the Wild Atlantic Way, running from Cork to Derry, and takes in peninsulas along Ireland’s west coast. I’m aiming to complete it in 7 to 8 days.

The race starts in Cork at 5am on June 12th, with around 100 riders following a set route to Kinsale. As it’s self-supported, I’ll carry everything I need on my bike — tools, spares, and sleeping kit. I’ll be staying in B&Bs and hostels, with one or two nights wild camping using a bivy and sleeping bag.

In 2023, I completed the race in 8 days of glorious weather, covering 2,100km after switching to the short route due to knee issues. In 2024, I battled torrential rain most days and rode 1,695km (having switched from the long route to the shorter route on day 2). I swore I wouldn’t return — but for 2025, the organisers have reversed the route, now heading south to north, offering the promise of tailwinds. That was enough to draw me back. This year, I’ve learned my lesson and will be starting on the shorter route.