2,500km self-supported bikepacking race on the Wild Atlantic Way

The Challenge

Cycling 2,500km of the Wild Atlantic Way

I am cycling the Transatlantic Way Race / Ride in August for the second time. The Transatlantic Way is an annual cycle that takes part on the Wild Atlantic Way from Derry in Northern Ireland to Kinsale in Cork.

The ride will take in all the peninsulas along the western coast of Ireland and I am hoping to do it in 8 to 10 days.

The cycle starts in Derry on the 8th of August at 5am and then myself, and about 70 other riders, will follow a set route to Kinsale. It is a self-supported race so we will have to bring all we need on our bikes, including sleeping gear, bike tools and spares. I’ll be sleeping in B&Bs and Hostels along the way but will spend a night or two wild camping with a sleeping bag and bivy.

I did this race in 2023 in 8 days of great weather. I started out on the long route but because of knee issues I switched to the short route on day 4. So ended up doing 2100km in total. Am hoping to complete the full long route this year.