Wild Atlantic Way Audax 2200km in 2024

[Lightning Phil]

I've been in touch with Eamon the organiser this week, and these are the details he's shared with me.

• Second edition will be more extreme with controls at 600km roughly with 3 drop bags
• Bivi tent are a requirement as riders will be sleeping out , prices of hotels B&B are outrageous along the route.
• I’m thinking a van will carry you bivi to the 240km each day for one to avail of it , and return to the van on the morning of departure for the next leg

In 2016, it was 2,100km and roughly 300km a day.   From the plan for 2020; I think the distance will be 2,200km, with 3 ferry crossings, plus 240km a day as above .   The lower minimum speed / distance; will mean an opportunity for more rest at the end of each day.

He hasn't given me a date, but I suspect it'll be the end of June 2024.

It was a cracking event in 2016, with a roving campervan control for some of the headlands, stunning scenery, and a good craic with the volunteers and organisers.  I plan to be back, for the second edition.

[postie]

Great ride, some great pubs along the way 
Would definitely like to ride it again

[jsabine]

It was rather good.

(Isn't there a perfectly good 600 that'll get you from Mizen to Malin? Whose bright idea was it to take in every bloody headland and every bloody headwind along the way?)

[Lightning Phil]

One naughty rider has uploaded the official video from 2016, to YouTube.

https://youtu.be/djL2CUxviz8

[Flâneur]

Audax Ireland website says a start date of Thurs 4th July 2024 for this, with full details to follow.

[aidan.f]

Interested, looking out for updates via this thread ..

[Lightning Phil]

Eamon said July 3rd to 13th when I spoke with him. Entries open Jan or Feb I believe.

[Lightning Phil]

It was rather good.

(Isn't there a perfectly good 600 that'll get you from Mizen to Malin? Whose bright idea was it to take in every bloody headland and every bloody headwind along the way?)

But then you would have missed out that monster headwind trying to get to Black sod(ing) lighthouse from Belmullet. Plus all those headwinds on other headlands 

[ElyDave]

I assume you'll be doing it laid back based on your previous experience?

[Pickled Onion]

• Bivi tent are a requirement as riders will be sleeping out , prices of hotels B&B are outrageous along the route.

I rarely wild camp, but on the part of the WAW I did this year I got the impression that it would not be easy to find a spot. Most land appears to be fenced off and wild camping is not legal in Ireland. Also there is the very spread-out nature of housing meaning there are few places far from a house or two even out on the "remote" areas. I suppose at 300km/day you'll be bedding down well after dark and leaving at or before dawn.

And yes, hotel prices are ridiculous. Camp sites, where they exist, are reasonably priced.

[aidan.f]

It's not the ride itself  that bothers me, just the logistics required to enable it .

[Lightning Phil]

It's not the ride itself  that bothers me, just the logistics required to enable it .

The train Dublin to Cork had a guards van in 2016. If that hasn’t changed your trike will fit in.  Train Londonderry to Belfast was a stopper and guard fairly laid back about bike loading near doors. Train Belfast to Dublin was a fast one and can’t remember whether guards can or hooks to dangle off.

[Lightning Phil]

I’ve heard distance is down back towards 2,100km.  That’ll bring it down to a little under 9 days, an early am finish deadline.

Did a test run of three back to back 240km / day rides in October.  I’ve come to the conclusion I’m going to opt for bed and breakfast.  Obviously higher cost, but for me, recovery each night is key, and I’ll need a proper bed and roof over my head for that.  Where Eamon has a hall for overnight sleep I’d be fine using that for those nights.

[finchface]

This audax seems to be organised through the FB group only - a bit unusual! I emailed the organisers to indicate my interest in riding this year...I hope it goes ahead. Is anyone else planning to ride?

[Lightning Phil]

Yes, still planning on riding it.

[lenurbki]

I am planning to ride too

[pancycle]

Is this going ahead?