I’m rider #262 in this year’s Pan Celtic Race.

You can follow my progress live here.

The Pan Celtic Ultra 2024 is a self-supported, ultra-endurance bicycle adventure that travels through Celtic lands. This year it starts in the Isle of Man before passing through the Lake District on its way into Scotland.

The race starts on the 6th of July with an overnight 100 mile time trial around the Isle of Man before returning to the mainland where the race proper starts.

The route then passes through the Lake District, up the west coast of Scotland, onto the isle’s of Mull and Skye before heading back to the mainland travelling across Scotland and finishing in Inverness. Total distance is just over 1000 miles with approximately 20000m of climbing. I’m aiming to complete the race in time for the finishers party 10 days later.

I have to carry everything I need and can only use what is available to all e.g. shops, campsites etc. I’ll be sleeping in my bivy bag most nights.

Whilst riding I’ve decided to raise money for MATTHEW WALKLIN'S MAKE A SMILE FOUNDATION.

The charity began as an idea in Matthew Walklin’s mind as he went through his treatment for cancer and was brought to life by his family after Matt sadly completed his journey. Whilst undergoing treatment, Matt realised that as much as the Doctors took care of the medical needs, there was a real need for support with a patient’s state of mind. He saw that there was so much that could be done to help make cancer a little easier to bear and as such he came up with the proposal for the charity.