200km Self-Supported Gravel Bikepacking Adventure | County Mayo, Ireland
Overview
The Mayo Traka is a 200km self-supported gravel adventure through some of the wildest and least-travelled terrain in the West of Ireland. This is not a race and it’s not a sportive. It’s a long day — or a very long night — on mixed surfaces, linking remote bog roads, forestry tracks, coastal sections and quiet mountain passes.
Riders must be comfortable navigating, managing their own food and pacing, and dealing with changing conditions. The reward is a genuine sense of journey through places that rarely feature on a cycling route.
The Route
The route covers approximately 200km with significant elevation, using a mix of:
- Gravel and forestry roads
- Remote boreens
- Bog trails and rough grass tracks
- Exposed Atlantic terrain
- 2200m of elevation (Doesn’t do it justice)
Expect long stretches without services. The route is designed to be challenging but rideable on a gravel bike with sensible tyre choice and gearing.
Final GPX will be provided to registered riders only.
Format & Ethos
- Self-supported: no feed stations, no outside assistance
- Navigation required: GPX only
- Not a race: ride at your own pace
- Leave no Trace- except tyre tracks.
- Finishers over fast times
This event is about resilience, planning, and keeping moving when it gets hard.
Who It’s For
The Mayo Traka is suited to riders who:
- Have experience riding long distances
- Are comfortable riding alone for extended periods
- Can problem-solve when things don’t go to plan
- Want an adventure, not a mass-start race
This is not a beginner gravel event.
Bike & Kit Recommendations
- Gravel bike or rigid MTB
- Tyres: 40–50mm recommended
- Low gearing strongly advised
- Lights (front and rear)
- GPS device with sufficient battery life
- Weatherproof kit and spares
You are responsible for your own safety and equipment.
Categories
- Solo (all riders)
- Pairs (ride together throughout)
Riders must start and finish in their chosen category.
Start / Finish
- Start: Westport, Mayo
- Finish: Same location
- Date July 4th
- Start Time: Early morning (exact time TBC)
Cut-off times are generous but riders should be prepared for a full day on the bike.
Entry Includes
- Event registration
- GPX route
- Tracker / timing (if applicable)
- Finisher recognition
- Post-ride food and recovery space
Accommodation and transport are not included.
Safety & Responsibility
Riders take part at their own risk. This is a remote route in unpredictable conditions. Organisers provide the route and tracking where possible, but each rider is responsible for themselves.
If you withdraw, you must inform the organiser.
Why Mayo?
Because it’s raw, quiet, and unapologetically real.
No crowds. No shortcuts. Just space, wind, and the long way round.
