Ultra-endurance, self-supported bike riding is no more dangerous than riding your bike to the local shop, providing you observe basic and common rules relating to YOUR safety.
Enjoy your time riding your bike and remember it beats sitting at your desk in the office. No matter how difficult things might get at times, you’ll look back with fondness at those memories. You’ve saved up, trained for months and taken annual leave to be at the start line. Make the most of it!
We want you to be visible to other road users at all times, in all conditions. Think “lit up like a Christmas tree” and “Sticking out like a sore thumb”!
Rear lights are be used and functioning throughout the entire race, day and night.
Front lights are to be used at dusk, night and at any other time that the cyclist deems it necessary.
High visibility clothing is mandatory at night and recommended during the day.
You’ve seen it on countless motorway signs – “TIREDNESS KILLS”.
It’s the same with riding a bike. Reaction times slow, concentration drops and your level of self-awareness diminishes. Every cyclist is responsible for ensuring they have adequate rest periods.
A minimum of 4 hours sleep is a good starting point, along with regular breaks to stretch, re-gain focus and grab a coffee. Important Note to Self (YOU) – Essentially this is a big bike ride. Nothing more, nothing less and is certainly not the be all and end all.
Simple one this. Follow the designated route from the start to the finish. Due to the nature of ultra-cycling routes, there is always the possibility of road closures during the race. Cyclists will have to make of a note/record of changes that require you to leave the route.
These are the only methods of propulsion/power sources recognised by the Pan Celtic Race team in enabling forward movement on a bike.
Unfortunately, the Pan Celtic Race will not be accepting top hats, bowlers, deer stalkers, bear skins, stove pipes, fedoras or sombreros as appropriate level of head protection during the ride (though the person who wears any of the listed hats at the party will get a free pint courtesy of the Pan Celtic Race team!).
May the winds be at your back but when they’re not and you’re battling into a headwind, do not be tempted to shelter behind another cyclist or vehicle.
We’re self-supported here, so NO DRAFTING! Unless, you are riding as a designated PAIR. These guys can draft all day, or not draft and just chill. They’ve got it made.
Checkpoints are mandatory. Here, you’ll be able to take some rest along with shelter, warmth, and hot drinks! Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs manifest! Oh, and you must get your Brevet Card stamped (essential).
It is an unavoidable factor of the modern world. Appropriate level of cyclist insurance is mandatory and without you having it, we wouldn’t be able to run the event. It is peace of mind for your loved ones.
If you are reading this, chances are you’re a cyclist of some skill, knowledge and experience. You have been riding bicycles for some time and have a good grasp of the rules of the highway.
You observe local guidance and laws, are polite and friendly to other users and always stop to let elderly people cross the road.
The Pan Celtic requires all cyclists, without exception, to demonstrate these skills at all times.
The Pan Celtic Race is a test of skill, knowledge, self-reliance and in some respects survival.
It is not meant to be easy or comfortable and so however tempting it maybe to have mum and dad follow you with food in their motorhome, or calling by friends’ houses for food and bed, DON’T DO IT!
Acquiring any food, drink or shelter must be universally accessible to all.
