Do Not Hurry, Do Not Rest: The Story of the 2024 Pan Celtic Race

Those who travel have stories to tell and after a forgettable 2023, I was plotting a new course. I had come to long distance cycling very late in life and I had things to do, memories to make riding my bike, in remote and challenging places.

When I was younger, I thought reaching the age of 65 meant retirement, feet up, walk the dog, take all day to read the paper, maybe go to a nice garden centre for a cup of tea. That works for many people but it is not for me. My plan was to ride the Pan Celtic Race, one of the longest and toughest Ultra-Cycling challenges.

This is the story of my preparation, the highs and the lows, it is about a life affirming race, and its aftermath. It is about some of the extraordinary people who take part and the wonderful camaraderie of the Pan Celtic Clan.