It only took a moment. One glance at that iconic shield as Joe drove through Oklahoma, and the pedals in his mind began to turn. Had anyone ever cycled the entire Mother Road non-stop? If so, what was the record?
By the time Joe arrived in California, he’d learned that there was no record. People had tried, but no one had succeeded. That was all Joe needed. In his mind, he was already at the start line.
Joe turns 66 in 2025. What better time to master Route 66? A turn of fate too glorious to pass up. He plans to cross the finish line on his birthday, June 13th.
This endeavour is about the shared story between Joe and Route 66 - that's what gives this challenge a sense of destiny. This is a coming together of two legends, two epic legacies - the man and the road.
Both are symbols of a pioneering spirit, of resilience and defiance, weathered and marked by a life that's transcended the ordinary. Both are living a second life after being written off and almost lost to the history books.
It is the journey of a lifetime. Will you join us for the ride?
Stretching 2,517 miles across 8 states, Route 66 is a punishing mix of gravel, dirt, and scorching desert. But Joe is one of the few people on the planet capable of mastering it.
The Mother Road demands more than endurance. It requires a singular ability to understand a road's flow and character - something Joe knows well.
“It’s not something you do. It’s something you become,” he said, after winning his age category in the Race Across America (RAAM) - 3,100 miles, 170,000ft of climbing, 22 hours a day in the saddle.
He’s also no stranger to Guinness World Records, having set one for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way - another iconic road. Another one that tears at your physical, mental and emotional capacity as you climb the equivalent of three Everests over 1,431 miles.
To reach the finish line in time, he must call on every scrap of experience from those achievements, along with all the races he’s ridden over 50 years in the saddle. It’s all led him to this moment, and we’d love you to be a part of it too.
About Us
At RaceBarrUltra we want to compete, challenge, and celebrate your performances over 500-miles and beyond. If you bring the race, we’ll bring everything else.
Membership Community
BarrUltra is THE membership community for ultra-cyclists who don’t just want to get on their bike… they want to get on a team.
Find your tribe at barrultra.com
Can you go the distance?
Passing through 9 of Ireland's counties, Joe has designed this race to blend in seamlessly with the best 500 mile courses in the world.
Learn more about Ireland's only RAAM Qualifier
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding the race, including training or nutritional support please contact us directly at jill@barrultra.com
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