What categories are available in The Joe Barr 500?

The Joe Barr 500 has the following categories:
- Male Solo Supported
- Male Solo Unsupported
- Female Solo Supported
- Female Solo Unsupported
- 2-person (can be 2 male, 2 female or mixed)

All solos and teams will carry a GPS tracker.

Start and Finish details

The race will start and finish at the Best Western White Horse hotel, 68 Clooney Road, Co.Derry/Londonderry, BT47 3PA on the weekend of July 5-6th, 2025.

‍Solo riders will depart at 3 min intervals, followed by 2-person teams.

Individual start times will be listed no later than June 15th, 2025

When does registration close?

May 31st, 2025 . However, depending on race entries, registration may become limited.

What is included in my entry fee?

Your entry fee includes:
- Race numbers and vehicle signage
- CAUTION CYCLISTS AHEAD sticker
- Route handbook
- Optional bag drop for Unsupported racers
- Custom finisher medal
- GPS tracker

What is the time allowance for The Joe Barr 500?

The Joe Barr 500 has a time allowance of 40 hours for solo supported males and 45 hours for solo supported females.

The time allowance for solo unsupported males is 42 hours and for solo unsupported females, 47 hours.

The time allowance for 2-person teams is 40 hours.

How many people and vehicles do I need for my support crew?

For solo supported riders and 2-person teams you will need a minimum of 1 vehicle and 2 crew members (with valid driving licence and insurance) although we would strongly suggest that you have more.

Crew members generally share the responsibilities of driving, navigation and nutrition.

Bear in mind that if you are participating as a 2-person team, when a rider is not riding, they may assume crew responsibilities.

What kind of a support vehicle do I need?

Please SEE RULES for all vehicle requirements. Motorhomes or motorcycles cannot be used as a support vehicle.

What are night hours?

Night hours are designated from 8:00PM to 7:00AM. During this time the vehicle must follow the supported rider directly at all times. This is critical for safety purposes. If for some reason the crew need to stop, the rider must stop along with the crew. A supported rider cannot proceed along the route independantly for any distance during night hours. There are no exceptions. Penalties will be instantly applied by course marshals without prior warning.

Please note all crew members and riders must wear reflective clothing during night hours.

‍Solo unsupported riders have additional, mandatory night time safety measures, such as a flashing rear helmet light. Please see RULES for the additional items relating to the unsupported category.

‍SEE RULES in relation to follow vehicle auxiliary lighting during night hours.

How do I follow the route?

You can download the FINAL GPS file from this site March 1st, 2025 (at the latest). You will also receive a route handbook as part of your race package on July 4th 2025.

‍AMENDMENTS MAY BE MADE TO THE ROUTE UP TO MARCH 1st. ALL ROUTE FILES POST MIDNIGHT, MARCH 1st WILL BE CONSIDERED FINAL UNLESS NOTIFIED BY RACE MANAGEMENT.

What is data network coverage like on the route?

There are very short sections on the course that have limited coverage. We have endeavored to place timing stations in areas where there is sufficient coverage.

In those sections with poor coverage please expect GPS tracker uploads, and therefore race information, to be temporarily slower.

What is scrutiny and rider-crew sign-on?

Between 1PM and 5PM on July 4th, 2025 each rider or one rider in a 2-person team and one designated crew representative (if riding supported) must present themselves at the Best Western White Horse Hotel with ALL required paperwork to receive their race package.

Once you have received your race package the rider and/or the crew representative may proceed to bicycle and car scrutiny. Please make sure you have READ THE RULES and that your vehicle and bikes are prepared accordingly.

‍Scrutiny – covers all bicycles including wheels and cars. It is a vital safety check and must be respected. If equipment and the vehicle do not meet requirements the rider/team cannot race. No exceptions. Please see RULES for all information regarding equipment requirements.

‍Please note: there are additional items that relate only to the unsupported category. Make sure you read the RULES.

All bikes and vehicles must be scrutinized (please see rules) on Friday July 4th 2025.

‍Bike and vehicle scrutiny will take place between 1PM and 5PM. It will run on a first-come, first-served basis. Generally each scrutiny will take 15-20 minutes. If equipment or vehicle does not pass scrutiny, additional time may be allotted allowing the rider/team to make satisfactory adjustments.

What is the rider and crew briefing?

The briefing will take place at the Best Western White Horse hotel at 6PM sharp, July 4th 2025. It is mandatory for all solo riders (or 1 rider from a team) and at least one crew member to attend. It is the responsibility of each team to ensure that information is shared amongst all team members. We will do our best to make this meeting as efficient as possible so you can plan for an early evening.

It is also a chance to be introduced to your fellow riders and crews .

What happens if one of our team members drops out of the race?

You will get an official time as long as one member of the team finishes the full distance.

Is there a minimum distance that each team member must ride?

No. Riding strategy is at team discretion.

What are the timing stations?

These are timed checkpoints and will be displayed on the leaderboard as the race unfolds. They will not be peopled. The GPS tracker will record accurate times as each rider/team passes through. There is no need to call in your time to race headquarters.

What is the bag-drop for unsupported riders?

Unsupported riders can count on some race support in the form of a bag-drop at 200 and 400-miles.

We will transport a bag containing your packed clothing, food, equipment, etc to a designated location and wait for you to pass through. You have the option of stopping to refuel, change your clothes, etc. The first bag drop will be in a hostel with some kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Once all unsupported riders have passed through bag drop 1, we will transport your bag to bag drop 2.

Will the race be marshaled?

Yes. There will be teams of travelling marshals. It is your responsibility to make sure you read the rulebook. Our marshals are there to enforce the rules and not to provide for your safety. This is a crucial point. The Joe Barr 500 is run on open roads with normal traffic flow. Your safety is your sole responsibility.

There is a strict no drafting policy.

FAQs