At 1600 miles/2600 kilometers, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s longest defined coastal routes. It weaves in, out and around the cliffs and peninsulas of the western and northern coasts of Ireland. Two of the three farms where I volunteered recently during Round Ireland with a Duck* were very close to it and I walked/rode my bike on it often. At one of the farms, I also discovered the Euro Velo 1, which intersects and follows the Wild Atlantic Way at numerous points.
The Euro Velo 1 is an international biking route that connects numerous countries (via ferries when crossing waters) from Scandinavia to Spain. As my DNA results show heritage from almost every country along that route, my friend Brad told me riding my bike on the entire Euro Velo 1 should be my DNA journey someday (I’d also have to detour over to Slovakia).
While in Ireland, I only rode a small segment of it, but I felt especially welcome because of the inclusion of females in the bike signs (pictured above). It may not seem like a big deal to you if you are used to seeing yourself included on signage in our shared public spaces. But as a woman on a bike, I can tell you this is very rare in regards to bike signage and is greatly appreciated. (See also the bike rack in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, featured on Day 2 of 12 Days of Bikemas.)
Will I be back for the entire Wild Atlantic Way or Euro Velo 1? Perhaps (although 2025 is already booked with new and very exciting plans). In the meantime, I look at this sign below gach lá (every day), which I bought on the streets of Galway — and I try to keep the wild in me pedaling on. If girls in the backs of SUVS don’t see themselves in bike signs (yet) here in the USA, at least they see me.
* the sequel to Round America with a Duck
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