December 14 | Episode 5

This episode of Explore with Lionel Birnie and Hannah Troop focuses on the TransAtlantic Way in Ireland featuring two riders who took part this year, Laura Scott and Simon Gill.

The TransAtlantic Way is an unsupported ride that goes from Dublin to Derry (with riders choosing their own route for the first leg) before following the Wild Atlantic Way all the way round the west coast of Ireland finishing near Cork in the south of the country.

Laura Scott has taken on self endurance rides, both supported and unsupported and in her interview with Hannah, she talks about how her attempt at the TransAm – which crosses the USA – got off to a disastrous start and how she had to ride through the pain barrier for another 2,500 kilometres before having to scratch.

Her next big unsupported ride was the TransAtlantic Way in Ireland. She talks about what drew her into the world of endurance cycling, how she sets her targets and the ups and downs along the way.

We also hear from her coach Dean Downing – former national criterium champion – about how to prepare for an endurance ride.

And Adrian O'Sullivan, the organiser of the TransAtlantic Way, explains why he now describes his event as a ride rather than a race.

Simon Gill – better known to listeners of The Cycling Podcast as Simon the Photographer – also rode the TransAtlantic Way and we hear his thoughts on the event recorded while on the road and with the benefit of hindsight.

**Explore is supported by Rapha, Science In Sport and The Economist.**

**RUNNING ORDER**

**Part 1:** Laura Scott on her experiences in the TransAm and TransAtlantic Way featuring contributions from TransAtlantic Way organiser Adrian O'Sullivan and Laura's coach, ex-pro rider Dean Downing.

**Part 2:** (from 1:10:00) Simon Gill's adventures round Ireland with a mostly unused tent.

**THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS**

**Rapha** support The Cycling Podcast all year and that support has enabled us to get the wheels rolling on series one of Explore. They have developed a range of clothing and accessories that are perfect for the adventurous world of endurance riding and bikepacking.

Rapha. Adventure Starts Anywhere. Check out Rapha’s Explore range at [rapha.cc](www.rapha.cc)

**Science In Sport** are our other long-term supporters and if you are going to accept the challenge of a long multi-day ride, you need to get your nutrition right. Get 25 per cent off all Science In Sport energy drinks, bars and gels at [scienceinsport.com](www.sciencesport.com) by using the code **SISCP25** at check-out.

**The Economist**

For over 170 years, The Economist has delivered trustworthy intelligence that helps people like you choose where to stand on the issues that matter most. We are delighted to announce that The Economist is also supporting series one of Explore. All UK-based listeners can get a free print copy of The Economist by texting **CYCLE** to **78070**