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What is 'Heading SouthWest'?

Heading SouthWest is simultaneously a personal bikepacking challenge and a collective cycling adventure. An opportunity to face your physical and emotional limits while other adventurers are doing the same. It isn't a race or a competition. 'SouthWest' follows 'self supported' approach and drafting is not allowed.

Route Profile and Time Limit

The set route starts and finishes in Aveiro city. It has 1.000 kilometers and approximately 18.000 meters of elevation gain. Riders will have 6 days to finish.

How to Arrive to Aveiro in Portugal?

The closest airports are located in Porto and Lisbon. 'Porto Campanhã' station is just one hour away from Aveiro by train. From 'Lisboa-Oriente' train station takes 2 hours. Transport your bike in InterCity trains.

What Does 'Self Supported' Mean?

Unsupported ultracycling seeks the essence of cycling through the spirit of adventure, independence, autonomy and equality of circumstances among all participants. It's about your experience and challenging your own limits. So makes no sense to receive help from your family and friends with resupplies, mechanical support and accommodation. You can only use the commercial services available to the public and that are available to all riders.

What Does 'No Drafting' Mean?

Drafting is not allowed: you cannot ride on the wheel of other participants (except your fellow pair), cyclists or vehicles, thus obtaining aerodynamic advantages.

Mandatory Items for Participants

Helmet, reflective vest (nights and poor visibility conditions), frontal and rear lights (including a backup kit), emergency blanket. The organization assures personal insurance for accidents (expenses for treatment, repatriation, disability and death). Presence at the briefing session is mandatory (on Friday June 6th evening).

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'Heading SouthWest' (HSW) is an adventure-cycling challenge across Portugal in one-stage. The seek for the essence of cycling. On-road set route with 1.000 kilometers. In 2026, bikepackers will cross Portugal from North to South. More news soon.

HSW'26 6-11 June 2026, Portugal.