Heading SouthWest

Heading SouthWest – Bragança, Portugal

• Date: June 20–26, 2027

• Location: Bragança to Sagres, Portugal

• Distances: 1,000 km (Road: 18,000 m climbing; Off-road: 15,000 m climbing)

• Event Type: Unsupported bikepacking and ultracycling

Heading SouthWest is a single-stage, unsupported bikepacking journey that traverses Portugal from northeast to southwest. Starting in the northeastern city of Bragança, the route runs across the country to finish at Cabo de São Vicente in Sagres on the Atlantic coast.

The event offers two distinct 1,000-kilometer route options that share crossing sections and optional overnight points. The Travessia Nacional Bikepacking route is designed and tested for gravel bikes, covering 15,000 meters of elevation gain across approximately 60 percent off-road terrain and 40 percent secondary paved roads. The Heading SouthWest Ultracycling option follows an on-road course with 18,000 meters of climbing through Portugal's Central System mountain peaks, including a final ascent of Fóia in Monchique before the finish.

Both options operate under self-supported rules without drafting, although riding in groups and sharing mutual mechanical support between participants is permitted. The non-profit entry fee includes live satellite tracking via Follow My Challenge, mandatory personal accident insurance, and an event cap. Further event guidelines and registration information are available on the official event website.