Episode 114: Saoirse Pottie

Bikepacking all Over the world. A Journey of Adventure and Community

In this episode I feature guest Saoirse Pottie, a bike adventurer from N.Ireland whose travels have literally taken her across countries as well as continents. From cycling across Africa to her recent adventures in Patagonia, it was great to hear Saoirse speak so passionately about the insights she’s gained from taking on journeys like these.

All you need is a bike and a tent

Saoirse came to bike travel as a way of exploring without needing a lot of money. She has embraced the idea that with a bike and a tent, the world is a welcoming place ready to be explored and you don’t need a big budget to be able to do so. I also loved being able to hear how she has progressed and how her self assuredness has grown with each journey she has taken. Along the way helping to mentor and others through the way she communicates about her adventures as well. It’s such an inclusive message and one which champions the idea that this form of travel can be taken on by all of us – regardless of experience or budgets.

3 Peaks, 3 Women, 3 Days

Saoirse jokes that often the best ideas are hatched when you don’t know what you are getting yourself in for. So it was that a plan was hatched with two of her friends to tackle a huge challenge of cycle to and hike to the summit of each of the three highest peaks on the mainland of the UK, within 3 days. So it was that three of them set a World Record (just recently broken) and also proved to themselves that sometimes all you need is a bit of belief and you can take on an adventure of your own.

Bikepacking Ireland – a Tester for Africa

Since living in Mozambique, Saoirse had a yearning to travel through Africa. Through some research the idea of cycling there started to become an idea she couldn’t shake. But up to that point her journey’s were just a handful of days, and she wanted to try a bikepacking challenge solo, one that would last weeks and also prove to herself that she was up for it. What better way than a tour through her home country of IReland. She started plotting out a bikepacking route that would take her to the highest point in each of the 32 counties, and along the way learnt so much about her own country. She ended that trip with a real appreciation for the friendliness and hospitality of the Irish people, as well just how beautiful Ireland is. This bikepacking adventure also gave her a huge hit of confidence that the Africa journey was indeed something she could take on.

A Life-Changing Experience in Africa

Saoirse’s huge adventure saw her embark on a journey through Africa cycling over 7,000 kilometres from Cape Town to Rwanda. Taking on this African adventure was a way of also breaking down preconceived notions of ‘danger’ and to help her gain the confidence to do this journey for herself she reached out to others who had taken on a similar adventure. A great point she made was that it’s wise to learn from others with firsthand experience, as many of our fears are generated out of misconceptions about places that many of us have never experienced ourselves. Despite initial fears and concerns from loved ones about safety, Saoirse’s firsthand, positive interactions with people she met along the way served to affirm the rich experiences travel can offer.

Overcoming Fears and Finding Freedom

Saoirse spoke candidly about how she has had to deal with her own internal fears – as well as those suggested by well meaning friends – but still decided to venture out there and ‘do the thing’. She openly discusses her initial reluctance towards solo camping and how, through practice and persistence, it has become a natural part of her adventures. For Saorise being able to face your fears, and overcome small hurdles one step at a time has helped her build the confidence needed to take on larger challenges.

Creating Community on the Road

It struck me that a key theme of Saoirse’s journey is that of community. Whether through the creation of Bikepacking Buds, a platform for people to go bikepacking together, or her spontaneous 12 person group adventure through Patagonia, she fosters an environment where stories and experiences are shared freely. Her approach also demonstrates the powerful impact of travel in building connections and encouraging others to embrace their love for adventure.

Pedalgonia : A Social Adventure

Saoirse’s recent trip to Patagonia, known affectionately as ‘Pedalgonia’, involved a collective of 12 fellow bike adventurers on a shared route. This opportunity to foster community dynamics brought with it an awesome vibe. Stories of shared meals, group laughter, and supporting one another through tough moments, also highlighted how group travel enhances our outdoor adventure experiences.

Cultural Insights and Meaningful Connections

Throughout her travels, Saoirse has been keen to engage deeply with the places and people she visits. Her interactions, enriched by the ethos of giving back, created enriching connections, whether through the gifting of crayons to local children or simply absorbing cultural stories and legends, like those she found during her time in Ireland.

Community Events and Future Adventures

If Saoirse’s story ignites a spark within you, consider joining her community events. The one we spoke about in Wicklow, Ireland, from May 9th to 11th, 2025 is sold out but you can find out more about future events here.

Follow Saoirse on Instagram to continue being inspired by her adventures and perhaps embark on your journey of seeking travel and riding – her account there is @going.pottie

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