At 65, Joe Barr is not just maintaining his fitness; he’s thriving, with no signs of slowing down. Known for his remarkable achievements as an ultra-racer, Barr is a two-time Race Across America finisher, a multiple world and Guinness World Record holder, and the 2023 World Ultra Cycling Champion. His success has spanned two distinct careers – first as a young road racer, and now as a seasoned ultra-distance cyclist.
Reflecting on his journey, Barr calls ultra-racing more fulfilling than his earlier career, emphasizing the personal satisfaction it brings. “It’s better because it’s more enjoyable,” he explained during a recent appearance on Cycling Weekly’s Going Long podcast. “I was probably more successful at it, and it was on my own terms.”
Barr’s ultra-racing career, which began in his forties, has seen him conquer some of the toughest endurance races. Among his many accomplishments, he has won his age category in the Race Across America and taken home top honors in the Race Around Ireland, twice. His records and victories have made him an inspiration to athletes of all ages.
When asked about the keys to staying competitive in his later years, Barr pointed to two critical factors: nutrition and sleep. “My interest in pushbike riding was probably overshadowed by my interest in nutrition,” he said. “I’ve always been more fascinated by how the body works than the bike itself.”
Barr credits his wife, Jill, a nutritionist, for helping shape his approach to endurance cycling. Together, they run the Barr Ultra World Endurance Cycling Team, and Barr believes Jill’s nutritional expertise has been a cornerstone of his ongoing success. “When I met Jill, everything just took off,” Barr remarked.
His diet focuses on plant-based foods, but Barr is quick to downplay any “magic potions.” Instead, he stresses that simple, well-balanced meals have been key to sustaining his performance. “There’s no magic potions,” Barr said, underscoring the importance of consistency over fads.
Sleep, too, plays a pivotal role in Barr’s regimen. He insists on a strict sleep schedule, going to bed at 9:30 PM each night and waking up at 8:00 AM. “Sleep is a core piece of this whole thing,” he added, noting that he values rest as much as the physical training itself.
His training schedule is equally disciplined, with Barr riding six days a week for five to six hours at a time. Last weekend, he completed an eight-hour ride. Barr describes his routine as “almost regimented,” joking that his adherence to structure might have made him a good military man.
Looking back, Barr is in awe of his ultra-racing accomplishments. “The last 15 years of ultra-racing have been the most incredible journey,” he said. “I could never have imagined achieving what I have 25 years ago.”
And Barr’s journey is far from over. At 66, he has set his sights on a new goal: to break a Guinness World Record by cycling the length of the United States’ Route 66. “It’s 100 years old next year,” Barr said, referring to the historic route that stretches just under 2,500 miles across eight states. “We’re going in June to scout the course, and then next June, we’re going for the record.”
Barr’s story serves as a testament to the power of dedication and discipline, showing that with the right mindset and approach, age is no obstacle to achieving extraordinary feats. To learn more about Barr’s experiences as a road racer and ultra-cyclist, listen to the full interview on Going Long.
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