Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Iceland
Iceland Iceland is a great place to travel, but seems to get missed a lot!
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree11Likes
  • 3 Post By Wheelie
  • 2 Post By Grazoid
  • 1 Post By DeeGee
  • 2 Post By Wheelie
  • 1 Post By Windmill winder
  • 1 Post By Windmill winder
  • 1 Post By mac90

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 7
Iceland in July

Hey,

Will be visiting Iceland the first two weeks of July, travelling there by ferry.
There will be two of us, Dad (68) on his Triumph Thruxton, and myself on my Tiger XC.

No fixed plans yet, but Dad will be riding the ringroad mainly, while I will try and take some of the more inland/gravel roads as well, thinking the 35, and exploring the westfjords area, weather permitting.

All tips and hints welcome, and anyione who happens to be in the area, wanting to meet up for a , or maybe exploring the gravel roads for a bit, just give me a shout!

Dirk
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2014
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
Here are a few tips:

-Bring warm clothing and rain gear - have it handy. In the interior I experienced sub Zero nights in the first week of August
-Have some bottles of spirits with you (half bottles, plastic).. it is a great way to meet people
-Iceland is very windy, can get very cold even in July, and basing your trip on setting up and living in a tent is not what I would reccommend.... but i would bring one in case of emergencies (a lodge being fully booked, a breakedown, etc)
-Travel through the interiro will take you 2-3 days, and is highly reccomended... if you ride a dual sport. If not, forget it
-Don't expect to see other riders outside Reykjavik
-Ride the southern part of the Western fjords, it is awesome... the northern part of the western fjord is not as nice, but good
-Spend a few days in Reykjavik at the end of the trip and don't hold back - the food and social scene is spectacular. Find a concert and go
-Don't cook your own food, eat in the restaurants... eating in Iceland is a great experience
-Going into the interior there are self serving lodges... but you need to bring your own food. Bring a cooker incase you need to tent. Bring coffe, fresh water, etc... The interior is spectacular, but can also be a trial for both man and bike... take it easy and don't be a macho man.


Warning, Iceland is a windy place. The wind can get very strong and very unpredictable. Being an island, with roads twisting in and out of fjords, with hills and rock formations, all contributing to unpredictable wind (direction and strength), combined with no tell tale signs in the form of vegitation, it can qucikly steer you off the road and into the gutter in a heart beat. One day was so intense I couldn't keep the bike on the road even at walking speeds, throwing me all over the place.

But Iceland can also be sunny and dead quiet... and it is allways beautiful, and the people are awesome.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Leeds
Posts: 99
Thanks for the tips wheelie. I'll be landing and picking my bike up on 14th August, can't wait. Do you know of anywhere where I could leave an empty suitcase for a couple of weeks?

I'll be flying up and I'll be putting my riding kit and luggage in the suitcase and I'll be transferring it all onto the bike and I'll have no room for the case.

Any ideas?

Ps sorry for the hijack
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 7
Hi Wheelie, thanks for your advice!

Sounds every bit like the adventure we're hoping for!

Am especially looking forward to the western fjords, and to tasting some of the local cuisine!

Also, a bottle of single malt will now be added to the packing list :-)

About these self serving lodges in the interior, is this something you need to book in advance, or is it just turn up and see?

Thanks again,
Dirk

-counting the days, not long now :-)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Derby
Posts: 19
Can be paradise...

Particulary in July. Was there for two weeks in 2013. First week was chilly but mainly wet with sunny periods - lost of low cloud.

Second week when we had the bikes we had sunshine which brought it's own fun with "sea breezes" - I would advise not riding the 35 solo if there has been recent heavy rain as the river crossings can be hairy.

If the weather is against you as well the Westerfjords can be dodgy as well. Even though we had blazing sunshine we also had to admit defeat with two days of sea fog giving zero visibility, so on the gravel sections on route 60 it was.... interesting. But I would ride it if you can they are creating more tourist friendly sections so the fun stuff will be gone soon.

We ended up catching the ferry over to Stykkisholmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and spent a couple of days riding there - great gravel roads as well as good tarmac and worth hunting out the Kaffe Sif in Rif http://www.snaefellsjokull.com/hellissandur-rif

Also consider getting hold of some local maps when you arrive particulary if you hit the Highlands. If the weather is going to be bad I can recommenced the Kaldidalur (550) route from Thingveller to Husafell for a great days ride, when you get to the end you have t junction with a large campsite and petrol at Husafell on the left but a great little basic campsite at http://www.fljotstunga.is/#!the-farm/czq2 on the right

Pack and prepare for Maritime European early spring weather and you will in general be fine. We took two season bags with thick silk liners and lightweight primaloft thermal gear - which was great for the first week but ended up in t-shirts and shorts for the second
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Derby
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeeGee View Post
Thanks for the tips wheelie. I'll be landing and picking my bike up on 14th August, can't wait. Do you know of anywhere where I could leave an empty suitcase for a couple of weeks?

I'll be flying up and I'll be putting my riding kit and luggage in the suitcase and I'll be transferring it all onto the bike and I'll have no room for the case.

Any ideas?

Ps sorry for the hijack
If you are hiring from the Biking Viking they are happy to store the cases while you are away.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Jun 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Leeds
Posts: 99
Cheers Grazoid. Some really good info above, I'll make a note of the roads and campsites.

I've already got a decent map of the Highlands, I really can't wait. All the folks at work are all a bit dumbfounded as to why we want to visit Iceland, all I say is enjoy your two weeks in the Costa del Sol with your heinz baked beans and crap tv on in the pubs, along with the crowded beaches!

I'm shipping the bike up 10 days before we fly.

Thanks

DG
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Jun 2014
Wheelie's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
The only time I booked in advance was when I visited the hotel furthest to the west on the western fjords... I found that I didn't have to. I didn't book in the self serving lodges in the interior neither, nor any hotels. Plenty of vacancy. But I guess you could get unlucky, especially if you arrive late. I had a tent with me just in case... which I reccomend you do. Not only can you risk finding that your lodge or hotel is full, but you can very easily get stranded in the interior if your bike breaks down or if you are trapped between two rivers with too much water.

Keep in mind that the rivers may flow faster later in the day from snow and glaciers melting under the sun... and rain, well you might have to sit it out. I had no problems and it was my first time ever doing river crossings.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jun 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 7
Soooo, it's now one hour before we're off, thanks for all the advice given!

Fingers crossed for some decent weather, I'll let you all know how we got on, once we get back!

Dirk
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Jul 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 7
Well, we're back after an amazing ride!

Despite terrible weather at times (a local guide called it the wettest summer in 100 years....) we rode 4300 km on Iceland alone, and some 700 on the Faroe Islands.

Used most of the advice on here, so thanks everyone for that!

Will write a bit more when the washing is done and the bike is cleaned, in the mean time
there's some pictures on this: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirks...1051157?ref=hl

Dirk
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Jul 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ireland
Posts: 40
Just had a quick look at the fb page, looks like you had a nice trip, counting the days now myself, 2 weeks today I should be well into my first day on the road.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 31 Jul 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Leeds
Posts: 99
Some great pictures Dirk! Was it as expensive as you thought?? Food, ale , fuel etc.?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2014 July: Pyrenees, Romania, Scotland, Pyrenees? PyreneesAbroad Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 10 Apr 2014 11:13
Riding from San Diego up the 101 to Monterey for the MotoGP July 2013 MasonryArts Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 16 Jul 2013 19:11
Lawrence Hacking's Overland ADVenture Rally - Ontario, Canada - July 12-14, 2013 Susan Johnson Motorcycle Events around the world 0 25 Jun 2013 17:21
Scotland Europe Russia Mongolia Siberia Australia June 2012 Landroverholic Travellers Seeking Travellers 22 27 Jun 2012 10:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:29.