Riding the Icelandic Trails

Note From the Editor

Simon Cudby, with his compelling narrative and vivid photography, takes us on a breathtaking expedition through Iceland’s rugged scapes, an adventure that’s as much about discovering the land as it is about understanding oneself. Their story, “Riding the Icelandic Trails,” is about the paths traversed, the bonds forged, and the unforgettable memories made along the way.

This article serves as a canvas, painting the vivid landscapes of Iceland, where every turn presents a new challenge and every horizon beckons with undiscovered marvels. From the eclectic group of riders to the diverse range of motorbikes, each element adds a unique color to this picturesque journey. Our riders’ experiences offer valuable insights and thrilling anecdotes. A captivating tale of exploration, where the spirit of adventure and the warmth of companionship merge to create an unforgettable experience.

Discovering Iceland’s Secrets with Ride With Locals

“Well, fate struck again. Skúli Már Gunnarson, the mastermind behind “Ride With Locals,” deemed us worthy of another Icelandic rendezvous. Randy and I took to the skies from good ol’ Los Angeles while Pato embarked from the tango-infused streets of Buenos Aires, meeting up with us in Reykjavik. And what’s a gathering without some anecdotes? Upon landing at the “Ride With Locals” HQ in Selfoss, we were greeted by a diverse assembly of riders. From spirited Brazilian to British thrill-seekers, the group was as varied as the bikes we saddled.

Our steeds of choice? A KTM 450 for me, a GasGas 700 for Randy, and the Husqvarna 701 Enduro for Pato — each machine primed to grapple with the Icelandic wilds. Our welcoming party, led by Skúli with his Viking charm and hearty laughter, was both a comfort and a delight. His sagas of the Icelandic trails only fueled our anticipation.

Iceland isn’t just another destination; it’s an instructor, imparting the value of preparation. Convinced you’ve braved the rain? Here, weatherproofing is paramount, from the tip of your helmet to the base of those reliable Alpinestars Tech 7s Boots—our gallant shields against unpredictable terrains and the sly river currents. And when it comes to those feet, the waterproof socks spell the difference between a cheerful ride and a soggy misadventure. And those gnats? Don’t be fooled. Arm yourself with a bug net; it’s less an accessory and more necessary.

Gearing up was a ceremony. With their foresight, our sponsors ensured we were poised for every Icelandic challenge. My Alpinestars Ardent 3-in-1 Adventure Touring Jacket and its sturdy pants felt like a warrior’s armor. Randy, in a similar jacket, paired his with the Venture XT Pants. Pato, ever the fashionista, showcased the Bogotá Pro Drystar® Jacket, accentuated by the Racer Graphite Pants. Dressed to the nines, we were ready to face Iceland’s embrace.

Fine-tuning my KTM with Fastway Handguards, I couldn’t help but notice Randy and Pato mirroring my actions. An unspoken bond formed right there—these handguards were going to be essential. The Giant Loop Mojavi bags, generously provided by our sponsors, clung to our bikes, prepared to safeguard our tools and snacks. The Bivy Stick satellite tracker, a beacon of safety in this age of adventure, found its place. The USWE hydration packs we wore were our bulwarks against thirst.

The Cardo PackTalk Edge? In the vastness of Iceland, they transformed from mere gadgets to our lifeline, connecting us through every twist and turn.

As days blended into nights, we confronted both challenges and scenic wonders. Those Alpinestars Tech 7 boots were constantly put to the test. Iceland demanded reverence, with its imposing rocks, swift rivers, and the ever-present gnats (grateful for those bug nets!).

But here’s the clincher: “Ride With Locals” had our baggage sorted. Their Jeep, so robust it seemed ready to take on skyscrapers, was complemented by a German fire truck—reminiscent of a mechanical titan that would scoff at mountains. These chase vehicles ensured our bulkier gear always awaited us at each day’s end, allowing us the luxury of a lighter ride.

Under the guidance of our trail maestros, each day echoed the cadence of an epic song—gentle starts crescendoing into rousing finales. And the mountain huts? These rustic havens provided warmth and kinship against the wild backdrop of Iceland.

Our days were filled with laughter, challenges, shared stories over meals, and the wisdom of our Viking guide, Skúli. Riding in Iceland was more than a journey; it was a gathering of riders from around the world, united in their reverence for the land and forging memories to cherish for a lifetime.”

Day 1: Selfoss-Nýidalur

Witness The Waterfalls

I gathered with Randy, Pato, and the rest of our group at Ride With Locals’ headquarters as dawn broke over Selfoss. Under the guidance of our two expert guides from Ride With Locals, we embarked on our Icelandic journey. The initial feel of the tarmac soon transitioned to the sprawling wilderness. As we rode further, the majestic mountains of Iceland seemed to beckon us, hinting at the adventures that lay ahead. Our first pause was at Hjálparfoss, a pristine emblem of Icelandic beauty. Gjáin’s path then ushered us to the majestic Háifoss. Our journey, punctuated by the cascades of Dynkur, not only captured our cameras but also our hearts. As the day wound down, we found solace in Nýidalur’s mountain cabin — a fitting close to an exhilarating first day.

Day 2: Nýidalur-Mývatn

Into the Wilderness

As morning’s first light touched the horizon, our guides laid out the day’s plans. We rode into Ódáðahraun, a vast lava field shaped by ages and eruptions. Riding further north, the imposing silhouette of Herðubreið, Iceland’s renowned mountain, began to dominate our view. Our route revealed the wonders of Upptyppingar and Dyngjufjöll, each a testament to the island’s unique geology. Amidst these surreal landscapes, I was awed by nature’s showcases like the Skjálfandafljót River and Grænavatn. As the day drew to a close, the serene waters of Mývatn and the comforts of a welcoming hotel beckoned, giving us a chance to rest and ponder the day’s many marvels.

Day 3: Mývatn-Mývatn

The Land of the Enduro God

Our mission for the day was set: venture into the domain of the Enduro God, Þeystireykir. With our trusty guides leading the way, Randy, Pato, the others, and I rode across a mesmerizing volcanic landscape. The Krafla volcano, radiating geothermal energy, was a stop that left us all in sheer wonder. As evening approached, the inviting warmth of Jarðböðin á Mývatni’s geothermal spa was the perfect remedy for our tired bodies. Soaking in the soothing waters, we found ourselves reminiscing about the day’s adventures, filling our evening with tales, laughter, and the special bond we’d forged.

Day 4: Mývatn-Dreki

Back to the Mountains

The tranquil aura of Mývatn set the mood as Randy, Pato, the others, and I listened intently to our guides. They described our destination for the day: Grænavatn, a serene lake that beckoned us. Riding on the age-old Dyngjufjallaleið, I felt like I was navigating a moonlit dreamscape surrounded by black deserts and rugged terrains. Then there was Herðubreið, the majestic “Queen of Icelandic Mountains,” its magnificence speaking volumes of ancient tales. But the real highlight came as we approached Askja, known as the “Dragon’s Den.” As our guides narrated its legends, I could see the gleam of daring in some of our fellow adventurers’ eyes, tempted by the crater’s mythical challenge.

Day 5: Dreki-Nýidalur

Some Things Must Come as a Surprise

As dawn broke over Dreki, the promise of new adventures shimmered in the morning light. Our guides charted the day’s course, and soon, we were racing amidst a vast expanse of black sands. The sheer might of our bikes against such a backdrop was an exhilarating sensation. But it was in Holuhraun where the landscape seemed alive, each shadow whispering its own enigmatic tale.
The ascent up Flæðurnar challenged us all. We pushed our limits, reaching an altitude of nearly 3,937 feet (1,200 meters). The adrenaline of being at that height, juxtaposed with Iceland’s raw beauty, was indescribable. As dusk approached, we retreated to Nýidalur’s welcoming cabin. Over a heartening barbecue, we all exchanged tales and laughter, deepening the bonds forged on this incredible journey.

Day 6: Nýidalur-Selfoss

The beauty of the South

As every epic comes to its closing lines, our last day unfurled with a heavy heart in Nýidalur. Guided by our ever-knowledgeable leaders, we cruised through the Southern Highlands’ premier enduro paths. From the sweeping expanse of Sprengisandur to the tranquility of Þórisvatn, each moment carried its own treasured imprint.
Riding side by side, we all – guides, Simon, and the rest of us – were enveloped in the breathtaking vistas and shared memories. As Selfoss’s familiar terrain neared, a deep sense of nostalgia and pride enveloped us. By twilight, our goodbyes were interwoven with promises of future adventures, sealing our remarkable Icelandic chapter with Ride With Locals.

A Rider’s Reflection

As the last of the Icelandic dusk settled on Selfoss, the vibrant hues of the horizon mirrored the flood of emotions within. I sat there, surrounded by bikes, tools, and gear, yet consumed by a world of memories forged over days.

From the moment we fired up our bikes, each day was a lesson, not just in riding, but in the magic that only a place like Iceland can unfold. The guidance from Ride With Locals made this landscape a canvas, and we, the riders, its eager painters. The vast black sands, the peaks touching the sky, the tales whispered by ancient craters; every moment was a spectacle.

In this journey, we weren’t just individuals. We became a tribe. A tribe that shared the thrill of the first ride, the gasps at each view, the camaraderie in shared moments, and the silences of awe. The trio of Simon, Randy, and Pato, once mere names, became brothers in arms, comrades in this dance of bikes and nature.

Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint what I treasure most. Is it the winding trails, the overwhelming vistas, the cold breeze against my face, or the shared laughter and stories? Perhaps it’s the realization that we found something rarer in our quest for adventure – a deep, unspoken bond with fellow riders and an undying romance with the land of fire and ice.
Tomorrow, we part ways, our bikes taking us to different corners of the world. But these tire tracks we’ve left behind in the Icelandic soil are etched forever in our hearts. And someday, when the call of the wild beckons again, we know where the roads will converge – with Ride With Locals in the embrace of Iceland.

Riders

Simon Cudby – KTM 450
Randy Commans – Gas Gas 700
Pato Marelli – Husqvarna 701 Enduro

Riders’s Gear

Alpinestar Ardent 3-in-1 Adventure Touring Jacket and Pants
Venture XT Pants
Bogotá Pro Drystar® Jacket
Racer Graphite Pants
Tech 7s Boots
Giant Loop Mojavi bags
Cardo PackTalk Edge
ACR Bivy Stick satellite tracker
Uswe hydration pack

Please note: The map provided in this article is for reference purposes only. For detailed and exact routes, we highly recommend contacting Ride With Locals at @ridewithlocals.is. They offer expert guidance and up-to-date information to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Photos: Simon Cudby – Words: Simon Cudby, Mike de la Torre

Simon Cudby