Tectonic Treasures

This trip is a point-to-point pedal across a remote and barren landscape with no trees. This is an adventure that requires grit and endurance. There will be vehicle support between the huts while riding. You will take everything you need in your daypack when you leave in the morning. If there is a day where you’re tired you can opt to travel to the next hut in our 4WD support vehicle.

13-45km, 4-8 hours

The trails we ride are primarily designed for hiking and surfaces are volcanic, sometimes loose sand, and contain fixed rock sections with stretches of double track and dirt roads. There are some short, steep, hike-a-bike sections on all days (one longer hike-a-bike on the final day) and several cold river crossings where you’ll need to carry your bike in knee-deep glacial water. The riding is rolling and hilly, and requires active pedalling.

No, there is vehicle support between each hut, and your gear and sleeping bag will be transported. We recommend leaving items not needed during the trip in your bike bag – stored at the office in Reykjavik. Given space in vehicles and huts – a medium-sized duffle or wheelie bag is ideal for your belongings. A few smaller bags to carry other miscellaneous items is a good idea.

We always encourage you to ride well within your limits and to ride conservatively. There is no shame in walking a section of trail that makes you uncomfortable.

Accommodation in Reykjavik is in a modern hotel downtown while other nights we’ll be in remote lodges located in spectacular locations. Rooms at the huts vary from smaller 6-person rooms to larger rooms that will accommodate the whole group (and sometimes others); all participants will be in sleeping bags at the lodges. All huts have hot showers.

5 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while on days 2-7, in mountain huts.

Breakfast is typically a spread of muesli/granola, yogurt, milk and milk alternatives, fruit, various breads, eggs, coffee, tea, juice, etc. Lunch is laid out after breakfast for each rider to prepare and pack for the day. Lunch options are usually sandwiches with meat, veggies, cheeses and other delicious spreads, a piece of fruit and a treat and occasionally anything left over from dinner. Dinner is always something hot – examples of past meals include; bone broth-type hearty soup, grilled lamb or fish with sides of vegetables and salads. Our guides will prepare meals at the huts, and it is appreciated if riders help out in the kitchen.

The only opportunity to access laundry facilities will be at the hotels for the beginning and end of the trip. We recommend bringing enough changes of clothing for multiple days – otherwise pack merino wool layers that can go several days without washing.

Iceland can be chilly, even in summer. Expect nights to dip down to below 10 Celsius (below 50 F) and days to warm up to the mid-high teens Celsius (60-70 F) and warmer. In the mountains, weather can change quickly and drastically and rain is common. Participants need to be prepared for a wide range of weather.

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna. Iceland is a highly cashless society, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Many travellers find they rarely need cash.

Tipping in Iceland is not customary and is generally not expected, as service charges are usually included in bills. However, if you experience exceptional service in a restaurant, hotel, or taxi, leaving a small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated but entirely optional. Gratuities for your Big Mountain guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership throughout the week. Historically, 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest is to be divided among your guiding team as a tipping standard.