Bikepacking in Iceland

[Holly]

I was extremely fortunate in doing a bikepacking trip to Iceland last year. It was in the middle of summer.

Now I'm going to attempt something even crazier, something the locals tell me I should not do.

I'm going to be bikepacking in Iceland in the middle of winter this year in December. As part of a support team, I'm going to have a support car drive with me all around the ring road in case I hit weather that I cannot continue. Luckily winter storms in Iceland do not last that long on average.

Temperatures will be in the region of -10C (14F!!!)

As part of my preparation, I have been learning how to drive in Iceland in winter

I will be adding a route to my blog, as well as daily uploads starting on the 10th of December 2019!!

[MikeC]

Wow.  That's...

...wow.

[Holly]

I know. It's going to be hellish I expect.

So far preparations:

1. Schwalbe Snow Stud tyres purchased.
2. Salsa Beargrease fat bike going to be "winterised" in a few weeks.
3. Clothes bought and tested.

Looking for something like this Beaver Guard Fatbike Mudguards: they look easy to install. Any other better suggestions welcome.
Looking for suggestions for best wet lube for those conditions.

Distance: Approximately 830 miles.
Time: 15 days

Now just need to go think what I still need to do...

[taprider]

steel handlebars with no bar end caps so that you can use them like an ice axe if you get blown over on ice

[Holly]

Wow, thank you, had not thought of that.

[MikeC]

I know. It's going to be hellish I expect.

Which part?  Having a car follow you on a "bikepack" trip?

[Holly]

Which part?  Having a car follow you on a "bikepack" trip?

No the possibility of hitting winds of up to 150mph in the middle of nowhere. I've experienced 110mph wind in Iceland, and that was bad enough.