Adventuremagnet  Joined: Jul 01, 2008
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Want to go to Iceland with Bill?
The first trip is completely full, 18th to 22nd June 2009. This is largely a
"try-out" tour for friends and regular customers. It will be the third time
I've been there, and partly serves as the planning and preparation process
for future trips.
I'm putting together a list of names for people who may want to go on the
next trip. I can go back there in early August if there is sufficient
interest to run a second 2009 trip.
For the June trip, as there are now 9 riders, we're using a back-up 4x4
vehicle to carry luggage & tents. It was to be a basic, self supported
trip, but it just grew and grew. We also have a 2 journalists from Holland
tagging along, and at one point the editorial staff from TWO magazine wanted
to join us as well. 2 friends of mine have offered to drive the 4x4 to
support us.
Just a view points to consider...........
1. It's NO FRILLS. The are NO HOTELS whatsoever in the barren interior of
Iceland. We intend to ride right through the middle, between 2 icecaps.
Accommodation will be camping, or at best, a simple bunkhouse.
2. The vast majority of roads we'll take are unsurfaced. Not difficult, but
gravel, hard packed trails.
3. The bikes will be XT660s, KLR650, Kawasaki Versys or similar. Capable of
light "dual sport" use.
4. The weather can be very changeable. It could well be nice & sunny like it was on this trip above - but
storms, high winds and cold temperatures may also present themselves. (I've
been lucky on the last 2 trips - it's been fine). Best true temperature you
can expect is 9-12 degrees Celcius, although in full sunshine that can be
33C on your skin:) On the other hand you could get snow.
5. Iceland is expensive. However, by camping, eating service station junk food, and cooking dried meals, costs can be managed to a reasonable level. Just
to give you a ball-park figure - this "mates' trip" is being run at cost
price - I'm paying my own way, so effectively running the trip at a large
loss. The four day trip, including flights, camp or bunkhouse fees, food,
fuel, and contribution to back up 4x4 and bike hire, is going to cost us
about £700 (?) each. That's NOT covering my own costs, or any hotel
accommodation. There are hotels in Reykjavik of course (for start & end of
tour) - but it can be £200 per night, and a meal out can run to £50 with
drinks. The mates' trip is as budget as can be - camping, cheap food - no
nights on the town - just some duty-free from the airport, and each others
company :)
6. Although I've not been forced to cross rivers on the past two trips (I
did a couple for fun though), we may come across flooded sections of road,
and have to cross rivers. Getting cold & wet is a possibilty.
7. It's a bit of an adventure.
I'll try and attach the itinerary I put together for the June trip. Happy
to discuss on phone, to answer any questions or describe what it's like.
Read the adventuremag website and see my contact Haddi's website to get an
idea. Ready my story onadventuremagwww.net. although half of that was on
proper roads. See http://www.ridingiceland.is/ I took many of those photos
on the last trip!
Bill Roughton
Bike Tours UK biketours-ukwww.com.
Tel. Office (00 44) (0)115 846 2993
Mobile (00 44) (0)7973 429631
emailbillbiketours-ukcom@.
Cagiva Elefant|Jeep Cherokee
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