Iceland – a new part of my challenge

After an epic six week ride across America, and a fabulous crescendo in New York City, I have moved on to somewhere really quite different in every sense. I am now in Iceland, a country that tectonically sits partly in America and partly in Europe (which seems fitting for this adventure). Culturally, Iceland belongs to the Nordic world. Meteorologically, it has its own unique set of rules and the weather will be a major factor in how I approach this part of my journey.

Keflavik

In theory, my loose plan was always to cycle across the north of Iceland, starting in the capital Reykjavik, and crossing over the top of the country, via the Arctic circle, to reach the Eastern coast, from which there is a once weekly ferry to the Faroe Islands. These latter locations would be new to me (I have seen the top and bottom of Iceland to about halfway across from Reykjavik before, and loved it); but I am fully aware of the luck required to reach the ferry without running into weather wholly inappropriate for cycling. It is late September and I guessed and hoped that might be early enough to make a safe passage. But my usual golden rule will always apply: if it isn’t enjoyable, I will stop. There are other plausible routes to Dull and I am not so wedded to this option that I can’t be flexible if needed. So, fingers crossed.

Keflavik

I am also delighted to be sharing some of this part of my adventure with my lovely wife Jenni, who has had to do without me for three long months (and vice versa). She arrived a few hours before me and I found her asleep in the Airbnb near Keflavik Airport after my own arrival at 4.44am (just after midnight New York time). Jenni has rented a car, which is brave since she doesn’t particularly like driving even at home, and she will provide me with valuable support for the first week of my endeavours. We sensibly took a day out from cycling in Reykjavik upon arrival – long enough for me to wonder if I had anywhere near enough warm clothes! Hmm. This really will be different.