The interior highlands

The mountain roads and tracks across the interior highlands are closed in the spring when the snow is melting away. Usually most of the roads open around mid June, some sooner other later depending on conditions. The mountain roads vary a lot in quality, some are very rough with many steep hills and unbridged rivers. The Public Roads Administration is responsible for opening the mountain roads and on their website you can see which roads are closed. (http://www3.vegag.is/faerd/island1e.html)

In the interior there are no shops so we must bring all our food and supplies. There are a number of mountain huts, most of which are nice enough. However, they are often full and need to be booked in advance. Camping is mostly allowed but some areas are protected areas where we must camp at designated campsites. 

Many rivers are unbridged and the water will wash away the grease in the pedals, bottom brackets and hubs. Some people choose to carry their bikes across if the water levels are high while others have fun trying. Either way, always carry grease with you on tour. It´s even more important since glacial water is also loaded with mud and sand that can ruin bearings in minutes. "Sealed bearings" does not mean waterproof. The water is cold and will numb your feet in seconds. If you own neoprane shoes like those used in watersports it would be wise to bring them along. Alternatively you can use old tennis shoes or Tevas.

The equipment
Outside Reykjavik bicycle repair shops are few and far between and parts can be hard to come by. You should be able to fix flats, change brake shoes and have the tools to fasten every screw, nut and bolt that might come loose. Each member should bring extra patches and tubes as well as two sets of brake shoes. For every three to five people in your group  you should bring spokes with nipples, derailleur- and brake cables, oil, chain links and a chain key, maybe even an extra Kevlar tire if we are doing a long trip or going into the interior. Furthermore you should consider giving your bike an overhaul before leaving home, greasing up the hub bearing, pedals and bottom bracket, etc. and use it for at least a few days afterwards to see if any problems pop up.

Let us plan the trip for your group and attend to every little detail. Just drop us a drop us a line and tell us what your group is thinking. We can make a fantastic customized tour fitting your group´s level of difficulty and comfort.
info@NatureEplorer.is