Sunday, August 31, 2008

Part 4: Husavik to Reykjavik

Firstly, we wish to apologise for our recent lack of blog updates. We failed to find a single internet cafe in the north of Iceland which allowed us to upload photographs, so we've now done a double blog post! Make sure you read part 3 first if you haven't yet.

The final leg of our trip involved several 100+ km days in terrible weather, sometimes the only way to keep warm was to dance around our stove while the water boiled.

Another hill climb from Husavik to Akureyri

Stunning views coming into Akureyri, but terrible headwinds!

Feeling the passion with Saturday night festivities in Akureyri

We woke to discover some cheeky birds had ravaged our food supplies

Trying to give Icelander's favourite cuisine (dirty hot dogs) a healthy touch

Garbage bag improvisation came into play in order to endure all day rain: high five to doing it with class!


Let me in: Cycling into Varmahlið was our coldest, wettest day

Barn escape: Our first night indoors in 22 days... bliss


Freezing 6am set off in Blonduos : This is meant to be summer!



An early start with good weather allowed us to make our furthest distance of the trip (120 kms) from Blonduos to a mountain pass 50km from Bolgarnes. We decided to go it rough and camp roadside, setting up our tents in the rain and keeping some blood in our lifeless limbs by grooving to Basement Jaxx.


Dancing cookery styles

There was always room in the panniers for 1 of these each

A break from the bikes led us up Grabrok crater, delivering spectacular views of the surrounding area

By this stage, even Cocobolo was showing signs of fatigue
We were happy not to be on the old road from Reykjavik to Akureyri.

The tourist information in Borgarnes informed us a storm was approaching, so we soldiered on 35kms more to the nearest barn accommodation... Our bodies were extremely weak and it took 3 hrs! Luckily as always the dramatic weather provided a spectacular show to entertain us along the way.



Our prayers were answered when we were treated to a well equipped comfortable barn which we shared with an arctic fox. Cocobolo managed to tame the wild fox, allowing Tris to discuss his views on Icelandic wilderness over a cup of chai.

The following day, Tris whipped up garbage bag couture to ride out the storm


Moments after stepping outside it was clear that it was impossible to complete our intended to route to Reykjavik. Instead we opted for plan B, braving the elements, riding with the 80 km an hour winds to Akranes, all effort was focused on remaining upright. Windy squalls made it impossible to control our bikes, especially when massive semi-trailers hurtled past, creating intense wind suctions. Benedict and his llama were thrown over a metal safety barrier as the final destination came into sight. Luckily no serious injuries were sustained except for sore guts from excessive laughing.


It took Miles a while to recover from the wild ride. Shamefully we relied on the Reykjavik public transport system for the remaining 50km of our journey.

Back where we started in one piece. What an incredible last day, once again the wrath of Icelandic weather didn't destroy the mighty Mules!

Thank you to all everyone who has supported and helped us through this amazing and challenging mission. You generous donations have amounted to an impressive total thus far, well done! We hope you have found entertainment in our stupidity and we are more than happy to provide information about Iceland if you need it.

Please stay tuned for our final blog entry detailing the results of our festy
food challenge!

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