Iceland – Roll the Dice (Bikepacking in Iceland)

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Narrated poem by Charles Bukowski “Roll the Dice” (read by Tom O’Bedlam) – check out his Youtube channel for more of his moving voiceover poems. This poem has meaning for me and I hope it has for you too.

A three week bikepacking trip in Iceland in July of 2018. Started in Reykjavik – Pingvellir – Husafell – Hveravellir – Laugarvatn – Landmannalaugar – Porsmork – Hella

I initially wanted to do a short documentary film about crossing Iceland from end to end but my Rode mic failed on day 3 so I almost gave up on filming. Anyway this is put together the best I can from whatever muted clips and drone footages I got.

Hardest day was between Husafell – Hveravellir which took me 25 hours straight, 100km of hauling ass, crossing the wet, icy, unridable muddy, mountainous, windy F road. The road was closed off for good reason but I unchained the fence and entered it anyway. Bike chains and disk brakes seized from all the icy mud. Cycling was not possible, the plus sized tires sank through the mud, and it was a hike-a-bike for the length of it. Shoes were wet, and feet were cold. Severe storm blanketing Iceland as weather alerts are being issued. Tiredness and panic sets in. I replaced 2 pairs of wet socks and ended up using a waterproof winter socks as an emergency pair. Not fun at all and outright dangerous.

Sony A7iii
Mavic Air

Surly ECR bike
Mountain Hyperlite tents & packs
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX shoes + Medium / thick merino socks for most days + emergency ultra thick waterproof Sealskinz socks that saved my feet from the stormy mountains and potentially my life. Whatever you do, do not get your shoes or socks wet. For water crossings I bring a pair of super lightweight Luna Sandals, also for my relax days.

*Biking the Laugavegur trail