The classic cycle trip is as old as
the trails themselves. Planning a trip should not be a daunting task, but for
any cycling newbie out there here is one idea for an easy introduction that will
leave you feeling ‘on top of the world’ quite literally. Downhill gradients,
panoramic sky, the big wide open, stunning evocative landscapes and almost
non-existent traffic; Sounds good? Well trust me it is. Ladies and gentlemen, I
give you ‘The Golden Circle Cycle Tour’ courtesy of ‘Reykajavik Bike Tours’ in
Iceland, which provides highlights of the south west of Iceland. In the summer
months of course you are also blessed with virtual 24 hours daylight this far
geographically north, giving rise to the longest most impressive sunsets I have
ever witnessed where the sun momentarily dips to the horizon before re-mounting
it’s ascent once more.
Big Stefan Valsson the tour leader and
owner (with a helmet and hammer, Thor comes to mind), in his laid-back imposing
presence extols ‘let us go and soak up the scenery’. Few Icelanders have
original surnames so directories list individuals by their first name. So names
are based on the father’s first name plus ‘son’ or ‘daughter’. So Andrew, the
son of Magnus would be known as Andrew Magnusson while Joanna would be known as
Joanna Magnusson.
A native of Iceland and accredited
tour guide, Stefan really enthuses visitors with obvious love of his homeland. Our
start was from the Old Harbour in Reykajavick (Iceland’s Capitol). This
delightful accessible city is home to some 60% of the country’s population. The
Old Harbour is close to being 100 years old. Its’ charm is self-evident, the
ocean, boats, the view and smell, historic buildings, with the nostalgia of the
fishermen of yesteryear around you everywhere, sitting mending their nets and
telling tales of the sea.
We travel by mini-bus and bike trailer
to Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls, our start for the ride. Not
unlike the world renowned Victoria Falls in appearance, a wide fall with a high
volume of water and respectable drop, this is a classic scene. There are
convenient staircases to access the falls to allow you to be brave/foolish to
look over the edge. You do revel in the sheer beauty, so cliché I know. The
journey there of a few hours traverses the surreal volcanic landscape, which is
like no other. Along the way, Stefan provided engaging stories and history
updates, often humorous in his engaging affable manner.
Once on to our superb suspension
hybrid cycles, we set off for the Geysir geothermal area where hot springs are
in abundance, geysers explode and pools of mud bubble. We continued through Thingvellir
National Park (Parliament plains), this is where Iceland’s most important
historical events have taken place and is in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage
Sites. All in all a heady few hours of invigorating clean air and stimulating
vistas of rugged age-old volcanic landscape, feeling and smelling nature from
the saddle with the added bonus of exercise. With the ever vigilant Stefan never far away
watching his ‘flock’ in the support vehicle, we wend our merry way along a
swoopy tarmac ribbon that feels painted-on to the undulating panorama a total
distance of approximately 27km.
This is a great introduction to the many
wonders of the uniqueness that is Iceland and all it has to offer the visitor
looking for ‘something different’. Just the simple fact this island does not
possess any trees tells the tourist to be ready to expect the unexpected. On
any new adventure, don’t ask yourself ‘why?’ Ask yourself ‘why not?’ Sometimes
the best experiences are the ones you almost missed. Given the option of a
sanitised car or coach and sensible clothes, I would choose cycling every time.
There is a lot to be said for viewing life anywhere in this leisurely way, but
especially if you are trying to unravel the densely woven historical and
mythical strands that compose the legacy of this most individual and eccentric
country.
Graham
Swain-Broadcaster & Journalist
INFORMATION
Ursula &
Stefan Valsson
Reykjavik
Bike Tours
Old Harbour
(BehindElding Whale Watching)
Aegisgardur 7
T +(354) 694
8956
