The Courses
The Abyss: 330km → 4600m
The 330 km course is a massive journey deep into Iceland’s raw interior. With a midnight start, riders push far beyond the standard 200 km route, traversing vast volcanic deserts, remote highland passes, and long stretches of rough, windswept backcountry roads. Infinite number of river crossings. Some shallow, some deep, some wide, some with fresh spring water to top up your bottles and some with ice-cold and muddy glacial water. Break up the relentless rhythm of climbing and exposed ridge riding. You will wade through braided river plains where the road will disappear for miles. Since there won’t be dark enough to navigate by stars, you’ll have to completely rely on your GPS device. You’ll reach the first feed station at the 230km mark (personal drop-bag with consumable items at 140km) where you’ll join riders of The Rift 200km. With minimal resupply, no course markings outside the standard Rift course, huge distances between landmarks, and constant weather shifts, The Abyss is an ultra-endurance odyssey built for riders* who want to experience Iceland in its most elemental, unforgiving form. The Abyss pushes the limits of what is humanly possible to endure without turning into a multi-day challenge.
*Only 30 entries are available for The Abyss and you will have to have the experience to participate.
The Rift: 200km → 2600m
The flagship 200 km course is a long, wild, and demanding highland expedition. The course is 92% on backcountry gravel roads. From Hvolsvöllur, riders tackle a sustained climb into the interior, crossing rough volcanic plains, exposed ridgelines, and remote high-desert gravel far from any paved roads. The course mixes chunky lava rocks, sand, and washboarded backcountry roads with multiple river crossings that often require dismounting. From the relentless washboards in Dómadalur the route takes you to a massive climb up the roots of Hekla volcano After the highest point, the route rolls across open plateau terrain before a long, fast descent back to Hvolsvöllur. Big mileage, big scenery, and unpredictable Icelandic weather make the 200 km distance a true ultra-gravel test.
The Crevasse: 140 km → 1700m
The 140 km route offers a condensed version of The Rift experience: rugged volcanic gravel, sweeping highland views, and several river crossings without the full brutality of the 200 km loop. Riders climb steadily from Hvolsvöllur into the black-sand highlands, passing through lava fields and remote glacial landscapes before looping south toward the finish. Expect a mix of fast, firm gravel and loose, sandy stretches, with rolling terrain after the early climbing. It’s challenging, scenic, and immersive, a demanding but approachable taste of Icelandic wilderness riding.
The Crack: 60 km → 520m
A compact introduction to Rift country, the 60 km route follows the opening climb and river crossing of the main course before turning back at the 30 km mark. Riders experience volcanic gravel, early lava fields, and sweeping highland views with a fast, scenic return along the same track. It’s an approachable yet rewarding taste of Iceland’s wild terrain.
The Courses
