Welcome to my blog. On this blog I will post my travels on a motorcycle. The first trip was the start of the blog, but soon after I finished, I realized that there would more travels done on my motorcycle. I hope you enjoy the pictures and thank you for reading.
Steven

Monday, August 25, 2014

Slow day on the saddle.

Today we took it easy and visited some of the more active areas of Iceland. Also more touristic. But still very cool to see. Some pictures











Tonight we are in Husavik, we had a great day again, nice weather and good food in a farmers barn. All and all, Iceland is really nice.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Party like it's my birthday!

So, today we had our first big track day planned. Lots of kilometers as well, so out of bed early, off for breakfast. Unfortunately, breakfast was only served at 8, so we decided to had out without breakfast. We had hobnobs and water. The night before we looked at the map and decided to do one big loop inland first and if we had time, we would do a second. We had a great morning on the first route, hit some farmer's tracks, some crossing, some swamps and some crossroads. We really had so much fun and all was going very well. We got our boots flooded, mud paths until the foodpegs, moonlands and a belgium guy on a bike in the middle of nowhere. He had a long while to go before he was going to see some normal roads again. We had done at least 100 km with nothing and he was going down the path we just road. Poor guy.
 farmer's track
 crossroads
 river crossings


 moonland
 The crossing that stole my sunglasses
 going down the highlands, we had to drive down de F821. This is more like driving down a river then a road. But it was sooo much fun.
Icelandic horse
As I might have mentioned before, it was a great day, maybe even the best day ever on a bike. And, it was my birthday! So after we arrived in Akureyri, we went to pick up our new tyres, had them fitted and after that we went out for steak. Perfect day. Also, I would like to thank Julie for her call and all the other people that left me a message one way or the other.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

worries on the horizon?

Today we woke up and had a look at our bikes. Our tires (mt21) are wearing out rather quick and we both didn't feel too good about it, we had some big plans to do some serious offroading later on the trip and we were affraid that after some more of the icelandic asphalt, our tyres would become slicks. So we decided to take it slow during todays trip. When we got to a coffee (tea) stop, we ran into Rob and he had the same worries. So he called a friend and we have new tyres waiting tomorrow. So, we set off all happy and were able to make some speed again. Not much off roading, more a connection road. So, not that many pictures either. Except of a stone formation that the locals call a horse.
Our coffee stop where we got the happy news. This place and the whole route was rather windy, it shows on the buildings that living here is harsh.



 The horse.

As happy as an icelandic person is the sun

Today was all about the Fjords, but also about the winds, we are still in the west fjords and our goal is to be in Isofjodur tonight. Last night we slept in a place called Talknafjodur, or something like that.
We set off to do some nice riding, but the wind made it a bit more difficult. Never mind, it is part of the adventure.
There was a track on the map around one of the peninsulas and we decided to take it. The moment we got on it, the wind died and we had the best time. Sunny, nice temprature, some watercrossings and nobody on the road. Perfect.

 Me, doing a crossing with enough throttle.
 Our lunch spot
 the biggest waterfall in the west part of Iceland. As always, it looks smaller on camera.




 Isofjordur, still lots of snow and the moment the sun was gone, very chilly.
 Lots of boulders on one part of the track, but as the big 4x4 also know of this track, the surface was still smooth(ish)
To reach Isofjordur, you have to go via a tunnel. We tried to look for the old road over the mountain, but couldn't find it. The Tunnel is nice, one lane only and and intersection in the middle of it. Very cool. We had a great meal at the local fishrestaurant, but we were not allowed to eat with the rest of the people, we had to sit in a seperate room. Are we starting to smell like bikers already?

washboards and rocks

Today there were two options, go by boat or drive. As I spend enough time on a boat and we came to Iceland to drive bikes, we opted for the second. It was going to be a long drive, with some paved sections and some unpaved sections. We were ready for it. So we set off and soon hit a lot of unpaved, in the beginning we were still taking it easy with the throttle, but soon we got the hang of it and we were flying over the dirt roads. The suspension of my bike was perfect! And so was the seat.
Half way in our trip we met up with our fearless leader and he had found a track, not yet explored. We took off to do some exploring, it was very though. But it showed me that the bike can handle anything, well, a lot more then I can handle. So, after an hour of track, I lost about 2 liters of sweat and my arms were swollen, we made it to the pavement.
 Leo decided to park his bike on the side of the track for a moment. A big hole in the road set him off course.
 Some nice views.
 This statue is supposed to bring good fortune to travellers.
Once we got to the appartment, Rob found out that somebody else also got stuck next to the road. He arranged a truck with a trailer and went on a rescue mission. They all returned way after midnight. I did not notice anything, as I was sound asleep, dreaming about being the next dakar winner!

Friday, August 22, 2014

The riding begins.

So today was our first real day in the saddle. Mainly a trip via asphalt, but at the end we did find a track off road. The F570 was going to take us close to a glacier. Always nice. Unfortunately, it was uphill and before we knew it, we were riding in the clouds. Some impressions:
Little beast in all his (still clean) glory
 Boats!

 the F570, well the river next to the road.
Taking a picture of Geert taking a picture.
 Sunset in Hellissandur.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Iceland!

And I am back with another trip. After preparing the x-challenge, it was time to see what I did wrong, so I booked a trip to Iceland. I booked with Ride On motortours, a company that doesn't have you drive in convoy. I also went to Marokko with them. My riding buddy from Marokko, Geert was also going so good times are to  be expected. He drives a ktm 640 adventure, always nice to have something orange around.
 Here the bike is still in the container, we were able to pick the bikes up a day before the trip actually started. We took the bikes out for a little test drive around the blue lagoon area.
 The first time we got to see the typical landscape. It was great to be riding the little beast. It makes a hugh difference with the 1200gsa
 Geert on his mighty machine
 strange formations.
We spent the first two night in reykjavic. The third morning we are to set off on our trip. Can't wait to explore more of the Island and see what the bike can do. I am sure a lot more then I can.