Grefillinn

Grefillinn is an old Icelandic word for a pickaxe, which signifies the gravel that the Icelandic glaciers and rather harsh Icelandic highland weather has chipped away and given us to ride on. Also „Hver grefillinn“ is a mild swear word, kind of like „What in the blooming hell“ which signifies possible exclamations from participants when tackling the course and experiencing the view.

The race takes you through Flókadalur and Lundareykjadalur, two beautiful agriculturual valleys filled with grass fields, salmon rivers and sheep. The climb out of Lundareykjadalur is called Uxahryggir, it is a approx 15 km climb of 300 meters. Many waterfalls can be seen on this part. The Kaldidalur highland road is next. It can only be described as magnificent, set in a desolate post-glacial surroundings. The road is a bit rougher than up till now. The highest point of Kaldidalur is at approx 700 meters and the view is great in all directions. The glacier Eiríksjökull can be seen from there as well as the former glacier Ok.

The descent down to Húsafell takes you through contrasting nature, starting in the post glacial desert and ending in the low forest and clear rivers of Húsafell. From there you ride through some beautiful agricultural valleys of Hvítársíða. The great glacial river Hvítá runs down this valley and can be great inspiration for wild riding. Next up you will experience the diverse countryside of Borgarfjörður, with its climbs and bumpy roads. Right before you hit the asfalt on they way back you will go through Varmaland, home of greenhouses for cucumbers.

The race starts and finishes at Krauma, the beautiful geothermal baths. Participants will be able to wash of the road dust in the relaxing pools of Krauma after the race.
The hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F).

Krauma has a total of six baths, five warm and one cold. No extra chemicals are needed to keep the pools clean, as the water is constantly being replaced because of the rapid natural flow rate of the hot springs. The changing room offers a separate locker for every guest and a spacious dressing table with large mirrors and good lighting.