The courses vary greatly between stages. There will be combination of asphalt, gravel, mud, rocky, technical and flowy bikepark single tracks. The soil surface varies from packed and fast to lose and sandy. There will be some river and stream crossings which can be tricky. There will be some steep climbs and thrilling descents that will test your stamina and skills. Each stage will offer unique adventure.

Each stage will be anywhere between 50-100km long and include 1000-2500m of climbing/descending. Expect 3-9 hours of saddle time each day, depending on the stage and your fitness and skill level.

At the end of August, Akureyri experiences cool and variable late-summer weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), though they can feel warmer in the sun. Nights are cooler, often dipping to around 5°C (41°F). The weather is highly changeable, with a mix of sunny spells, cloudy skies, and occasional rain showers. Winds can be moderate, especially near the fjord, so dressing in layers is recommended. The days are still relatively long, with around 14-16 hours of daylight, offering plenty of time for outdoor activities. Be prepared for all conditions to fully enjoy Akureyri’s late summer charm. We recommend that you bring a broad variety of clothes and pick your battle gear the day before each stage - our local weather forecasts can be found here: https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/areas/northeast/

Yes, the courses will be marked to guide participants throughout the race. However, given Iceland’s dynamic weather and the remote nature of the terrain, it is important that all riders have the courses loaded onto their GPS devices as an added safety measure.

We urge you to bring the nutrition you normally use. That said, the aid stations will be stocked with fluids, gels and assorted food.
But please make sure you have what you need in order to fix mechanical failures out on the course. Things like extra tubes, plugs, pump, hex keys, etc.

Cell reception in the highlands is sparse. However, we insist that all riders carry their cellphones and keep them on at all times. Should something happen on course it's good to be able to ask a rider to call course staff on the next available spot.

Most people speak English in Iceland, but it is good to know "Skál" (cheers) and "Þetta reddast" (it'll be fine).
We recommend checking out this video to fully blend in - Jæja, já and jú.

Akureyri offers a variety of services to meet visitor and resident needs. These include comprehensive healthcare facilities, supermarkets, banking services, and cultural hubs like the Hof Cultural and Conference Center. Public transportation is efficient, with free city buses covering a range of routes. For private travel, taxis and car rental options are readily available.

Recreational opportunities are abundant. The city features an exceptional swimming complex with outdoor geothermal pools, a sauna, and water slides, popular among locals and tourists alike. Cyclists can find several bike shops in Akureyri that provide rentals, repairs, and equipment, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding trails. Additionally, Akureyri offers attractions like whale watching, the Forest Lagoon spa, and easy access to nearby hiking and adventure activities.​