The Rift - Iceland

[Will Neide]

The Rift

This is on my radar next year and registration is fast approaching. It's a shot in the dark, but did anyone on here participate this year? Or know someone who did? I'm just looking for some gear and logistics input.

Or if you've been to Iceland and are familiar with the terrain, what would be your tire choice? Speed and durability are a priority.

Thanks!

[Will Neide]

Whooooppss....Just saw Matt's thread from last year at the bottom of the screen.

[AngryScientist]

hey Will - check out this gent's input:

The Rift - 2km of Icelandic Gravel - July 219 - The Paceline Forum

[robin3mj]

I almost made it happen this year but couldn’t quite figure out logistics with the family. I’ve read a few race reports that seemed positive enough and am leaning towards a quick solo trip to do it next year.
I’ve been to Iceland once before and it seems like logistics on the ground are entirely reasonable.

Re gear choice. I read more than once that the volcanic soil composition is slow compared to what we consider gravel but not really sure how that could specifically be mitigated by tire choice etc.

[Will Neide]

I was able to reg early. I’m in. Time to start training! :)

[robin3mj]

I was able to reg early. I’m in. Time to start training! :)

I was able to snag a reg for the 100K. Not sure if that warrants a trip over there for the length of the event, but could end up being a nicer journey overall, given my recent fitness levels.

[GonaSovereign]

I'm registered for the 200k. This should be a big day out.

Tires: I've been snooping the photos and videos to get a sense of what people (in particular the locals and Lauf people) are running. No obvious majority choice, but all seem to be on 40-45ish options. I'll likely go Challenge Gravel Grinder or Donnelly Xplor...but we'll see what I learn between now and then.

I won't get a Lauf fork, but I bet there will be times when I wish I did.
I will wear wool socks and be glad I did.

[72gmc]

I am not going, but wish I was.

What are you all planning for clothing?

[Will Neide]

I'm registered for the 200k. This should be a big day out.

Tires: I've been snooping the photos and videos to get a sense of what people (in particular the locals and Lauf people) are running. No obvious majority choice, but all seem to be on 40-45ish options. I'll likely go Challenge Gravel Grinder or Donnelly Xplor...but we'll see what I learn between now and then.

I won't get a Lauf fork, but I bet there will be times when I wish I did.
I will wear wool socks and be glad I did.

I'll most likely be on something in the 38-40c range. From what I've seen and read, the gravel is all over the map. I just bought some Panaracer Gravel King SK 38c to try out over the winter. I'm hoping this will be the tire I take to Iceland.

For clothing I'll be dressing in layers.

[robin3mj]

I’ll be on my Slate, so 650b in the 40-47mm range. Tread etc still TBD.

[Will Neide]

I’ll be on my Slate, so 650b in the 40-47mm range. Tread etc still TBD.

How are you liking the Lefty Oliver? I like Lefty's, but I really want to try a Lauf Grit. I just wonder if 30mm is worth it.

[robin3mj]

How are you liking the Lefty Oliver? I like Lefty's, but I really want to try a Lauf Grit. I just wonder if 30mm is worth it.

The Lefty is a lot of fun. Helps take the edge off on gravel, and with smooth tires it allows for really fun descending on rough paved roads.
I wish my 333Fab head the right headtube size/height to swap it onto that frame and see how it'd feel.

[sparky33]

I like Lefty's, but I really want to try a Lauf Grit. I just wonder if 30mm is worth it.

It is.
I've been riding the True Grit for about 6 months and find that the fork smooths things out noticeably. It isn't that the fork travels that much at any one time, but over the long haul the ride is much less jarring and fatiguing as compared to a rigid fork, no contest. The frame also adds to the comfort while being quite snappy under power. A gravel fork with a bit of travel is hard to give up once you realize the benefits.

fwiw I spent a week riding in the highlands of Iceland in August with a gravel tour, seeing much of the same terrain as the Rift. The terrain was varied, rugged and beautiful. Wind, loose sand, rocks, washboard, river crossings, steep hikeabike, as well as some perfectly smooth stuff. While only having moderate elevation gain, 200k of that terrain in one go would make 180k D2R2 seem relatively quaint in terms of difficulty.
I hear that conditions improve in wetter years because the gravel packs better - this season was unusually dry. In any case, it was incredible.

I used 700x42 RH Hurricane Ridge with Endurance casing. I would not use a smoother, skinnier or less durable tire in that terrain.

[Will Neide]

It is.
I've been riding the True Grit for about 6 months and find that the fork smooths things out noticeably. It isn't that the fork travels that much at any one time, but over the long haul the ride is much less jarring and fatiguing as compared to a rigid fork, no contest. The frame also adds to the comfort while being quite snappy under power. A gravel fork with a bit of travel is hard to give up once you realize the benefits.

fwiw I spent a week riding in the highlands of Iceland in August with a gravel tour, seeing much of the same terrain as the Rift. The terrain was varied, rugged and beautiful. Wind, loose sand, rocks, washboard, river crossings, steep hikeabike, as well as some perfectly smooth stuff. While only having moderate elevation gain, 200k of that terrain in one go would make 180k D2R2 seem relatively quaint in terms of difficulty.
I hear that conditions improve in wetter years because the gravel packs better - this season was unusually dry. In any case, it was incredible.

I used 700x42 RH Hurricane Ridge with Endurance casing. I would not use a smoother, skinnier or less durable tire in that terrain.

I had a chance to demo the True Grit at unPAved and I was very impressed with the fork. I'm sold on the fork. It's a winner.

[robin3mj]

Anyone looking at logistics yet?

I am currently operating under the assumption that I make this a solo trip, flying Thursday overnight and back on Sunday PM.
Booked the Stracta Hotel in Hella for Fri/Sat.
Trying to figure out a way from Keflavik to the hotel/race location without breaking the bank or taking an overly long time.

If people are on similar timeframes, maybe we could coordinate a shared car rental.