Intro

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

Why Iceland? Once Again

In 2021, during the quieter days of the pandemic, my buddy Michael (or Mike, to keep it short) and I came up with a bold plan for my first motorbike journey. With my brand-new T7 and freshly minted license, the idea was to catch a ferry to Iceland, spend seven days exploring its stunning landscapes, and tackle some off-road trails into the highlands. We imagined an adventure filled with challenging rides and camping in incredible natural settings.

The plan didn’t stop there—we also wanted to ride through Sweden and Finland. But reality quickly set in: three and a half weeks wasn’t nearly enough time for such an ambitious trip, especially after we decided to take the Trans Euro Trail (TET) instead of sticking to highways. Seven days in Iceland felt like just a taste of what it had to offer, leaving me wanting more. That’s when I made a promise to myself to return, next time for a longer and deeper journey.

The Road of Preparations

Those who know me understand my love for meticulous planning. I take pride in anticipating every possible scenario, ensuring self-sufficiency, and minimizing reliance on others. Yet, embarking on a motorbike journey revealed a different kind of preparation—one where adaptability mattered more than planning. Learning to embrace unpredictability became an unexpected but valuable lesson. This trip was a mix of self-reliance and the inevitable moments of needing help.

One concern lingered in the back of my mind: the fear of a flat tire. I hadn’t yet mastered the skill of changing a tire on the road. Fortunately, luck was on my side, and my tubes held up throughout the journey, sparing me the need for an impromptu tire change.

Two weeks before departure, I began the careful process of packing. This time, there was a twist—switching from my T7 to the Husqvarna 701 and transitioning from traveling with Mike to venturing out solo. The 701, with its lightweight build and spirited power, felt like the perfect companion for the Icelandic landscape. It was a new adventure, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to tackle the open roads and rugged terrain.

My checklist resembled the inventory of a seasoned nomad:

As the pile accrued, so did the weight – approximately 30 kg, including the MoskoMoto harness. For me, the MoskoMoto Revolver bag proved a marvel of design and functionality.

The bike needed preparation too. My prized Rade Garage rally tower, a recent acquisition, was meticulously installed days before my embarkation. Its avant-garde aesthetics were a perfect match for the rugged landscape. During its assembly, I also hooked up my Garmin ZumoXT to the bike's battery and ensuring a constant power source for my power bank from the onboard USB charger.

With the checklist complete and the bike finely tuned, I stood on the verge of my first solo journey, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through me. The route was loosely mapped: countryside roads, quiet villages and forest trails that promised solitude and adventure. I wanted to ride off pavement as possible so I choose to follow the TET until I'd reach Hirtshals to catch the a ferry to Iceland!