Lael's 2022 Westfjords Way Challenge

The Westfjords Way is a mixed gravel and tarmac loop in the Westfjords of Iceland, the most remote area of a sparsely populated Arctic country.I first scouted the loop with Chris Burkard, Rue, Nichole and Payson in September 2021 as a project with Visit Westfjords.During that trip, I met Tyler Wacker, an American living in Isafjordur. I had a wild idea for a race-- the route could be broken up into four ultra stages with required cultural excursions along the way. That way, people wouldn't just fly through as they do in a regular self-supported bikepacking race. They'd stop and appreciate the place, get to know people, regroup, ride with others. We also decided that drafting would be allowed. The biggest challenge in Iceland is the harsh weather, notably the strong wind. Tyler and Lynnee took on the task of organizing the events. They found local sponsors and worked with local businesses to make a world class event full of heart.This year, 66 people rode the event-- including 20 women starters. It's a huge challenge and almost everyone finished. Many of the riders had never ridden as far as they did on stage one. It was amazing to see people push their limits.My personal highlight was riding with Maghalie & Dave. It was their first endurance event and they took it all in stride. So fun to have their company in such a beautiful place.