North Bound Gravel Adventure
📍 Blönduós, Iceland
gravelBeginner friendly
Date
01 August 2026
Distance
175km · 110km · 60km
Elevation
2,250 m
Difficulty
gravel
Midnight Special - Cycling Westfjords
Westfjords, Iceland · 27 June 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
This is a brutal 211km one-day gravel race through Iceland's Westfjords, featuring 4,040 meters of challenging climbing, river crossings, beach sections, and potential hike-a-bike over snow. It is renowned as the most challenging stage of the Arna Westfjords Way.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 211km
- Elevation
- 4,040 m
- Surface
- gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 2.8–3.6
Rider fit
Who it's for
This race is designed for experienced gravel cyclists who thrive on extreme challenges, remote wilderness, and technical terrain, including those familiar with multi-day endurance events.
Who will struggle
Riders without significant gravel experience, strong climbing ability, or mental fortitude for harsh conditions, including cold, wet, and technical sections, will find this race exceptionally difficult.
Training focus
Focus on sustained climbing power, off-road bike handling skills, endurance over varied and technical gravel, and preparing for cold or wet conditions and potential hike-a-bike sections.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What kind of terrain and challenges can I expect?+
The race features extensive gravel roads, including a famous low-tide section that can turn into a beach with loose stones and numerous knee-deep river crossings. Riders should also prepare for significant mountain passes, with the final climb potentially requiring a hike-a-bike over a snow bridge.
What is included in the race entry fee?+
The entry fee covers participation in the race, access to the Adventure Day Basecamp, light snacks, traditional Icelandic fish stew and bread, a GPS tracker, coffee and waffles at an early morning party, refreshments at Hrafnseyri, coffee and pastries at Kaffi Sól, and entrance with a first beer and dinner at the finisher's party.
How do I get to the race start in Patreksfjörður?+
Participants can drive from Reykjavik (about 5 hours) or fly to Ísafjörður and then drive 2 hours (150km) to Patreksfjörður. The race also provides an optional bus transfer from the finish line in Ísafjörður to the start line in Patreksfjörður on Friday, June 26th.
Are there food and drink stops along the course?+
Yes, the race includes an early-morning waffle party with coffee in Bíldudalur, a food stop at Dynjandi waterfall, coffee and a meal at Svalvogar, traditional Icelandic fish soup at Hrafnseyri, and coffee and pastries at Kaffi Sól before the final climb.
What kind of post-race celebration is planned?+
After the race, there will be a finisher's party in Ísafjörður at Edinborg, including dinner and your first drink free. There's also an optional pier jump into the fjord at Ísafjörður for those who want to fully embrace the Westfjords experience.
What is the overall difficulty level of the Midnight Special?+
This is considered an extremely challenging event, incorporating the most demanding stage of the Arna Westfjords Way. It features extensive climbing, technical gravel sections, river crossings, and potential snow-covered roads requiring hike-a-bike.
