09/01/2026
The Abyss: 330km → 4600m
The 330 km course is a massive journey deep into Iceland’s raw interior. With a 7pm start on Friday, riders push far beyond the standard 200 km route, traversing vast volcanic deserts, remote highland passes, and long stretches of rough, windswept backcountry roads. Infinite number of river crossings. Some shallow, some deep, some wide, some with fresh spring water to top up your bottles and some with ice-cold and muddy glacial water. Break up the relentless rhythm of climbing and exposed ridge riding. You will wade through braided river plains where the road will disappear for miles. Since there won’t be dark enough to navigate by stars, you’ll have to completely rely on your GPS device. There are no dedicated feed stations for The Abyss. You may pass feed stations used by The Rift 200 riders, but these are not guaranteed to be open or stocked at the time you ride by. With minimal resupply, no course markings outside the standard Rift course, huge distances between landmarks, and constant weather shifts, The Abyss is an ultra-endurance odyssey built for riders* who want to experience Iceland in its most elemental, unforgiving form. The Abyss pushes the limits of what is humanly possible to endure without turning into a multi-day challenge.
*Only 70 entries are available for The Abyss and you will have to have the experience to participate once your application has been approved.