"I want to take people along for the ride, and share this journey with you. The ITI showed me that I'm far more capable than I gave myself credit for in these kinds of extreme environments. I hope to inspire others to realize they can achieve things they might not believe they can do."
- Rebecca Rusch
Photo Credit @_ryanhill_
ICELAND 2021
There are few places on Earth where a human can come and experience such surreal conditions as Iceland. From boiling volcanoes to near arctic tundras the typical indicators of a place like weather, and geography paint an opaque picture of the reality on the ground. The only place on Earth where the mid ocean ridge can be seen on land. Its creation is the result of divergent tectonic activity between the North American and Eurasian plates and the millions of years of subsequent volcanic activity. The ridge, which represents the distinction between the New World and the Old World, explains why Iceland's environment is so unique, so volatile and so mysterious. There’s a reason they trained Luna astronauts here.
It's that environment that has Rebecca Rusch, Chris Burkard, and Angus Morton embarking on a self supported cross country fat bike expedition over the Icelandic highlands on a previously unattempted route. With deep snow still blanketing the nation the team will have to carve their own path, making progress slow, unpredictable and at the mercy of mother nature. All with the mission to better understand the idiosyncratic volcanic nation, and the landscape it's created. Departing Thursday April 1 the trio hope to complete the 300+ mile journey in a little over a week, that is of course, if Iceland cooperates.
The team will be reporting from the field frequently, so please stay tuned as we share expedition updates, photos, and moments along the way.
THE ICELAND EXPEDITION TEAM
Chris Burkard
An accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author, Chris works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature. He will be charged with leading this team on a journey that could include some of nature's harshest and most challenging conditions.
Rebecca Rusch
7x world champion, 2x female winner of the 350-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska most recently winning self supported, Rebecca contributes invaluable winter expedition experience and knowledge. Her expertise on gear, nutrition, and mental fortitude required for a self-supported endurance event will equip this team to execute an expedition that will inspire, empower, and challenge those following along.
Angus Morton
Through Angus's experience in professional cycling and filmmaking, he has developed a mission to inspire the current and next generations to think about sport and what it can do, differently. Angus will use his vast experience in professional sport and filmmaking to guide and capture the team's story as it unfolds.
ALASKA
Rebecca's experiences in Alaska racing the Iditarod Trail Invitational taught her a lot about gear, nutrition, and mental toughness in extreme environments. With each expedition, she returns a fitter, more knowledgeable athlete. Check out her past expeditions, as well as her tips for gear prep!
IMAGES FROM THE TRAIL
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
As a first responder, Rebecca has been vaccinated for COVID-19. For her travel to Iceland, she had to show proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to arriving in the country, along with her vaccine card. The team members arriving without a vaccine had to quarantine for five days. The team will be following strict COVID safety guidelines through out the expedition.
