Adrian vs. The Rift: Iceland Fights Back

Adrian from Compass Bike Lab recently traveled to Iceland to take on The Rift, a legendary gravel race that crosses some of the wildest terrain on the planet. Harsh weather, volcanic sand, and lava boulders made for a brutal but unforgettable ride. Here's Adrian’s quick recap of his first experience racing The Rift.

Adrian Ong from Compass Bike Lab recently checked a big one off the bucket list: riding The Rift gravel race in Iceland. Known for its otherworldly terrain and notoriously unpredictable weather, The Rift is a test of mental grit and physical endurance. Riders tackle either the 200km (125 miles) or the 120km (75–85 mile) course through lava fields, volcanic sand, steep hike-a-bike climbs, and wide-open wind-blasted plains, all while skirting the edge of a tectonic rift zone.

This year’s course featured a brand-new route and some especially wild conditions. Adrian rode the 85 mile distance and shared a few quick thoughts after the race:

Words from Adrian Ong:

What. A. Race.

Words don’t really do this one justice, you’ll have to ride it to understand!

The start? Absolutely miserable. 😵‍💫 Cold rain, relentless wind, and that unique Icelandic chill that cuts right through your layers. One of those mornings where you seriously question your life choices. But hey, we didn’t fly across the Atlantic to sit this one out.

This year’s course? All new. All brutal.

Think:

• Lava boulders the size of IKEA furniture

• Soul-sucking volcanic sand for miles

• Hike-a-bike climbs with zero traction and a sheer drop off on one side.

...Oh, and it’s all on top of a volcano. 🌋 Casual.

About an hour in, the pro men and women came flying past. Unreal. We were grinding through sand and they made it look like pavement. It felt like we were pedaling backwards.

I made the game-time call to switch from the 125-mile category to the 85-mile version (technically the 75-mile, but with Icelandic math and route extensions, it clocked closer to 85). Between a packed real estate schedule and a busy summer at Compass Bike Lab, training just didn’t line up. Still, 85 miles in Iceland is no joke, and I’m proud of the effort.

Now I’ve got a perfect excuse to return next year to tackle the full distance. The Rift is one of those races that humbles you.

Huge thanks to Carly and Morgan for the roadside cheers and encouragement.

And to the Compass Bike Lab crew for dialing in the race machine, couldn’t have done it without you.