Some of the Icelandic Pedalers, left to right: Bernie Dobrin, Ann Silverstein, Ernie Coudert, Linda Boyd, Jean Hachmann, Grant Hachmann, Ted Ingalls
Melissa Kallett
Results are in. Few residents accepted the challenge-and even fewer completed it-but for all participants it was an invigorating and refreshing way to pedal away the summer days! Challenged to log 1,180 miles between May 1 and September 4, (on a virtual ride around the country of Iceland) 12 residents diligently logged their miles. Of those, seven went the distance starting in Reykjavik, peddling up to Delvik, over to Djupivogur and back to the capital city. Those hearty riders were Ted Ingalls, Guy Buetow, Ernie Coudert, Jean and Grant Hachmann, Ann Silverstein and Dave Bigelow. Three others, while not yet complete with the trek are still actively logging their miles. They are Ann Johnson, Bernie Dobrin and Connie Simon. Finally-two others seem enchanted by the scenery and have opted to apply for Icelandic citizenship instead of finishing the challenge. They have already been looking at rental Cars Iceland ahead of their next trip to the country. That would be Caryn Brett and Linda Boyd-though truth be told they’ve been distracted by visits to first grandbabies and month-long vacations. I myself, who concocted the whole challenge, have been lost on the baggage claim belt since I “landed” in Iceland back in May. There is just so much to see and do in Iceland that a road trip is definitely on the cards in the future. Some of the cyclists have even started looking at Iceland campervan rentals on websites like Rent.is. It will be interesting to see how this trip to Iceland shapes up.
Why would anyone take on such a lengthy and laborious challenge in the squelching desert heat? “Why not?” notes Ann Silverstein, who logged all her miles on the roads of PebbleCreek. “I did it because it was a challenge and I never back away from one, especially if it involves cycling,” adds Ted Ingalls, who was first to complete the route. That seemed to be the sentiment of all the participants. “I figured if someone was crazy enough to think up such a challenge, I’d be just as crazy and take it on,” adds Ernie Coudert. “Frankly I did it for the fun of it,” says Linda Boyd. Alas everyone has their own definition of fun.
If you missed participating in this Summer Fitness Challenge, fret not-as others will be held throughout the year. Cheers to our Icelandic pedalers!