Crossing Iceland

[@RedBullBike]

The true definition of a machine. 💪Congrats dude, smashed it as always. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Thanks for being key to making this dream come true!

[@blackknight_405]

This is a very nice adventure you guys shared with us. Well done! Any idea how one could get that helmet? Cheers!

[@NathanEide]

Payson, your edits are nothing short of spectacular, and a someone who went on an MTB trip in Iceland in September, thank you for bringing this to the world. Iceland is a cyclists dream.

[@wasatchray4860]

Epic adventure! Wish the video was 10 x longer! I want more!

[@brandonbabcock]

Fantastic production and an epic ride. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mikeholland4450]

Congratulations! I like how you stated that on your day to day, you feel as if you are racing a clock. I too feel this way. This video has definitely inspired me to do more, and ride longer. Thank you!

[@nickyhillz]

The camera work in this video is spectacular. Give your director a raise :)

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

Awesome awesome vid - Listened to all the podcasts and it's great to see the big push in such a well crafted video. Btw the guy crossing the river in sandals is a maniac lol

[@roadglide]

Congrats on the Allied Cycles collab and new team mate Colin Strickland. Will be epic in many ways. Best in health in 22. Peace

[@MH-hd9cn]

Video Quality and cutting is outstanding - loved it! If only the Thumbnail was the same quality, this masterpiece would have a million views for sure. Keep it up!

[@PaysonMcElveen]

How would you recommend changing the thumbnail?

[@MH-hd9cn]

​@@PaysonMcElveen Your images are great, but the font differs from one video to the next one - so there is no visible unique design of your thumbnails (videos). Also the writing is often written over the focus highlight (you) of the picture in the foreground - that makes it seem a little like Power Point or so - no offense. It's really easy to crop the image in photoshop and add a second layer so your body could overlap the writing - just as an example. I'm sure you can easily get a lot more views by spending some extra time on high quality thumbnails - cause your videos are outstanding, but you don't expect that by clicking on them in the first place cause of the average thumbnail. Hope I could help a little :)

[@djokaragt]

Thanks man! You are a great inspiration for all of us!!!!!!Greetings from Serbia

[@addingonbird1]

After listening to the daily dispatches from this trip it was nice to get the visual package. Chapeau!

[@aidanoc19]

What a crazy ride across a beautiful place. Chapeau, great video!

[@kreieru1]

I don't know you, but I randomly found you and would like to thank you for sharing this phenomenal experience with us. Keep them coming!

[@Pdeloosha]

I’m amazed at what some people can physically do on a bike. True ambassadors of what the body is capable of. An Epic ride..congrats !

[@bobmerrill8535]

This is outstanding! Excellent athletic achievement. Fantastic story and film.

[@cemsonmez6322]

Big big KUDO to you and The film Maker 🤩 Any chance to know which kind of water bag is on your shoulders please?

[@motionisgay]

Awesome ride Payson! Beautifully filmed

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

How have I only just found this channel?? Amazing ride!

[@HotelPlazaful]

Congratulations. I'm interested in your definition of first person to cross "under human power." I'm aware of previous successful crossings of Iceland by foot both north-south and east-west that are easily found online.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

"In a single push" / under 24 hours. Certainly it has been done many times previously under human power. For thousands of years, in fact. That was much of the inspiration. Doing it in a single push, in a single day, was the new part.

[@emausderratsuchende5447]

Small difference to us ... 1988, we were traveling unaccompanied, without KZbin but also with a mustache ,as they see fit ... Cheers 😉

[@bradmurphy8416]

Incredible idea, and even more incredible outcome… cheers Payson. I’m a big fan!!!

[@edusantr29]

Tremenda experiencia, gran valor y forma física. Great!!!!!

[@jerzyhorczyk7283]

Great stuff...💪🤙I did coast to coast this year 275 miles in 20 h(16 h in a saddle) in U.K. great fun👅

[@derekbrotherton3462]

That was sick Payson, great job!

[@the_angry_developer]

🔥 congratulations bro and also thanks for the inspiration ♥️

[@MrGpat21]

Amazing stuff as always Payson. Mad props on such a huge accomplishment 🤘🤘

[@_mattwayman]

Incredible production!

[@aaauke]

Ive crossed from south to north with a little extra, took me 5 days :) this is amazing

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Nice! Did you enjoy your journey?

[@RickyJr46]

Engagement with the elements, no place to hide in Iceland.

[@florisdaenens]

What an amazing effort, well done!

[@sserptoh]

Payson, come to Ireland I can guarantee good challenges and beautiful scenery along the way.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

On the list.

[@remkovanbaarlen872]

Hi Payson, Awsome ride and awsome film. It is beautiful out there. Would you perhaps be willing to share the kit you wear? I am willing to ride in such extreme conditions as well and would like to get some advice of an expert as you. Thank you in advance and keep up the good work! Looking forward to the next crazy ride. Greetings from The Netherlands and wish you all the best

[@PaysonMcElveen]

You bet. I used Voler Apparel head to toe, minus just a couple of things. Thermal booties over the shoes, Artico X leg warmers, merino wool socks, Cache bib shorts with pockets on the legs cargo pant style, wool base layer, merino wool jersey, wind vest, and cycling cap. I also had a waterproof shell with me, Seal skin gloves, back up pair of lighter weight gloves, and padded neoprene socks for the river crossings.

[@remkovanbaarlen872]

@@PaysonMcElveen Many thanks!

[@c.wagner7482]

Time to haul my lame a$$ outside, thanks for the motivation brother.

[@xBobby]

This motivated the ** ** out of me, I just want to get on my bike and ride now.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

That's what we like to hear!

[@NoCarNancy]

People amaze me 😮❤

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

Absolutely awesome what bike did you use Trek?

[@1LeggedAdventures]

I'd love to attempt this on my handcycle. what would you say the grades were like on the worst climbs? this is epic bro, congrats on the accomplishment. the story telling and videography was equally amazing.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

There were some 20%+ grades, especially on the first long climb. I don't think anything was over 25%.

[@docouchi7929]

It’s cold over there but not that cold if they are riding and no one is getting frostbites … try that in a Chicago artic winter …

[@sugarpill6006]

That 2022 Trek Checkpoint SL.

[@AdeelSyed1]

Does that have a suspension fork?

[@PaysonMcElveen]

@@AdeelSyed1 yes. The new Rock Shox Rudy XPLR gravel specific fork.

[@mirosawtran]

Congratulations once again Legend!

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Thank you for taking your job so seriously and being such a solid piece to making it happen!

[@L14mst]

Shame this wasn't longer. I'd of watched two hours of just riding in that country.

[@willross5108]

Payso straight up rolls out with out gloves.💯

[@PaysonMcElveen]

40ºF< means no gloves! Up on the highlands... definitely gloves. Until they got soaked through and I had to hang them on the aerobars to flap in the wind and dry.

[@welsher30]

Yooo is that a Smith aero helmet?? I might have the same one. Very inspiring video and drip💧How do you hold your gloves up in the bibs like that?

[@gordonkocher5872]

Sounds really hard with 10,000 dollar budget and support crew…

[@tropiderp]

Awesome feat! I'm planning to cycle Iceland in less than a month and really want to cross the interior on F26. Do you think the interior roads are do-able with 28/32mm tires? I only see others suggesting/using mountain bikes or road bikes with fat tires, however I'm quite limited (32mm max with my frame). I'm all for a challenge, so as long as majority of the road is ride-able on skinny tires then I'd love to give it a go! I don't mind walking every now and then for deep sand or too rocky of terrain.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Absolutely not a good idea on a road bike. I had 2.0 tires, which felt like the lower limit. I can't stress enough how remote, exposed, and unforgiving the interior is. There are no refuel points. You must have an extremely well thought-out plan with contingencies and backup options for everything: bike setup, food, gear etc. This is not one to be taken lightly.

[@marshalldavis5221]

I really enjoyed the video. Do you know what the funnel total elevation was?

[@brmmotorsport]

Well done. it was fun watching you on Instagram this fall... I offer you to shave 2 hours of this tour next summer, in happy sunshine all the time. That exactly day is July 24th .... (yes I´m Vafla með rjóma)

[@XX-is7ps]

Stunning video, both in terms of the story and the footage and editing but I just continuously couldn't stop thinking.... why no gloves?!?

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Ha, definitely wore gloves! Two kinds, in fact. I had $200 Seal Skin gloves, which is what the Icelandic fisherman use, plus a set of my normal Orange Seal race gloves. I'd switch back and forth as conditions fluctuated. Unfortunately around hour 15 the Seal Skin gloves finally succumbed to the steady rain and became soaked through. When the rain finally subside, I hung them on my aerobars clothesline style, and got them to dry out with a few hours left to go in the ride.

[@stevia13]

Any chance you could let me know what type of bar ends / clip ons u were using here. Appreciated 😊 Steve A

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Zipp Vuka

[@leoncle23]

Great video man! It has inspired me to go out on longer rides. I'm planning a two day ride next year. What kind of headlights do you have on your bike? And what kind of handlebars are you using for this ride? Thanks man and great job 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@PaysonMcElveen]

I was using LedLenser lights for this ride, and Zipp XPLR handlebar.

[@leoncle23]

@@PaysonMcElveen thank you so much for the reply!

[@marinusschoute4834]

Beautifull and inspiring adventure! Well done! Which racevest do you use btw?

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Osprey Packs Duro 1.5.

[@alexanderninomonroy4411]

Impressive, you must visit Colombia. Congratulations

[@philb4031]

Do you have information on your bike set up?

[@gomitch2]

There is no highway asphalt system there???

[@AnnikaHamilton-f7i]

Get this guy blips on the aero bars!

[@keirfarnum6811]

Almost as cool as the cross Alaska “Hell Rides” Roman Dial and friends made during the early 90s. No roads; just a few guys with mountain bikes and VERY minimal gear.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Woah! This sounds insane. Do you know where I might be able to check that out?

[@jergleason15]

¨I wanna experience our planet in this way for as long as I can...¨ 100%, Payson. Cannot agree more with this perspective. Congratulations! What´s next??

[@PaysonMcElveen]

I have an overflowing notebook! ; )

[@jergleason15]

@@PaysonMcElveen Transcordilleras in Colombia is worth checking out 🚲🇨🇴 looks dreamy! Nic & Santi with Scarab Cycles is a good contact for more details. Happy holidays 🍾

[@itsianwood]

I really enjoyed the video, but why so short? I would have watched three times that length.

[@rafaelmorales5881]

where i can buy a redbull hellmet, please help me, im from Mexico..

[@rick_1968]

hats off to you Sir!!!!

[@harrisongould9460]

That was a pretty cool adventure… all without gloves. What’s up with that? I love how your support team had drone coverage…even at night. May I ask what kind of tires did you have? It seems you were on more dirt roads than actual highway. Did you get any flats along the way? Anyway great adventure… One day I’ll get to visit.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Ha, definitely wore gloves! Two kinds, in fact. I had $200 Seal Skin gloves, which is what the Icelandic fisherman use, plus a set of my normal Orange Seal race gloves. I'd switch back and forth as conditions fluctuated. Unfortunately around hour 15 the Seal Skin gloves finally succumbed to the steady rain and became soaked through. When the rain finally subside, I hung them on my aerobars clothesline style, and got them to dry out with a few hours left to go in the ride.

[@Spacewolf5]

When even sponsored pros have a hard time getting fresh chains

[@loubregou2447]

Payson, any advice on how to best prevent hand failure? For me, this is what the limiting factor is, and I worry that I might hurt myself permanently. I don't have any permanent damage yet, and want to prevent that. I wonder if the added weight of a suspension fork with lockout would ultimately not slow me down much if my hands feel good.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Lou, I'm sorry to hear you're having some hand discomfort. I've experienced some of that in the past. Can you describe the discomfort and maybe circumstances?

[@fastleopard1]

Great cinematography. Production value is high. Once again you transcend mere race results.

[@rmill133]

When are you doing the Colorado trail again ?

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Not sure. It's hard to fit into my race schedule in a normal year. 2020 presented a unique opportunity with racing on hold. I do know I will go back one day.

[@rmill133]

Cool. Thank you for replying . Truly enjoy watching your videos. Thank you so much for what you do for this awesome sport.

[@offroadies9023]

Well done! Why did you choose September? Seems like you're risking bad weather during that time of year.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

I was over there for the Westfjords Way bike tour, and decided to tack this crossing ride on at the end of the trip semi last minute.

[@sjf1981]

Amazing... long brutal rides are the best .

[@whiteeulogianraven7995]

If bikes existed in ancient Greece, this should have been the 13th Hercules's Labour.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Hahaha that's a good one.

[@TheBackupGuru]

Stunning!!

[@0RANGOTANG]

Whta clip on aero bars are those? I ride solo a lit and would love to throw those on

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Zipp Vuka.

[@lifewithrich-yt]

Can anybody tell me what helmet he's wearing?

[@rickys9388]

7:01 this dude is in sandals

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Legend status.

[@NoCarNancy]

You weren't really alone though..you had some camera guy with you

[@bastian6173]

As somebody who has crossed the Sprengisandur F26 route as well, this is mind-boggling. It took me 3 days to cross the F26 in good weather. One day I did a 72km stretch in over 12 hours and I was totally exhausted. It's really difficult to wrap my head around how somebody can do this in a day. But yeah, once mind and body are connected... anything's possible I guess

[@marcpauly8699]

Congratulations!

[@Planet-ICELAND]

Good Job

[@s.n.2829]

Good job

[@XEinstein]

Why though do this on a cyclo-cross bike with drop bars? A cross-hybrid bike with front suspension seems more appropriate for that terrain imho.

[@PaysonMcElveen]

A cross hybrid bike with front suspension sounds like a description of the bike I used!

[@XEinstein]

@@PaysonMcElveen does it? It seemed in the video that your bike did not have suspension?

[@mszymkowski]

@@XEinstein lol?

[@thebope32]

Does anyone knows the name of the guy from Barcelona???

[@sodaresoda]

Carles Puigdemont. He's still on the run.

[@dw-adventures]

I was wondering the same thing. @sodasoda thanks!

[@PaysonMcElveen]

Marc!

[@andrearota2976]

5:24 riding on Mars

[@Hubertus-ko6yl]

Surely KOM on strava...

[@Highnoonshred]

Well said! Rip the bikes on adventures as much as you can!!!

[@markanderson7412]

Indian pacific across Australia Then 2 islands of new zealand

[@mbozar7572]

Kudos!

[@gordonkocher5872]

A car followed him ???? Kind of takes the risk away

[@liquidSpin]

Why not use a belt drivetrain bike? For these types of epic endurance ride I would opt for a belt drivetrain with internal gearing. Less to worry about

[@PaysonMcElveen]

I've never felt a need. I've never had a drivetrain issue, and the gearing SRAM makes available is exactly what I need ratio-wise.

[@liquidSpin]

@@PaysonMcElveen at the beginning it looked like you had chain issues so I wondered if a belt drivetrain would be better. However, you gotta run what works best for you and yeah, doing something like crossing Iceland is a huge accomplishment 🙂🙌🏻

[@PaysonMcElveen]

@@liquidSpin it was just time for a new chain. Normal maintenance : )

[@liquidSpin]

@@PaysonMcElveen ah I see 🙂 Where will your next crossing be? I'll keep my eyes peeled to watch your next adventure~

[@Fncontroloptioncommand]

Was going to say the same. Belt drive seems like smartest option on these type of treks (Not that I’ve done any lol)

[@army_of_believers]

well done bro

[@carlogottardo2807]

Congratulation:)

[@aaronedgeart]

YES!

[@cesar0610]

Freddy Mercury isn't just one of the greatest singers but also bike rider...😕

[@mickaellefebvre4036]

Great but what a shame you did do that so quickly... Maybe the first person in history to cross Iceland from coast-to-coast in a single push under human power.... But also the first one in history crossing Iceland without enjoying and getting the best of the beautiful nature of Iceland.

[@adlar2005]

Joaquin Phoenix much?

[@Ew-pc5pk]

Very cool! Can't wait to see someone do it on a real bike without tri bars

[@PaysonMcElveen]

What defines a real bike?

[@eivissastef]

OMG .. another ""epic"" explain film.