Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.01.2017, Blaðsíða 58

The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 01 — 2017
58
“Up for some splashes?” I ask.
The engine is roaring and the
wind beating at the visors of
our helmets as we approach a
deep, icy pool of muddy water
in the middle of the road. The
noise and hellish turmoil turns
my passenger’s answer into a
muffled whisper. A mischievous
smile visits my lips. “I’ll take
that as a yes.”
Bugg y Advent ures offer a
t h r i l l i ng ex p er ience on ly a
20-minute drive from down-
town Reykjavík. At first, the of-
fer of being strapped into a tiny
vehicle to willingly spend an
hour of your life speeding along
a bumpy and damaged road
doesn’t sound very enticing. But
once you sign up: Oh boy, you’re
in for so much fun.
Gear up
The adventure begins in a large
hall filled with fierce-looking
buggies, along with suits and
helmets that cover the partici-
pants from head to toe. The fi-
nal getup invites worries about
what lies ahead, as a thick jump-
suit, rubber boots with wool
socks, two pairs of gloves, a ski
mask and full helmet may seem
a bit much for a little car ride.
But hats off to the organisers,
because the deliberate prepa-
ration really lets you make the
most of the drive.
To be honest, being quite far
from a speed-loving-car-crazy
type of person, I was a bit doubt-
ful about the upcoming buggy
experience, which sounded like
a life or death ride with end-
less possibi l it ies for embar-
rassment. But from the moment
I put my foot on the gas pedal
and felt how easily the buggy
followed my demands, and af-
ter witnessing its amazing hill-
climbing and pit-surviving ca-
pabilities, my worries were left
in the dust.
Aim for the pits
In a thundering convoy, we’re
led through all sorts of fun and
spine-tingling awfulness. It ’s
funny, how at the beginning
your driver’s instincts urge you
to meticulously avoid the pud-
dles, pits and rocks. But soon
comes the revelation—these
everyday obstacles are the true
sources of joy. Clench the steer-
ing wheel tightly and let the
road throw you up and down,
make the biggest splashes pos-
sible, and cover your partner
with icy mud—go wild!
You shouldn’t completely lose
your mind, however, as even
these little magic cars can roll
over. But they’re equipped with
roll cages, and the drivers are led
by experienced guides, so there’s
no real danger. And don’t take
the description “off-road car” too
literally, as no off-roading is al-
lowed—the tours are eco-friend-
ly and don’t damage nature.
All the senior ladies
One of the owners of Buddy Ad-
ventures, Harpa Groiss, says
that these tours really are for
everybody. They’re popular not
only with tourists but Iceland-
ers as well, enjoyed by families,
and groups of women, bachelors
and seniors alike. For those who
aren’t going for the driving ex-
perience, there’s the chance to
enjoy scenery. The route is lo-
cated on the beautiful and char-
acteristically vast fields below
the slopes of Esja.
The company is only a year
and a half old, but has had more
than four thousand cl ients,
without a single complaint. The
tours vary in length and diffi-
culty, but all manage to put an
excited grin on the face of each
participant.
Wanna shake up your week?
Find your inner crazy person,
and get ready to buggy.
SHARE:
gpv.is/adv01
Muddy
Wheels
And
Grins
Words SIGNE SMALA Photos ART BICNICK
Put your foot down for a
thrilling buggy adventure
Distance from
Reykjavík
20 km
Trip provided by
buggyadventures.is
How to get there
Take Route 1 to Kistumelur