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AN ADVENTURE IN ICELAND: DESTINATION HIGHLANDS,
by Antonio Ortiz

                                                             

For Antonio Ortiz, cycling has always been more than just a discipline. It’s a way of understanding life. A vehicle for discovery, not only of new places but also of oneself. This spirit of exploration was the driving force behind his latest great adventure aroundIceland with the BiciLAB team. What began as an idea to step away from racing and bib numbers, transformed into a life experience that brought a group of friends and cycling enthusiasts even closer together.

Four cyclists with loaded bikes in silhouette under a cloudy sky.
Group of cyclists posing in front of a waterfall in a green landscape.
Person photographing a waterfall from a rocky cliff.
Cyclists riding on a wet, rocky path in green mountains.
                                                       

Antonio’s bond with BiciLAB was born during the 2023 Cape Epic, the premier MTB stage race. After that experience, it became clear that they didn’t need a bib number or a podium to enjoy cycling in its purest form.

That’s how the idea of embarking on an adventure without the pressure of competition was born—simply enjoying the journey, camaraderie, and every pedal stroke: “On this occasion, we thought of doing a bikepacking trip, which is essentially enjoying the bike in a different way: more relaxed, getting to know ourselves, and living a different experience.”

                                                          
Cyclists riding a mountain trail with snow and pink sky.
   
What I love most about life is living it, not having it told to me
                                                                                                                 

And that is exactly what he did on this journey. For him, adventure is not just about reaching a destination but about everything that happens along the way.

                                     
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Four cyclists having a picnic with bikes and food on a table.
Man in a wooden kitchen serving with a ladle.
Cyclist preparing food at a picnic near a waterfall.
Cyclists pose in a volcanic landscape with river and waterfalls.
                                                         

While Antun from BiciLAB contributed his experience to create a logical route through Iceland, trying to avoid what could be their main enemy, the wind, Antonio brought the adventurous spirit to dismantle that plan and create a much more ambitious route.

“I’m the type of person who loves to explore, travel, and enjoy every moment from the very start. Logistics can be overwhelming for me. Depending on others complicates everything: 5 people, 5 bikes… Then I thought, why not leave from the airport itself and return to the airport by bike? This way, we complete the experience. We don’t have to depend on anyone to take us or bring us back…”

Cyclist riding a mountain bike in a desert landscape with mountains in background.
Two cyclists on a dirt road with mountains in the background.
                                                        

From the moment they decided to leave directly from the airport by bike, it was clear that this experience would be different. No transfers—just them, their bikes, and over a thousand kilometers to cover.
What more could they ask for?

                                                          
                                                            

Choosing the bike was a key point. Although gravel riding is on the rise and many associate it with trips and adventures, Antonio knew this time it wasn’t the best choice. “I enjoy gravel riding a lot, but you have to know the terrain very well,” , he comments.

“In Iceland, we could encounter very hostile terrain, and we needed a bike that offered more comfort and allowed for a more relaxed ride”. That’s why they opted for a BH Ultimate MTB, a choice that allowed the team to ride more comfortably and relaxed.

Cyclist with backpack next to loaded bike overlooking a lake.
Cyclist in snowy mountainous landscape with bike loaded with gear.
 
I wouldn’t change anything about the material choice I made. It was perfect.
                                                          

                                                                                            
ULTIMATE
                                                                               

In addition to the bike, clothing was also very important to consider for their bikepacking adventure: “Logistics are super important on these trips. You have to minimize what you carry and optimize the space as much as possible. Luckily, we now have fabrics that allow us to do just that. Keep warm while taking up little space.”

                                                              

Discover Antonio's playlist Spotify

                                                      
Person on a bike loaded with bags crossing a river.
                                                           

The journey was not only a physical challenge but also an experience of living together. Throughout the days, the BiciLAB group shared kilometers, but also unique moments that brought them even closer together.

Five men at a table, two making peace signs.
  
This adventure has marked a before and after. It has clearly marked me.
                                                                                                                   

Each day brought new challenges but also new rewards. Every ascent conquered, every turn, every unexpected view was a confirmation that they were in the right place at the perfect time. For Antonio, the most important thing was to enjoy every moment, and that is exactly what he did.

Cyclist riding a bicycle through a green mountainous landscape.
Person observing a stunning waterfall from the grassy bank.
                                                        

Defining himself as a free-spirited traveler, he prefers to experience adventures firsthand, without prejudices: “On these types of trips, I prefer to learn as I go. The things I believe I need to know beforehand that are essential, I do study. But I prefer to go with the flow and live that culture in my day-to-day to avoid preconceived notions that can break the essence.”

                                                          

Antonio Ortiz is not just a cyclist; he is a storyteller through his experiences. Every trip, every adventure, is an opportunity to inspire others to go out and explore, to seek their own challenges, to find their own path.

   

“What I want is to enjoy what I do and for people to feel motivated by seeing what I feel”

Antonio Ortiz

“What I want is to enjoy what I do and for people to feel motivated by seeing what I feel”

Antonio Ortiz
                                                                                                                 

And thus, with every pedal stroke, Antonio continues to show that cycling is much more than a sport:
it is a way of living life.