Cycling the circle - The Icelandic Biking!

WORK/PROJECT: SEEDS has started developing volunteer projects with Bikeability, an NGO promoting cycling and healthy lifestyles, with the preparation phase of a large cycling project, “Cycle the circle”.

In two years the aim is to collect cycling circles in each municipality and publish a leaflet with maps for foreign and local travellers. We will cycle between different municipalities and meet with cyclists, youth centres, organisations and other interested people to discuss plan and find 10-20 km long cycling routes in the area of the towns. The circle will be chosen with level of difficulty and length in mind and we will also try to choose a route away from busy roads, so the pleasure of the trip and safety of participants are kept at its most.

We will assist in making maps and signs for the route which will be used as publications material in the years to follow. During the visits we aim at marking the routes, talking about cycling to the locals, checking their bikes and finding a possible repair shop or person who is willing to take part in the project and be referred to in the leaflets.

We will stay two nights in each municipality as that will give us reasonable time to meet the locals, prepare the material and plan the future project with each partner.

Participants do not have to be experienced cyclists; the cycling requires reasonable physical condition but each trip is meant to be a leisure activity in a nice environment. Promoting sports activities and healthy lifestyles to Icelanders and others is the main target of the project; to encourage them to use the bicycle as a mean of transportation and a daily part of their lives. Apart from promoting public health through outdoors activities, this will gather people of all ages in a fun and educating experience.

ACCOMMODATION: We will travel between five to six different towns during the project; the accommodation will depend on each municipality’s facilities. It may be sleeping bag accommodation or sometimes we may sleep outdoors in tents at the local camp site.

Please bring your own sleeping bag. Food ingredients will be provided and a kitchen will be available, we will share the duties of preparing and cooking meals.

LOCATION: This project is unique as we will have the chance to visit different municipalities so it is a great opportunity for us to travel and see different parts of the country. Each town of the country has its own charm, speciality and history. The first and last night we will stay in Reykjavík, the capital, which is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal power and glacial rivers.

Iceland was badly hit by the current crisis, which did affect the life for foreign visitors in a positive way, making Iceland a much cheaper country to visit, the local currency greatly lost value – many goods and services cost (in EUR) just a half comparing to the year 2007.

LANGUAGE: English will be the official language in the camp; high proficiency is not a requirement.

STUDY THEME: This workcamp has an educational/awareness-rising approach, promoting outdoors, sports activities and healthy lifestyles. Apart from the leader, we will have an environmental messenger, a person dedicated to organising and developing fun, interactive and educational activities within the project.

TERMINAL: Closest International Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 150.

Volunteers should have a motivation for working with people in matters related to cycling and outdoor activities. Being an experienced cyclist is not a requirement. We will be provided bicycles but we encourage those who can bring their own to do so.

AGE: 18+