Yasmine Idriss, inspired by a dream of Iceland's stunning landscape, set off last week on an extraordinary challenge: cycling around Iceland's Ring Road, a 1,400 km route encircling the country.
Idriss aims to make history as the first Arab and Saudi woman to complete the challenging journey around Iceland, driven by her desire for a transformative adventure.
As a self-supported adventurer, she travels with about 32 kg of supplies including water, camping equipment, and other necessities. Idriss intends to stay at camping areas and make rest stops at motels along the way.
In the coming weeks, the trailblazer plans to cycle around 80 km per day along Iceland's mostly flat and windy terrain. Despite attempts to prepare, she acknowledges that the true challenges posed by nature cannot be fully simulated or predicted.
@yasidriss #FirstSauditoCycleIceland #RingRoadAdventure#SaudiVision2030 #Saudi_SFA #gsaksa
— Yasmine Idriss (@yasmine_idriss) July 3, 2023
The Saudi explorer documents her journey on Instagram (@yasidriss), mentioning in her initial post facing winds of 24-48 km/h during her travels.
As a novice cyclist, Idriss finds the Nordic landscape ideal for her cross-country adventure. She eagerly embraces the opportunity to immerse herself in the raw beauty of the country and connect with nature in a primal way.
Determined and dedicated, Yasmine Idriss prepared extensively for her new adventure. She spent months training with a cycling coach, honing skills such as clipping in, riding with one hand, and swift mounting and dismounting. Although unfamiliar to her, she embraced the learning process wholeheartedly.
Although a newcomer to cycling, Idriss has embarked on previous treks in Spain, Europe, and Southeast Asia. She vividly remembers the euphoria that emerges when exhaustion sets in, compelling her to seek rest. She describes a mysterious shift, whether it be instinctual or spiritual, that rewards her perseverance and resilience.
Idriss's profound appreciation for challenging oneself, embracing discomfort, and connecting with nature is evident. She views discomfort as vital for personal growth and human survival, emphasizing its role in expanding our hearts and minds. Her pursuit of these experiences drives her journey and personal development.
Yasmine Idriss recognizes the achievements of Saudi women like Mona Shahab and Mariam Saleh Binladen, who undertook remarkable nature challenges for charitable causes. She believes Saudi women encounter few obstacles today, excelling in diverse fields, and sees it as a prime moment for Arab women to showcase their talents.
