Is any of Rt1 Iceland still unpaved?
 

I suppose this is as good a place as any to ask about road conditions in Iceland. I'm thinking about riding Rt1 around Iceland this summer, but I've heard that in the East there might still be unpaved sections. Does anyone have recent knowledge of the road conditions and if there are any unpaved sections can you tell me where they are. Thanks

There are some small sections in the far east but they were all in good shape (no washboard). Kjolur was icky icky washboard late season. I'm guessing Iceland will see a lot more tourism with it's currency floating at bit more sane level. Iceland was not my idea of great riding but I would do it again if I had company.

From what I remember during my trip around Iceland in 2008, there were maybe three spots that were unpaved along Rte 1. All three were in the southeast and east. I used 700c 35 Vittoria Randonneurs, which were fine. The unpaved parts were well maintained with occasional spots of washboard. You could probably run 28s without any problems unless you got the inkling to go inland.

Since I know from other threads that you like packing light, I just want to encourage you to consider using a 4 season tent instead of your tarptent if you decide to go. I have a tarptent and love it, but it would never survive the winds in Iceland. Use something low to the ground with lots of guy lines. It doesn't need to be freestanding because most of the camp sites have a thick enough layer of sod to keep your stakes in firmly.

Iceland is a beautiful place for cycling. Yes, you'll get your share of nasty headwinds and sideswipers and spells of rain, but the landscape is fascinating.

http://gonesouthblog.com/images/is30.jpg

I'll go in a non-cycling trip this summer, but am not sure how far after Höfn I'll get. Do you know anything about the W and NW parts?

Thanks,
Your advice about the tarptent is well taken, still I think I'll give it a go with 4 extra guy lines and be sure to pitch close to the ground.