Joffrey Maluski's latest project, "Islande, une traversée hivernale" (Iceland, a winter crossing), is all about raw adventure. He opens a window on this extraordinary adventure with a documentary film unveiled on YouTube on November 20. At the same time, a book combining stories, advice and photographs is available for pre-order..
Meticulous preparation
It all began in the summer of 2021, with a three-month cycling trip with friends across Iceland. Two years later, the idea of returning to cycling in its wildest form in winter was born. How do you get across a country where the climate can change from sunny to stormy in a matter of minutes? How do you prepare your mind and body for the unexpected and for solitude? How do you get around in total autonomy? It was with meticulous preparation, but also a healthy dose of faith in himself, that Joffrey set off.
Study of maps, identification of rivers to be crossed, list of shelters, planning of rescue routes, choice of the most suitable equipment to face the snowstorms, cold and violent winds characteristic of the Icelandic Highlands. Many months of preparation will be needed to define the project and bring the expedition to a successful conclusion.
One thing led to another, and the itinerary took shape: a 1000 km route between Seydisfjordur in the far east and Bjargtangar in the far west, passing to the north of the island's three great glaciers (Vatnajökull, Hofsjökull and Langjökull).
1000 km in 28 days
Equipped with a fatbike pulling a pulka, "an ideal format that allowed me to lighten the bike for riding on snow and to tow pulka and bike on foot if conditions were too difficult to pedal".On March 1, 2023, Joffrey Maluski will set out to conquer Iceland's most isolated regions. Territories marked by lunar landscapes, grandiose glaciers, violent winds and unpredictable volcanoes.
28 days later, after more than 148 hours on the bike in temperatures approaching -35°C, Joffrey reached his destination. A real feat for this extreme adventurer.
Iceland, a winter crossing available on YouTube
In his film, freely available above, Joffrey Maluski takes us to the heart of Iceland's wilderness. We discover the beauty of these wild lands, where effort mingles with the magic of nature, and where obstacles abound. Breathtaking images that encourage us to make our dreams come true. This is more than just a travelogue: it's a profound reflection on resilience, connection with nature and the quest for freedom.
A must-read photo story
To extend the experience, Joffrey Maluski then embarked on a new adventure: self-publishing. A book is available for pre-order here: https://fr.ulule.com/livre-islande-traversee-hivernale/
In it, he looks back at this adventure in detail, combining stories and photographs. In it, he recounts the behind-the-scenes preparations, the memorable anecdotes and also the most difficult moments. His candid writing explores the emotions that mark such an intense expedition, from the euphoria of discovery to the loneliness of the Icelandic plains.
This book is a true source of inspiration for all those who dream of exploration, and for those who wish to embark on a wild adventure of their own.
