LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL
SUMMER BREAK | ICELAND | JULY, 2024
OOVER
OVERVIEW
Join us for a week long summer break adventure on the world class Laugavegur Trail in Iceland! This experience will start with a flight to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, which is where we’ll officially kick off our adventure and finish outfitting our trip. From Reykjavik we’ll head northeast by vehicle towards the trailhead of the Laugavegur Trail for our first night of camping before we hike for the next four days through the Iceland wilderness. The Laugavegur Trail is 35 miles in length and travels from Landsmannalauger to Thorsmork. This is one of the most well-known trekking trails in Iceland, and for good reason. The trail features some of the most stunning terrain that Iceland has to offer, including polychrome mountains, lava fields, black sand deserts, geothermal springs, glaciers, lakes, icy river-crossings, waterfalls, and grassy plains and forest. This is traditionally a busy time of year to be on the trail, but that means we’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with like minded travelers from all over the world.
After four days of backpacking on the Laugavegur Trail, we’ll be picked up and brought back to Reykjavik to enjoy our final two days in Iceland. This beautiful capital city has a ton to see and do, and we’ll plan to spend time relaxing after our big hike and learning all about Icelandic culture before we fly back to the US.
Summer is considered a gorgeous time of year to visit Iceland, with June through September being the most popular time of the year for this country. Weather in Iceland in June is more mild than other times of the year, but participants should be prepared to experience challenging weather including rain, wind, and even high elevation snow showers. Participants should prepare to come ready for adventure, challenge and the fulfillment that tends to come from spending time in nature with good people. All trip participants should come with prior experience hiking and the ability to hike for multiple days on uneven, rugged established trails while carrying a backpack of up to 30-40lbs for up to 10 miles at a time with up to 2,000ft of vertical gain/descent.
LOGISTICS
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What are Bison Bikes?Bison Bikes is a bike share program managed through the Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL). Bison Bikes provides long term rentals each semester and during the summer to current Bucknell students at no cost. Students can request a bike through our portal (website). Students are able to recieve ongoing maintenance for their bike, and other related needs throughout the semester. Regular maintenance costs are taken care of by the program and not the responsibility of the student. Significant damanges or a lost/stolen bike is the financial responsibility of the student. Each bike rental includes a bike lock and helmet.
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How do I rent a bike through Bison Bikes?Prior to the start of each fall and spring semester we will make our Bike Request form available here on our portal (website). Simply complete the information requested and submit. Regardless of availability, our staff will be in touch within 2-3 regular business days following the closing date of the lottery. Because less students are on campus and request bikes during the summer, generally all bison bike requests will be met during the summer. Bikes will be assigned based on random selection from the entries received through our Bike Request form. If a bike is available, a pick up time will be shared with you to rent the bike, bike lock and helmet. At the time of pick up, you will also need to review and agree to our Rental Agreement and Liability Form. Spring 2025 Bison Bike rentals will be available for pick up during the scheduled times for pick up and are due back during scheduled times. We will not be able to rent out bikes outside of the pre selected pick up and return times which are shared with the renter upon selection. The renter must be present during these times to pick up and return the bike. You can always Contact Us directly with more questions about the bike request and rental process.
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Damage PolicyRegular use of bikes will result in basic maintenance needs (flat tire, chain pops off, brake issues, etc.). Repair and/or maintenance needs as a result of standard wear and tear can be serviced by OEL Rental Center Staff at no cost to the renter. If damage occurs to bikes as a result of abuse or neglect (running it into a curb, attempting to ride down stairs, etc.) renters will assume the responsibility of fees for repairing or replacing bikes/bike parts as required. Repair and replacement fees will be reviewed and assessed by the Bison Bike Student Manager and/or the OEL Professional Staff. Failure to pay damage fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
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Lock PolicyEvery Bison Bike renter is provided with a bike lock upon bike rental. Renters are required to use the lock distributed by the OEL Rental Center for their Bison Bike. Bikes must be locked appropriately around the frame and front tire when not in use. If a bike is found unlocked or locked inappropriately, the bike may be confiscated and the renter notified. If a second offense occurs, the bike may be confiscated and the renter may not be permitted to rent a Bison Bike again during their time at Bucknell. If a renter fails to lock the bike responsibly or does not use the provided lock and the bike is stolen, they will be held responsible for the bike theft. The renter will be responsible for paying all fees associated with replacement of their stolen equipment. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account. Replacement cost for the bike is $600.00. Replacement cost for the helmet is $30.00. Replacement cost for the bike lock is $25.00.
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Return Date PolicyAll Bison Bikes will be due during a designated date window/range toward the end of each semester. This will be pre-determined by the OEL Rental Center and shared with the renter at the time the bike is rented. It is the renter's responsibility to schedule their return during this period of time. Failure to return a bike during this period of time will result in late fees as explained in our Late Fee Policy. Failure to return the Bison Bike, helmet, and lock by the scheduled return date may limit the renters ability to be rented a Bison Bike in the future.
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Late Fee PolicyBikes, locks with key, and helmets must be returned during the pre-determined time period as agreed during initial pick up. Late returns of the rental package - bike + locks/key + helmet will incur a flat late fee of $10/day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Bikes, locks with key and helmets returned at different times will result in itemized daily late fees of $10 for the bike, $5 for the lock/key and $5 for the helmet per day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Failure to return items online may limit the renters ability to rent a Bison Bike in the future. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
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Bike MaintenanceIf your Bison Bike needs maintenance (flat tire, squeaky brakes) please bring your bike into the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The staff can take your bike, and our bike techs will fix it within the next few days. You'll be contacted when it is ready for pick up! If damages are due to irresponsible use, you will be charged for the maintenance costs. Please email oelbikes@bucknell.edu with any questions! If your personal bike needs maintenance, you can bring it into the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The bison bike staff can take a look your bike within the next few days. If your bike just needs a basic tune up, bike techs can service your bike for free. If your bike requires parts or more extensive work, we will return the bike to you and recommend that you take your bike to a local bike shop for maintenance. Links Cyclerly (website link) Cycle Up Cafe (website link) Students and the Bucknell Community are welcome to stop by the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session to use an allen wrench or bike pump as well. Email oelbikes@bucknell.edu with any questions.
