The all-women team of Polaris riders have completed the Polaris Outlanding Project – a week-long, 100% outdoor expedition across the volcanic landscape of Iceland.
Six women from France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the UK represented Polaris on the challenging adventure, showcasing the capabilities of its side-by-side lineup. More importantly, it was a chance to inspire other riders to take on similar challenges, providing a unique perspective on adventure and how to achieve it, and encouraging other women riders to explore.
This journey took the riders out of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, past glaciers, geysers and geothermal pools of the east into the snowy mountain passes of the north, before returning south through barren lava fields and long stretches of black sand. The team covered over 750 miles, almost entirely on non-tarmac roads. Slow speeds, considered tyre placement, and steadfast concentration were vital in ensuring the routes were safely navigated.
“To think this all started with a view to showcase our off-road products in the dramatic landscape of Iceland – a utopia for these vehicles – but it actually turned out to be so much more than we could have imagined,” said Marion Chouanneau, Polaris Off Road Vehicles EMEA marketing manager. “The route made for incredible views, technical terrain and a big test of willpower, but it was met with unfaltering enthusiasm and confidence by the whole team, and without a single flat tyre! It was easy to forget that this expedition was a test of the vehicles’ strength, but rather our own. I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing team of women, and to work for the brand whose vehicles have performed so spectacularly on this project.”
Accompanying the riders were three Polaris off-road vehicles; the Polaris General 1000 Deluxe ABS, the Polaris Ranger 1000 Nordic Pro Edition, and the Polaris RZR XP 1000 – all suited to different tasks, usage and terrain, but all overcoming every obstacle that Iceland had to throw their way.
The ultimate adventure side-by-side – the General – spearheaded the project. The vehicle was specially equipped with essential camping equipment, including a Campwerk iKamper top tent, a Taubenreuther Multi-Rack storage solution, Xobi outdoor kitchen, Pro Armor light bar, and front hood storage.
The RZR proved its strength, power and control over the harsh terrain in Iceland, taking on every boulder and water crossing with complete ease and confidence, making even the most challenging trails a joy to ride.
Polaris’ utility side-by-side, the Ranger, is a proven workhorse and its ability to keep on going was invaluable on this expedition. Not only could it carry all the team’s equipment in its cargo bed, but its in-cab heater and comfy bench seats were a welcome addition to this trip.
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