12th INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOTORCYCLE STUDIES CONFERENCE:
At the Motorhjolasafn, Akureyeri, Iceland
July 24th-27th, 2025
IJMS in Iceland, 2025!
For the first time the IJMS conference will be held in land of fire and ice – Iceland. IJMS Conference 2025 will trek to the Motorcycle Museum (Motorhjolasafn) in the “Northern capital“ of Iceland, Akureyri. Keynotes, presenters and motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy the dulcet tones of motorcycle theory amongst the extraordinary 2-wheeled collection of Heiðar Þ Jóhannsson.
About IJMS:
The International Journal of Motorcycle Studies (IJMS) is dedicated to the study and discussion of motorcycling culture in all its forms—from the experience of riding and racing to the history of the machine, the riders and design to the images of motorcycling and motorcyclists in film, advertising and literature. We welcome submissions on all areas related to the cultural phenomenon of motorcycling. We invite contributions from all members of the motorcycling community.
About the Conference:
IJMS has been organizing an annual conference for over a decade. Last year, IJMS ventured to the land of Robin Hood and the Sherwood forest, convening on the beautiful, picturesque campus of the University of Nottingham. We welcomed new presenters and return presenters, alike, for our 3-day conference. Originally, the founding editors of the journal spear-headed panels on motorcycle culture as part of the PCA/ACA annual conference. As the discourse of motorcycle studies expanded, it was clear that a conference dedicated solely to motorcycle studies was in order. In 2010 the inaugural IJMS conference at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs brought together journal contributors, IJMS staff, academics and members of the local motorcycle community. Subsequent conferences have been held in Birmingham, Alabama, Rancho Cucamonga, California, London, England, and Forest Grove, Oregon. This year’s conference will be held in the unique location of the The Motorcycle Museum of Iceland (Akureyeri, Iceland).
About Motorhjolasafn- The Motorcycle Museum of Iceland:
The Motorcycle Museum of Iceland was founded in 2007. The museum is in memory of Heiðar Þ Jóhannsson, who died on Sunday 2 July 2006 in a tragic motorcycle accident in Öræfasveit on his way home from the Snigla national tournament held in Hrífunes. Heiðar or Heiddi as he was always called, was considered by most motorcyclists in Iceland to be the greatest cyclist in the country, equal to any bike. Heiðar had been collecting motorcycles and bike-related items for many years and had long dreamed of opening a motorcycle museum. Heiðar left well over three dozen bikes and a large amount of motorcycle-related parts. The foundations of the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland are, as mentioned before, in memory of Heiðar, and the museum will have a special memorabilia department where his bikes and belongings will be displayed and preserved.
Submit an Abstract or Presentation Proposal:
We welcome you to submit a paper, presentation, or creative project and be part of this important milestone in motorcycle studies.
Suggested topics include:
- The motorcycle and intersectional identities (race, class, ethnicity, orientation, sexuality, and or gender)
- The motorcycle as a tool for social change
- The motorcycle or riding in film, photography, literature, art and music
- The motorcycle as a design object or explored through art
Motorcycle clothing/fashion/textiles and materials
- Advertising/marketing of motorcycles, gear and motorcycle culture
Media representations of motorcycling
- Motorcycle technology/design/engineering
Motorcycling and sustainability
- Motorcycling, craftsmanship, collection and customization
Motorcycle racing
- Motorcycle history in relation to design and visual culture
The role of place/environment in motorcycling
- Motorcycling and issues of safety and risk
- The psychology of the motorcycle, the motorcyclist and the ride
- Motorcycle travel/tourism
- Motorcycle rights and politics
- The commodification of motorcycles, motorcycling and/or motorcyclists
- Other philosophical, literary, anthropological, geographical, historical, sociological, political, economic/business or psychological perspectives of motorcycling culture
In addition to traditional academic paper presentations, we encourage submissions using alternate forms, such as photographic works, film, or multimedia presentations.
Please email the following:
1) an abstract or presentation proposal of 150 words
2) a biographical statement of 75 words to conference@motorcyclestudies.org by April 20, 2025.
For more information about conference submissions contact Sheila Malone (s.malone@motorcyclestudies.org ). Information about IJMS and previous conferences can be found at: www.motorcyclestudies.org
IJMS in Iceland, 2025!
For the first time the IJMS conference will be held in Iceland (Akureyri Iceland) at The Motorcycle Museum of Iceland- Motorhjolasafn. IJMS will venture to the volcanic island, land of rainbows, fjords, waterfalls, hot springs, and magical spirits.
About Akureyri
Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland, is often dubbed the “Capital of North Iceland.” Nestled at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, this charming town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Akureyri boasts a surprisingly mild climate. The town is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and serves as a gateway to natural wonders like Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall. It’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and whale watching opportunities. The town also features the northernmost botanical garden in the world. With its array of shops, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, Akureyri provides a perfect balance of natural splendour and modern comforts, making it a captivating destination for visitors and scholars alike.
Getting there
International Travel
Keflavík International Airport is the main gateway to Iceland, receiving flights from the USA, UK, and other major European destinations.
From Keflavík to Reykjavík
Upon arrival at Keflavík, it’s easy to get a short coach transfer through Flybus into Reykjavík.
Flybus services most hotels in the city.
Alternative: Ferry from Denmark
A ferry service operates from Hirtshals, Denmark to Iceland.
Operated by Smyril Line.
The journey takes 2-3 days.
There are two sailings per week, departing on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The ferry arrives at Seyðisfjörður, a town in eastern Iceland.
From Seyðisfjörður, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive to Akureyri.
Note: While this option takes longer, it provides a unique travel experience and the opportunity to bring a motorcycle to Iceland
From Reykjavík to Akureyri
Option 1: Driving
Rent a car and drive the scenic Route 1 (Ring Road).
The journey takes approximately 5 hours.
Option 2: Flying
Take a domestic flight from Reykjavík City Airport to Akureyri Airport.
Flight duration is about 45 minutes.
Arriving in Akureyri
Akureyri Airport is located just outside the town.
From the airport, you can take a short taxi ride into town.
For those who prefer, there’s also the option of a scenic walk into town.
Hotels
https://www.keahotels.is/hotel-kea
https://www.icelandhotelcollectionbyberjaya.com/en/hotels/north/akureyri-hotel
https://www.akureyribackpackers.com/
Motorcycle Rentals
https://motoiceland.com/index.php .
Car Rentals
https://carrental.icelandair.com/us/
Image Attributions
Jason Wragg at 2024 IJMS Conference, U. of Nottingham, Wendy Pojmann at 2023 IJMS Conference, U. of Colorado, Colorado Springs.