Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Group cycle Tour in Norway 2017

A little rain to start the Ulvik loop
Another adventurous group joined me on an Iceland Air flight to Stavanger, Norway. We arrived on a Sunday, checked into our hostel and proceeded to put our bikes together for the next day's ride.

Sjernarøy Islands

Our first day was a tour of the Sjernarøy Island group in the Finnøy Kommune, a boat ride away from Judaberg. Six islands, all joined by bridges, held our attention for great views, green hills, many sheep farms and fun cycling for the day and the sun appeared and warmed us.


Our transport and trailer
The next day was a hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) one of the iconic sights in Norway, and a stay in a comfortable hostel. This is a 600 meter drop to the fjord below!


We made our way to Odda & Kinsarvik where we discovered the Pro Norwegian Tour des Fjords was arriving the next day! We could not stay and miss our bookings. Boassen Hagen won the tour!



We then rode the Ulvik loop in some wet conditions. One has to expect a mix of rain and sunny days due to the maritime climate in spring! Then on to Voss and Gudvangen where the group sailed the fjords to Flåm. As the boat sailed away, behind Gudvangen was an amazing waterfall with the wind blowing the mist down the valley. I drove the van and trailer through the tunnel to meet the group at the dock in Flåm.

Gudvangen
Boat from Gudvangen to Flåm

Hostelling is a great way to go in Norway. Clean, cozy rooms with showers, a well stocked kitchen and sitting lounges. Preparing our breakfasts, lunches and dinners at the hostel ensure healthy eating and time for happy hour each day after riding!

The ride from Flåm towards Myrdal. One needed a mountain bike to handle the mud!

Flåm Hostel

From Flåm we headed to Sogndal, hiked to Nigardsbreen glacier and

Nigardsbreen Glacier

On to Lom where the best bakery in Norway is located. After the morning ride and tour of the Stave church and tourist museum, it was a welcome stop for a latte, sandwich and cinnamon buns!

Excellent Lom Bakery
From Lom to Lillehammer and an apartment accommodation next to the area where the original Birkebeiner is held each year. From there to Olso and a visit to city hall, where the Nobel peace prize ceremony is held each year, then on to Bygdøy where the Viking ship museum is located.

Viking Ship Museum, Bygdøy (Oslo)

Borgund Stave Church

Suleskarvegen back to Sandnes