Bikepacking the highest roads in Norway.

[Joe13]

Back in the summer we rode a route linking the 5 highest roads in Norway. I've just got around to putting some words and images together:

https://thunderinthenight.exposure.co/high-five-ride

Enjoy!

[flanagaj]

Back in the summer we rode a route linking the 5 highest roads in Norway. I've just got around to putting some words and images together:

https://thunderinthenight.exposure.co/high-five-ride

Enjoy!

Great write up and thanks for sharing.  A few questions.

1) Did you find Norway expensive?
2) Were the midges and mosquitos a problem?
3) Aside from the one 'arsehole' driver, were the majority of drivers ok?

Certainly looked very beautiful and remote!

[Joe13]

Hey Justin,

Thanks.

1) Yes, Norway can be expensive for a visitor. Some things really catch people by surprise, like €10 pints. I'm used to it now, I've been living here for several years.
2) Midges and mosquitoes can be a huge problem in certain areas and in certain years. Thankfully on this trip they weren't really a problem. A shelter with good bug protection is recommended.
3) Drivers here are far more thoughtful than those in the UK. The problem can be that 'major' roads in Norway are often single lane highways, twisting through the countryside. Lights, hi-viz clothing and good route planning will keep you safer.

[flanagaj]

Hey Justin,

Thanks.

1) Yes, Norway can be expensive for a visitor. Some things really catch people by surprise, like €10 pints. I'm used to it now, I've been living here for several years.
2) Midges and mosquitoes can be a huge problem in certain areas and in certain years. Thankfully on this trip they weren't really a problem. A shelter with good bug protection is recommended.
3) Drivers here are far more thoughtful than those in the UK. The problem can be that 'major' roads in Norway are often single lane highways, twisting through the countryside. Lights, hi-viz clothing and good route planning will keep you safer.

Thanks Joe. 

a) Do you have a GPX route that I can have so I can see the actual route?
b) You mention you went in the summer.  Would a cycle trip to Norway be ok in early September or do you think this is getting a little too late in the season?   My thought process here is that there will be less tourism / less bugs and and could be quite a beutiful time in early Autumn.

[Joe13]

I don't have a GPX route, but you can find me on Strava and download each day's route from there.

Early September would be a great time to visit. Less crowded, no bugs and before the snow. Autumnal colours might be starting to come through at the higher elevations.

[flanagaj]

I don't have a GPX route, but you can find me on Strava and download each day's route from there.

Early September would be a great time to visit. Less crowded, no bugs and before the snow. Autumnal colours might be starting to come through at the higher elevations.

I will take a look at your Strava account :-)

[flanagaj]

Jeez Joe  

Day 2 : 79.5mi / 12,958ft

That's a hilly ride.

[Joe13]

Little bit more than the Purbecks, sure!

[Couloirman]

AWESOME route! Whats your strava name so I can stalk the GPS route. I am looking for a good Norway route this summer

[Joe13]

Just search my name, Joe Newton.

[ficklampa]

so nice!
What gearing did you have on this trip?
Do you wish you had a lower gear at times?(/I read that you ended up pushing the bike a few times =P )
Would love to do something similiar.

/Michael

[Joe13]

so nice!
What gearing did you have on this trip?
Do you wish you had a lower gear at times?(/I read that you ended up pushing the bike a few times =P )
Would love to do something similiar.

/Michael

I used mountain bike 2x10 gearing, but not super low chainrings. 42/28.  I didn't really want anything lower, it would have been too slow on the roads in between the mountains. Mikkel used slightly higher gearing but carried far less gear.