Norway

[Dayvo]

Cheers Dayvo,

Is there a particular reason why you advise north to south rather than south to north? The prevailing wind maybe - or perhaps it doesn't matter? I was thinking of starting in France and heading out in the direction of Norway rather than vice versa - but I can change of course. Also, why do you advise going along the coast road in Sweden rather going via northern Norway? Is it perhaps because northern Norway is very empty and difficult to find supplies?

North to south is purely my personal preference. I'd chose to cycle homewards, given the choice, instead of flying back.

I suggested cycling on the east coast of Sweden mainly for a more varied scenery for you. You can, of course, go straight into northern Norway from Finland, but it is hilly, especially nearer the coast.

Finding supplies en route won't be a problem for you.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

OK - I'll see about factoring in the east coast of Sweden to get to the Artic circle - perhaps the weather will be better on the Swedish side?. I think I'll stick with the idea of leaving home on my bike and heading back on the plane. I like the idea of leaving my front door and seeing how far my legs will take me - if you see what I mean.
Cheers for your help.

 

[albion]

I recall doing some of the southern coast of Norway fron Kristensand and I found it quite dangerous for narrow windy roads and HGV traffic.Whilst there were long climbs north they were never really that steep, and certainly far more interesting than much of mid Sweden to the east which had nothing but trees. (Härjedalen )

 

[albion]

From experience I would take at least a dozen spokes, though I have to say I did not check spoke tension enough considering the food weight I carried.

 

[albion]

The roads were in good condition, but the best rides were (semi) off road trails. Of the 17 sometimes very experienced people of my group five had serious problems with wheels, and needed expensive and not very good replacement wheels, even though all of them had had their bikes serviced professionally before they left (which also tells you something about bike shops). Getting a very good hand built rear wheel with the widest possible tyres before you leave may well be much cheaper than risking it.

Willem

Exactly the same for me on a solo tour. Marathon Plus are essential for adventurous routes north.

The west to east small cross mountain roads towards famous towns were often just quality small rocks.

 

[willem]

This is not what I meant. I meant a good wheel. As for tyres, I left my favourite Pasela's at home, and used Marathon Extremes. The grip off road was great, and quite necessary. Yet they were light, which helped with the climbs. The downside was their rolling resistance on tarmac. I would never use Marathon Plusses, as I hate stiff tyres. If you are planning for more tarmac, my suggestion would be pre 2011 ordinary Marathons or the new 2012 Big Apples with a bit more tread than before. Or perhaps the Schwalbe Hurricane.
Willem

 

[albion]

Tyres were fantastic considering the heavy weight I carried for a month. There was plenty of rocks but no mud I think whatsoever.

 

[psmiffy]

I recall doing some of the southern coast of Norway fron Kristensand and I found it quite dangerous for narrow windy roads and HGV traffic.Whilst there were long climbs north they were never really that steep, and certainly far more interesting than much of mid Sweden to the east which had nothing but trees. (Härjedalen )

Ditto - Im pretty tolerent of traffic but between the width of the road, a few hills and the number of HGVs I decided I would not remain on it - there is an alternative signed cycle route combining minor roads and some unsurfaced paths/tracks most of which is doable on a loaded bike - parts you need to get of and push every now and then (helpfull if you team up with someone else - short sections are of it are very steep)- there was an MTB event on the naughty bits on the day I passed through

 

[tbtb]

My memory of the south coast of Norway Kristiansund to Mandal, or names like that (sorry, 15 years ago) was of going along cycle paths suggested in a tourist cycling book. We kept getting lost as they kept stopping at schools and restarting at the other side.

Buuuut, one great memory worth sharing if you have a spare day or two in Stavanger, was that we took the ferry to Lysebotn (fab scenery, 2 hrs maybe?), camped there (campsite right by the ferry drop point), and cycled up the quiet, small, incredible hairpin bending road to the viewpoint at the top, where you can have a nice 2 hr ramble to a famous big rock stuck in a crevass. There's 1 tunnel, unlit when we went, lit now maybe.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

That photo is amazing! I didn't intend heading out that way, but now...