Three days in the north
Until a few months ago, we'd never heard of Åfjord in Norway. The first time was when David, who has settled in the area, came into Velo Pavé and described it as the perfect place to ride.
We've long believed that northern Norway is an overlooked cycling destination, but now there was someone else enthusiastically telling us the same thing. We had been toying with the idea of organising cycling tours for some time. We'd decided to only do it if we find the perfect location though. It sounded incredible a place : the sea, fjords, rivers and lakes…we'd have to see it for ourselves.
The earliest we could get away was the 4th of December. Perhaps too late for Norway but the idea has taken hold now and there's no turning back.
We will clearly need to be very well equipped so we turn to Cafe du Cycliste for a selection of their winter cycling gear. Once that's arranged, we know we'll be dressed to survive whatever weather is thrown at us.
The sun seems to rise in slow motion in the north at this time of year and we have to wait patiently but by 9.30 the day is bright enough for us to start our adventure.
Skirting the fjord towards Stokkøya and making use of the network of bridges which connect a myriad of small islands to the mainland.
The landscape is never less than dramatic, seeming to be both threatening and peaceful at the same time.
Crossing on to the island of Linesøya, a haven for many species of wildlife, we're lucky enough to see both eagles and black grouse.
There's a sense that the 'real' winter could arrive at any moment.
This late in the year, the sun barely rises above the low mountains to the north.
It’s lived up to all the hopes we had for it and more. The incredible landscape provides for a completely unique riding experience and one that will appeal in many different ways.
It's difficult to pick a favourite part of the trip, even a favourite section of the ride. But there is one thing I know for certain. We'll be back.
