Little Rouge Explores Norway. The Arctic Highway

[david]

Day 7..........more miles to do.
It was wet cold and the country side was endless beauty. Now with fingers that bent I pressed on, stopping for coffee, petrol and just looking. The temperature was getting low and my feet were freezing ( Why did I go in Sports boots) :silly: ?
I headed across open rocky barren landscapes, past deep fjords but I was beaten by the cold, I wanted to make the town of Lyngseldet the base for the amazing escape and evasion of Book We Die Alone the story of Jan Baalsrud.
I didn't freezing I rocked up at this little hotel just beyond Oteren.

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It was here in the bar I meet with great honor some of the survivors of the terrible shooting last year. A young girl had scares to her face from a gun shot, another had lost her fingers. They really were very brave and honoured gusts at the Labour Party Rally. Now are politicians go to some 5star hotel and talk crap. In Norway on a cold wet windy night the 1st Lady of Norway was Camping with these young people...... :cheer:

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There was a Ladies Night Disco at the Motel but it was more speeches and a bit of "Dads Dancing" which I sort of joined in with to 1am B)

[Bonniebird]

Thanks David, a brilliant report, great stuff B)

[david]

Day 8
Having paid £160.00 for full board I decided to start the day with a short run, chain adjustment and sauna. A late breakfast and left about 10.30 and followed the Eastern edge of the Fjoud to Lyngseldet on rt 868. The views were fabulous as always with the sun glimmering off the water, it was a joyous ride to catch the ferry

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Back on the E6 heading for Alta I stopped for fuel and bumped into these guys on Harleys out for a Sunday Ride as bikers do on a Sunday all over the world. I rode with them and ended up having coffee at a American Dinner/Petrol Station. I gathered they were not hard up, 1 owned a Cadillac and a Corvet and of course a Fishing boat. The were very polite about the dirty condition of my Transalp, I senced they didn't get the Adventure Touring thing. They holiday in Florida nd rent a Harley ( Girl in a throng by private arrangment)

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[david]

Day 8 Continued
On the road into Alta is the Tirpitz Museum so I pulled in and for 60krona watched a film and looked around. In truth I was happy to be out of the cold as the Museum hasn't got a lot except a old BMW motorbike on show.

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Bimbling through Alta I crossed more open rocky landscape arriving in cold rain at Russenes. I hadn't as yet used one so decided to try a night in a camping Barn, 10ftx 6ft cabin/shed with a single hob cooker and heater. 400kr the night seemed OK as I was cold and wet enough to pay double. After a warming shower and curry I enjoyed a class of rouge on my little porch.

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[david]

Day 9.
I left early as I had a long day planned. Following the E6 to Honningsvag Norway still showed me its life and beauty.
Most Reindeer being the biggest hazard as they just leap out of nowhere into the road, more tunnels and morning sunshine.

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After Honningsvag I entered the tunnel that takes you to the island of Mageroya, comimg out of the tunnel and the weather had turnned. The next 20 miles I fought to just stay upright in the wind and hail.

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[david]

Day 9 Nordkapp
Rounding a corner hanging on grimly in the high winds I saw Nordkapp my journey's end.
In truth the high winds added to the experience of reaching Nordkapp.

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........and that's it turn around and head for Calais 2200 miles away via Finland, Sweden,Denmark, Germany, Holland, Belgium,France and i'v got 4 days.

Calais to Calais 5250 miles in 13 fabulous days aboard the most over looked Adventure bike my humble 650 Transalp. For mile after mile my Alp carried me without fuss through Northern Europe, sitting at 95 or 40. Never stressed, just reliable. I used 464 litres of petrol which comes out at 50 mpg as my credit card rolls in I'll let those who have in boxed know my costs and thank you for the info months ago on Norway from some of you and your comments. I hope some of you will go to Norway, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. I took loads of food and 3 ltr wine box and tea bags. Its a fabulous country full of beauty and wonderment.

One of the Bikers I met said if you grew up in Norway you'd believe in Monsters and Trolls. Well I also think the Gruffalo lives in those deep dark woods, swims in the Fjords with its mate from Scotland and has a friendly dragon light his BQ's. In Norway anything can happen and everything is waiting to be discovered and what better way than on a Motorbike.

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David

[gebrauchtwagen83]

wow just got home and read this dave. one of the best reports ive read in a while. what a fantastic trip, im very jealous.

[Tink]

Just shows dave, you dont need a GS to have an adventure :cheer:

Excellent write up, and your bike looks great!!!

[davem]

Excellent report David. Whetted my appetite for next year. Thanks for posting.

[brownrigby]

You sir are an inspiration.

Love the Ted Pace and well suited to the Alp..........55mph ish i believe.