Two wheels and a fishing rod

[Paul Neate]

Well, after many years of saying "One of these days I'm going to ride to Nordkapp" I finally bit the bullet and did it.

Not the world's most successful trip -- the weather was foul for much of the time, and I did too many long days in the saddle rather than chilling and taking the time to really enjoy Finland and Norway, but there it is.

If anyone is interested, I blogged the trip -- here's the link: https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/tstor ... ishing-rod

[qcnr]

A point I would like to make about banks in Norway, they don't handle cash anymore. As you found out.
Card is king here. If I want to get larger sums of cash out from my account, i have to go to a main
postofffice.
So if you are coming to Norway, have a CC or debit card, or you'll have to find an ATM to get local NOK.

And there is a saying in Norway. No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes...

[92kk k100lt 193214]

English: horizonsunlimited......= horizons unlimited.

Norvege: horizonsunlimited......= horizon sun limited

On the gear, gear is everything when it comes to comfort.

But having to do too many miles each day is a bad thing too. On my last outing, 21 days total, 2,000 miles in France on the total trip, 1 day accounted for 450 miles, 3 days accounted for 800 miles, 2 days the bike didn't move at all, the other 15 days accounted for the remaining 750 miles.

[Paul Neate]

I agree wholeheartedly with the comments about the right riding gear to deal with the weather, and on the whole the gear I had did its job well.

My Daytona Roadstar boots took everything that was thrown at them and came up shining -- didn't let in a drop of water.

Similarly, the Rev'it rain jacket and trousers kept the water at bay (once I had perfected the trick of getting a waterproof seal around my wrist). The only problem I had with the rain jacket was that the collar is not adjustable, and there were some rough edges (nylon stitching, I think) at the neck that caused some discomfort after several consecutive wet days; a thicker buff took care of that.

My Alpinestars Polar gloves did a sterling job of keeping the cold and wet at bay, but the Lindstrands gloves I wore in the warmer (but still wet) conditions leaked like a sieve (NOTE: Jofama replaced them with an updated model free of charge -- great customer service). So while for the most part I was warm and dry while riding, long periods of lashing rain detracted from the pleasure and meant that the scenery was often behind a veil of mist and cloud, which was a pity.

Being a bit of a wuss, I also get no pleasure from trying to set up camp in the rain, so ended up retreating to hytte more often than I would have liked.

[Flintlock]

Enjoyed your report. I also like to pack a fishing outfit when away on the bike. A telescopic rod all set up & ready to fish. Keep it on top of kit in side pannier, so quick access and with it already set up with lure attached, can be fishing within minutes (mainly trout fishing).

[Paul Neate]

Enjoyed your report. I also like to pack a fishing outfit when away on the bike. A telescopic rod all set up & ready to fish. Keep it on top of kit in side pannier, so quick access and with it already set up with lure attached, can be fishing within minutes (mainly trout fishing).

Your set-up sounds much more efficient than mine. I took a 5-piece spinning rod, so it was a case of setting up and breaking it down completely every time I stopped. I think I might invest in a telescopic rod for next time.

[quaycrest]

Timely thread re travelling with portable fishing gear. I am looking to buy a setup thats easy to pack or store on the bike but know nothing about this topic. Could anyone provide me some advice or guidance please?

Thanks in advance,

Ian.

[Flintlock]

Ian,

If there is a Decathlon store near you - they have a good range of telescopic fishing sets, Rod & reel, take your pick, depending on what type of fish you are after.

So basically a telescopic rod & reel, appropriate breaking strain line, a wee selection of lures in a suitable box & a small pair of forceps for hook removal & you are good to go.

Trial & error of course on the most successful lures!

[92kk k100lt 193214]

On a trip up the Wild Atlantic Way with some friends who came over from England on about the 4th day we were camped at Doolin in Clare.

That was when my friend revealed he had his fishing tackle with him. Telescopic rod and more. A tool roll apparently isn't always a tool roll. This was the morning we had expected the bad weather to pass through so planned staying two nights there. Off on the rocks he went and a little while later got a text to say he had lunch for the 5 of us. He came back up with the fish ready to cook, by which stage we had the remainder of lunch ready and pot full of new potatoes. Best lunch we ever had......even better- dinner was a repeat. More fish. In between, a run through the Burren as the weather cleared in the afternoon.....from then on it was sun for the rest of the trip.

I think now its a wisdom to bring the gear, its very lightweight. But even better is the great food!!!