For much of the year, my intention was to cycle the length of Italy during the summer; that is until a freak spring warm spell in Scotland caused me to pause for thought and decide that 3 weeks of cycling in 30°C+ temperatures might not be as fun as I had been thinking.
Luckily, I had been formulating a back up plan, one built upon the itineraries of fellow travellers I’d met on the road and one that might provide a nice change of dynamic, stunning vistas, long days and the low UV index that was now appealing. How about a ride that combined all three – and as it finished up in the Arctic circle and not too far away from the most northerly point in Europe – significant amounts of each.
When I spotted that Jenie and Pierre – who I had met while cycling in Iceland – were cycling in Italy, I thought I’d see what their recommendation would be, receiving a fairly strong signal when it transpired that their favourite place for cycling was Norway and that they’d been three times.
The route I had my eye on was a section of Eurovelo 1, the Atlantic Coast Route, the full route of which began at Nordkapp (the northernmost point of Norway, and Europe) and followed the coast south through Norway, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal.
A significant undertaking, and one that I wouldn’t be able to complete in the 21 cycling days available to me, so I’ll be attempting a portion of it, 1200 miles down the Fjordlands of Norway, from Bergen, to Tromso in the Arctic Circle. With a whole lot of ferries and tunnels along the way, it might not be as straightforward as it seems…
Wish me luck!
PedalTheGlobeBlog 
Initially I was a little surprised that you had chosen Norway for your cycling trip this year, as it didn’t strike me as a geography particularly suited for a long distance cycling venture. Then on reflection, I realised that most of my trips to Norway have been via cruise ships, so I’m not that knowledgeable about travelling on the roads there!
I’m sure you’ll have a great experience and look forward to reading more about it.
Lykke til!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elaine, I see you are wishing me luck so thanks for that! 😄 The route may not be that suitable for cycling and I’d be none the wiser, but I guess I’ll find out!
LikeLike
Another great adventure Michael, looking forward to reading your daily updates.
Apart from Canada and our own homeland we just love Norway.
Keep on cycling and enjoy every moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kenny, it seems a lot of people love Norway so that’s a good sign. I have been before but a long long time ago! Hope it’s worth reading about, anyway…
LikeLike
Michael,
Your blog is always interesting, adventure, scenery and food, what’s not too like.
Fingers crossed for excellent weather as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, hopefully Norway delivers on all of those things, especially the weather!
LikeLike
Sounds amazing Good Luck look forward to hearing about your trip x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kathleen!
LikeLike
Good luck! I hope the weather is kind to you and thar ferries run at times which suit you!
Caroline
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mum!
LikeLike