Norway Atlantic Ocean Road Cycle Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: May September
Norway Ocean Road and Trollsteigen Challenge Ride
Bike Adventure
Straight into our top 5 - goes this wonder ride in Europe's all new wonder cycling destination. Combining stunning coastline, the incomparable Ocean Road, viking villages nestled around pretty harbours, and the awesome Troll's Staircase - this is one ride you shouldn't miss out on. Take all this and add a certain Scandinavian 'je ne sais quoi' and you've got it - Adventure Cafe's pick of 2018!
We shall fly into the regional airport of Alesund, and stay overnight here and prepare for the incredible ride that lies ahead for us. From Alesund, we shall ride up the Coast, heading north through a series of amazing bridges, coastal roads, and short ferry rides. We pass through the pretty overnight stop of Mold - before Day 2 of the ride - where we hit the amazing Atlantic Ocean Road and its impossibly beautiful and spectacular route across this pretty archipelago of islands. We reach the town of Kristiansund for a perfect overnight after a perfect day's riding.
From Kristiansund we turn south and head towards the Troll's Staircase - the famous alpine switchback road tucked in this hidden corner of Norway. Our next overnight is in Andalsnes - just at the foot of the climb. On the last day, we shall cross the high plateau, before dropping down beside the fjord opnce again and back into Alesund to complete this perfect circuit. The only question you'll have by the end is, "why didn't I come here sooner" ?
Itinerary
We shall arrive on day 1 - we shall either meet at the airport or our confirmed joining hotel. We set off riding on day 2, riding for 4 days.
Day 1 - Arrival into Alesund - we recommend you arrive by 4pm latest
Day 2 - Ride Alesund > Molde - Approx 122km
Day 3 - Ride Molde > Kristiansund via Atlantic Ocean Road - Approx 120km
Day 4 - Ride Kristiansund > Andalsnes - Approx 128km
Day 5 - Ride Andalsnes > Alesund - via Troills Staircase - Approx 135km
Our ride is circular - returning back to the same starting hotel - meaning that we can leave our bike boxes / cases / bags.
Day 6 is departure day.
Accommodation
3/4 star hotel accommodation - of an excellent standard. We shall be using Twin and Triple rooms through the trip and making the most of the local hospitality. This trip is designed to be of a high standard in the evenings.
What is a Level 3.5 Cycling Challenge Like?
These challenge rides are either longer, with more ascent, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 10 hours cycling. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be a keen cyclist for these events, and to enjoy training, and to ride regularly. If the ride is outside the EU, it is likely to be easier in terms of the physical riding, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to more basic living conditions (in the case of Asia / Africa especially)
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.5 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long rides in the countryside - 6 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training. Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be at least 22-24 km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km. You may also be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Special Notes
You should note that Norway is more expensive than the UK - and drinks and dinners will be more expesnive than normal. Please be sure to budget for this.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader, Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Qualified First Aider, Pre-event briefing, Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route, Full buffet breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
Your evening meals and lunches. Return flights. Travel to and from start and finish. Ferries and Tunnel Tolls.
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
You must stay in contact with your leader at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each morning. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader. You should make sure you have programmed your leader's phone number in your own phone. If you are stuck at the roadside - please make yourself safe. Also it is essential that you check your bicycle is in good working order before joining this event.
Weather
Weather conditions very similar to England - dependent upon time of year could be cold, hot or rainy. Prepare for all conditions. We normally plan to ride this route in mid summer - when daylight is plentiful - we may well emerge from dinner to find broad sunshine at 10 o clock at night!
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events