Safe Return Doubtful

70 miles (112 km) – Total so far: 70 miles (112 km)

I

 had got a good deal on the Radisson last night, and the best thing about it was the breakfast. It was useful to have somewhere to put the bike together also. A decent Scandinavian buffet breakfast is lunch as well, so at the prices here for a sandwich, well worth it.

It had been a rushed evening, getting the bike assembled, packing the various bags and a quick dinner next door at the pub. A beer at just under £8 so there won’t be too many more of those until Germany. Interesting to see Chinese tourists wearing pollution masks in what must be one the cleanest air towns in the world.

I was away just after 8:00 am, over a grunt of a hill in the middle of Tromso’s island, past the airport, over the big bridge and out of town. The day almost passed without any major hills, just a couple of 100 metre efforts. I arrived to the ferry at Brensholmen at 11:30, set for a midday departure, but, apparently as its busy it was a half hour late. It only fits about 15 cars, so not that busy.

All morning the weather was fine. The forecast said 4 pm for light rain and they were spot on. By this time I was in Skaland. I had done so well that I binned my original option for stopover and headed on. The supermarket at Skaland had just closed, but the owner was very sympathetic, and 30 minutes after closing allowed me to buy, but for cash. He also explained that alcohol was impossible to sell after 3:30 pm by law, but when I left I noticed he had put a can under the bungee cords on the back of my bike.

Out of Skaland the rain became heavier. I was headed for the mountains between there and Gryllefjord, and the best camping was most of the way to the top of a 300 metre climb. I had arranged for an 87 km day, but now it was a fair bit longer, and i struggled with the 6-7% climb in steady but light rain.

Since the 2.5 km Skaland tunnel I had been mostly passed by, and part of, the Tour of Senja bike race. They had police stopping oncoming traffic before the tunnels (the whole road since the ferry has been single carriageway). Despite my shopping in Skaland, 2 km off route, I was still with the stragglers, and went through the finish line to cheering and applause just before the hill climb began.

At the first lake, at the top of the first steep ascent, at 170 m asl, I camped. Hard work wild camping in rain, but a magnificent spot. I’ve just about kept everything dry, and now chilling in the tent at 7:30 pm. Good job I’ve a good book on the go (The Crow Girl). The forecast I believe is for rain all day tomorrow….

Distance 69.5 miles, Left at 8:30 am, Arrived at 5:45 pm Ride time 6 hours 9 minutes Height gained 6,725 feet

 had got a good deal on the Radisson last night, and the best thing about it was the breakfast. It was useful to have somewhere to put the bike together also. A decent Scandinavian buffet breakfast is lunch as well, so at the prices here for a sandwich, well worth it.

It had been a rushed evening, getting the bike assembled, packing the various bags and a quick dinner next door at the pub. A beer at just under £8 so there won’t be too many more of those until Germany. Interesting to see Chinese tourists wearing pollution masks in what must be one the cleanest air towns in the world.

I was away just after 8:00 am, over a grunt of a hill in the middle of Tromso’s island, past the airport, over the big bridge and out of town. The day almost passed without any major hills, just a couple of 100 metre efforts. I arrived to the ferry at Brensholmen at 11:30, set for a midday departure, but, apparently as its busy it was a half hour late. It only fits about 15 cars, so not that busy.

All morning the weather was fine. The forecast said 4 pm for light rain and they were spot on. By this time I was in Skaland. I had done so well that I binned my original option for stopover and headed on. The supermarket at Skaland had just closed, but the owner was very sympathetic, and 30 minutes after closing allowed me to buy, but for cash. He also explained that alcohol was impossible to sell after 3:30 pm by law, but when I left I noticed he had put a can under the bungee cords on the back of my bike.

Out of Skaland the rain became heavier. I was headed for the mountains between there and Gryllefjord, and the best camping was most of the way to the top of a 300 metre climb. I had arranged for an 87 km day, but now it was a fair bit longer, and i struggled with the 6-7% climb in steady but light rain.

Since the 2.5 km Skaland tunnel I had been mostly passed by, and part of, the Tour of Senja bike race. They had police stopping oncoming traffic before the tunnels (the whole road since the ferry has been single carriageway). Despite my shopping in Skaland, 2 km off route, I was still with the stragglers, and went through the finish line to cheering and applause just before the hill climb began.

At the first lake, at the top of the first steep ascent, at 170 m asl, I camped. Hard work wild camping in rain, but a magnificent spot. I’ve just about kept everything dry, and now chilling in the tent at 7:30 pm. Good job I’ve a good book on the go (The Crow Girl). The forecast I believe is for rain all day tomorrow….

Distance 69.5 miles, Left at 8:30 am, Arrived at 5:45 pm Ride time 6 hours 9 minutes Height gained 6,725 feet

Tonight’s camp

With the lake below, and that last climb…