Day 10 – Namsos to Follafoss – Safe Return Doubtful

52 miles (84 km) – Total so far: 616 miles (992 km)

The facilities at Namsos camping are good. With a late arrival, a good kitchen and TV to watch some of the end of the Tour, and fast internet I was not in bed until after midnight.

I had a few things to do in Namsos, as it’s the first town I’ve been in for a while, most importantly mail some stuff home. I travel lightly, but 8 kilos of gear I’m not going to use. I had brought a bit more stuff as the weather is more variable, but I’ve managed so far without it.

Despite being lighter I found it tough today. The RV 17 leaving Namsos for pretty much 50 kilometres is busy (it is not a minor road), and far less attractive cycling than yesterday, and by lunchtime the temperature was late twenties. Hilly also, long drawn out affairs. At one stop off rest I chatted to an older Norwegian guy who was headed down to Trondheim for Bruce Springsteen tomorrow night. 35,000 people in the ski jump stadium. Few big names have ever played Trondheim until a couple of years ago, but now it seems is on the circuit.

The 720 is a much more pleasant road to ride on. The RV17 had mainly been inland also, but now back to the coast and along a narrow fjord. Back to the regular ups and downs of the fjord roads. At Malm I stopped at the supermarket to stock up for dinner, not sure there was one in Follafoss. By now it was in the early 30s and I had just about had enough for the day. On 13 km though to Follafoss, where in a smaller Co-Op the manager said I could camp below the cemetery on the fjord. Indeed this was a great option. There is water, toilets, benches and grass, free for cyclists. An early finish also, but much required in today’s heat. It is humid also. These hot days, I’ve had two so far, seem to sneak up on you.

The first day so far with no ferries also.

Distance 52.3 miles Left at 9:40 am Arrived at 4:50 pm Time riding 6 hours 27 minutes Height gained 7,532 feet