Day 12 – Oysund to Surnadal – Safe Return Doubtful

68 miles (110 km) – Total so far: 762 miles (1,226 km)

Oysund was the worst of campsites and I urge future passers through to stay away. Even on a sunny evening it isn’t such a great view into the fjord. The service at reception was terrible. The kitchen was ridiculously small, and the cooker fused if more than one element was being used. There were two showers that doubled as toilets so the queue this morning was long, fortunately I was up early. There is no shelter if it rains, and no chairs or tables unless you bring your own, difficult if travelling by bike.

At least the sun was shining as I set out on I guess what is the old road around the coast of the fjord. There is now a series of tunnels further inland which bikes cannot take. It was good riding and a way to air the stiff legs with a few rollers. I passed through Orkanger after an hour or so, and it was pleasantly busy. The tourist information is at a smart hotel and I asked about the roads and villages with stores. From then on it is up one river valley to Rindal, then down another. This is about 80 kilometres and goes up quite steadily to just above 300 metres. It isn’t a quiet road, as its one of the routes to Kristiansund, but the traffic was well-mannered.

It became humid and there were two heavy showers, almost storms, each for about 15 minutes, but when the sun was shining it was late 20s. Arriving at Surnadal it was good to see camping almost immediately, and a supermarket within walking distance meaning no need to carry dinner by bike, as usual.

I seem to be following the big events around. Surnadal is full with a Tai Kwan Do gathering. The campsite is unusually quiet at the moment, despite being full, as they all out at their presentation evening.

Immediately it’s noticeable how much better the site is. I was met by the manageress who was keen to get me a quiet area, though the place is packed.

Distance 68.5 miles Time left 10:15 am Time arrived 5:45 pm Time riding 5 hours 52 minutes