Biking Above the Arctic Circle in Norway: August 16 - Svolvaet to Ballstad

(Posted by Alan)
The clouds returned today so we knew we were going to have another wet ride. But first let me say a few words about the great breakfasts we have been having on this trip! When we booked this trip the literature said that breakfasts were included and provided by the hotel. So we expected something like what we get in the States - wrong!! The standard breakfasts that come with the hotels here are like a gourmet spread to rival the best brunches at home. First is the ever present smoked lox and then an assortment of meats (some I am not sure of the origin or curing method), then pickled fish, then home made breads, fruit, cereals, eggs, bacon, waffles, ..... you get the point.

So we start off on today's trek with a slight drizzle in the air but not bad and visibility is fair, so we are wearing minimal rain gear. Then we would run into a rain squall and stop and suit up for heavy rain only to have it stop a few minutes later. So then we would take off all the rain gear. The problem with rain gear is that it does not breathe, so even though it keeps you drier, you still get wet because you are sweating so much. So you want to take it off as soon as possible to dry off. Well we timed it wrong at about the 33Km point and got caught in a gale force wind, keep pedaling or be pushed backwards, with a driving rain that actually hurt when it hit your face, and we did not have all our rain gear on at the time. So we got soaked! We tried to keep going but decided to call it a day. An other couple in our group and the one on the e-bike (more about that later) did keep going, but we called for a pickup. It was sad to have to stop but the rain was torrential, high winds, and could not see much scenery. So today was a 'wash out'.

Now about the e-bike. Susan and I have been offered a chance to try it out but declined because we know if we try it, there will be no going back! The bike has three power modes, and a full set of rear wheel gears like a normal bike. In 'eco' mode you get about a 50% assist that will last you most of a full days ride. When you get to big hills you can step it up to normal mode and then again about 50% effort but drains battery more so used sparingly. So the one on the e-bike (there is only one person who opted for this kind of bike in our troop) will normally get to destination much sooner than us. So Susan and I see this as our next bikes when we hit 70s.

One last note - I am tired of eating cod fish now!! All cod here is of the dried for three months and then reconstituted kind that is then either stewed or grilled in a vat of butter. Was offered an alternative of goat meat last night but choose the cod stew.