Biking Above the Arctic Circle in Norway: August 17 - Ballstad to Reine

(Posted by Alan)
This was our last day of riding and although only 43Km route it was going to be the most hilly. The day started off auspiciously with a 45 minute 'ferry ride' across from Ballstad to Nusfjord where we were to start riding. I put 'ferry' in quotes because it was not really a ferry, but a small fishing trawler that takes bikers and other non-car riding tourists across the straight to Nusfjord. The crossing was a little rough but we had some shelter under an eve at front of boat, we were warned to dress warm which we did, so not bad at all.

In Nusfjord we started riding. The weather was nice for a change and sunny, but storm clouds were on the horizon so we loaded up with all our rain gear just in case. We rode for about an hour through gorgeous country side and fjords to our lunch site, a picnic at the Flakstad beach.

After lunch which was very yummy, including freshly ground French pressed coffee, we started off biking again. Unfortunately the weather turned on us, but this time we saw the rain cresting over the mountains and coming for us, so we stopped and suited up with our full regalia of rain gear. And the rain came accompanied with a wind that gusted to 29 knots! So the biking was hard with the wind, the rain, and the hills, but we stayed dry this time. Plus the rain only lasted 15 minutes or so, really just a short squall, then the clouds parted, but unfortunately the wind remained. That head wind remained for the rest of our day, you had to keep pedaling to keep from going backwards, so we stopped a lot to rest and take pictures.

We ended in the town of Reine which is said to be the most picturesque fishing village in Norway. More pictures of the town tomorrow when have time to explore. But We made it!!! Our total distance Susan and I traveled by bike was 279Km (173 miles). This was the end of our biking adventure in Norway :-( Tomorrow we rest and take a short hike and just take in the village.

Dinner that evening was first class again, and you had your choice of cod salad, baked cod, lamb, or vegetarian pasta. I didn't want anything heavy so I once again had cod, this time the cod salad and a vegetable soup which was very good.