13.07.18 Gorges de la Nesque

Decided to convert my Nordkapp blog to a general cycle blog. I won't bore you with daily job or training tours, but try to include tours that may interesting also for non-cyclists.

So staying in the wonderful Provence I really wanted to take another bike tour after Mont Ventoux. So rented a bike in Carpentras, started at seven thirty and had a great ride up the Gorges de Nesque and back to Carpentras on minor roads. 90 km, taking it easy. Back for lunch in Carpentras.

Not flat in the Provence either. Still the slopes are less steep than in Norway. And it is up, then down, not up and down all the time. Not having luggage also helps of course ☺.

Vineyards close to the wonderful hilltop village Blauvac

Blauvac

Mont Ventoux, always on the background. Fun when you just have been there!

Gorges  de la Nesque

More Gorges de la Nesque. The road is rather high up the side of the valley, ascending not so steep but continuously over 20 km, ending around 700 m. Then slightly down to the small village Monieux, which has a Boulangerie. Guess I tookan a break there.

Lavendel field on the way back. The slopes back were not too steep either, but  the road surface was quite uneven, so really had to concentrate and keep steady. 

#cycling #Provence

10.07.18 Mont Ventoux

Another long held dream. So what to do next?

The route from Bedon,  21 km, 1600 m ascent

Simple altitude profile. This time with heart rate and speed. Tried to keep the heart rate below 140, but too steep. Or too ambitious?

Almost up.

Satisfied at the summit, 1912 m

#cycling #Provence #Mont Ventoux

02.07.18 Aftermath

The change in weather is incredible! Today it is 17 degrees, sunny and almost no wind. After two weeks of shit weather. Somewhat frustrating 😐. But had my day be better with storm and rain? I made the best of it and went on a mountain hike as my beloved bike is already underway to Trondheim. Just hanging around makes me restless 😃.

I continue in the same style...

Walking to Falkebergbukta you pass a fresh water reservoir, from great views to Nordvågen and the Porsanger fjord

The cairn shortly before Falkebergbukta. And here there are benches! How I looked for those when cycling...

Walked up a small hill with great views, seeing the Hurtigrute leaving Honningsvåg to the east

Statue of filmmaker Knut Erik Jensen

Who would believe this three days ago at a freezing cold Repvåg, or even yesterday?

Some statistics

Trondheim-Nordkapp 1748 km
Total ascent 20530 m (1141 m per day)
18 days of cycling

Longest stage: Reine-Svolvær 125 km
Shortest stage: Honningsvåg-Nordkapp 34 km
Highest average: Vik-Sandnessjøen (106 km), 18,2 km/h
Lowest average: Repvåg-Honningsvåg (58 km), 14,9 km/h
Highest altitude: Kvenangsfjellet, 401 m
Lowest altitude: Nordkapp tunnel, -212 m
Most ascent on 1 day: Hamn-Tronsø (122 km), 1754 m
Least ascent on 1 day: Olderfjord-Repvåg (46 km), 404 m


Kristiansand-Trondheim 2918 km (about 100 km less from Lindesnes)
Total ascent 33357 km
30 days of cycling

01.07.18 Honningsvåg-Nordkapp 🙌😎🤗

34 km, cycling 2:10, average speed 15,7 km/h, total ascent 894 m, net ascent 310 m

YESSS I did it! On day number 18 from Trondheim and 30 from Kristiansand/Lindesnes. It truly is a long ride, even when you split it up.

In spite of the weather, I was pretty confident the last week, but you still have to get there, something can always go wrong. This morning, the weather was still grey with a slight rain, but the forecast was better so we (Thei and I) waited until the afternoon. By then, his family had also arrived with the camper.

Quite a difference, a bike without luggage, and sunshine! There are quite a few ascents on the way to Nordkapp, but without the luggage you hardy realize they are there. The strong wind is worse, and slope+wind is still a challenge. But it all went well, and after 2 hours and 10 minutes we arrived at 71 degrees 10' 21'' Nordkapp! Great feeling.

I was offered a ride back with the camper of Thei's family, and I accepted. The cycling was not too good in the strong winds. Moreover, they will take my bike back to Trondheim and were eager to leave. Good excuse :)

So here I am in Honningsvåg, all alone, waiting for my flight on Tuesday morning (I did not need the slack day, shouldn't complain about that). What to do now? What new goals? I don't know - yet.

On the Nordkapp plateau. Nice weather, but strong winds. Still barren and desolate, but looks a lot better in sunshine.

Seem to grow everywhere

Only a few meters left

Arrived! 1750 km from Trondheim, 2850 from Lindesnes. Great feeling.

With Thei - we spent the nights at the same places the last week and met a lot. Thanks for the good company, Thei, and for taking my bike to Trondheim,

My bike and the Northpole (not really visible)

2100 km from the North Pole. Only slightly further than Lindesnes (1700 km)

You're not alone here