06.07.23 Trondheim-Ås in Tydal

Finally I took the time for another bike ride in Norway, if only for four days. Having greater plans for next year, when I “kind of” retire. Testing out a bit now, appears to work still, after one day at least. The idea is to ride from Trondheim to Osensjoen, near Trysil.

Anbjørg drove me to the east side of Trondheim to save some km and ascent meters, the trip was long and hard enough anyway with a total ascent of over 1400m.

A pretty hard start along Jonsvatnet, Trondheim’s drinking water reservoir. Then up to 420m and down again to Selbusjøen. 600m ascent after two hours. Felt worn out.

Jonsvatnet

Shortly after leaving Jonsvatnet there was a small museum with information about a former iron works, working between 1653 and 1880. What surprised me most was that they appeared to get iron ore all the way from Smøla in the final period, something like 200km away! Maybe not surprising they shut down in the end.

Information about the iron works

Not many benches around, to this must do for a break

Coming down to Selbusjøen (Lake Selbu) I continued to Selbu, where the bakery offered fresh doughnuts, self service. Probably they were fresh once, but not today. But ok anyway, and a good rest before the next stage, while the rain started (and remained for the rest of the day).

Selbu and Selbusjøen in the background
Selbusjøen has been regulated as s reservoir for a number of hydro power plants since 1952

Riding up the Nea river valley, there is more power, wind power this time. Wind turbines are very controversial in Norway, but a couple has been built here at least.

Wind turbines along the Nea river valley

A final break. Bus stops are the long distance biker’s best friends (in rainy weather)

After a final steep climb on this rainy afternoon, I arrived at Neatun at 16:30, in surprisingly good shape. Let’s see how it works out tomorrow! And I really like Neatun, informal an cosy, great service. Recommended!

Statistics: Total distance 106 km, total time 8:26, biking time 6:35, average speed 16.1 km/h, total ascent 1448m, net ascent 300m.