Scandinavia Trip 12th June

[raycopper]

Hi,

My son & I starting from Slough, UK tomorrow morning, 12th June, to take Eurotunnel and then northward to Nordkapp, possibly Kirkenes first, E45 through Sweden most of the way, wild camping wherever possible. Me on Transalp 700, him on VFR800. Ambitious plan calls for Nordkapp in 5/6 days, approx 500 miles a day, then 10/11 days back down through Norway, including Lofotens and Trolls Road, Nigardsbreen etc. Would be good to meet with GS travellers, compare notes, have a drink

Ray & Paul

ps we should be able to be tracked here: http://www.tinyurl.com/lt61ztr

 

[Grey Beard]

Good luck with the trip, but personally I wouldn't be targeting 500miles/day (even going via Sweden). You will certainly struggle to do anything like that in Norway, as the roads are winding and the speed limit is normally 80km/h (50mph). Speeding not advised, unless you have got seriously deep pockets.

I would suggest taking your time and enjoying the scenery, especially in the Western Fjords. Try and take in Geiranger Fjord since you will be relatively close if doing the Trollsteigen. Beautiful part of the country. The Lofoten Islands are on my itinerary too.

Heading there myself this summer, just as soon as I sort out my finances and complete a garden project. Planning some wilderness walking en route so will be taking my time.

Grey Beard

 

[AdamA]

Whereas I think you can fairly comfortably manage it, but will needs your wits about you, and of course to take the main road, not the twisties, which you can then do on the way back down, as I asume is the plan....

It just means fairly long days on the bike (8-7) but as the daylight is so long that's not a major issue, IF you are used to long days in the saddle anyhow. It's only a couple of hours longer than I tend to ride anyhow.
Lots of breaks to stay alert, and be prepared to stop short and adjust the plan if necessary.
You may want to plan a breather day in between the two alves of the trip tho.

 

[AdamA]

Oh and as for speeding, I rarely dipped below 80 over there on my bike and not much lower in the winter on 4 wheels, and had no problems. If you apply the same basic rules for not getting caught that you use over here (not in/near built up areas, not on obvious long straights etc) you should be fine. I did have a spare card on me just in case on the bike tho.