The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Norway- Western Fjords by Bike and Boat

August 9th to August 16th

Ride Coordinator: Pamela Kelly
Report by: Gerri Walsh

Our epic cycling adventure in Norway started in Alesund, a city of 56,000, known for its stunning art Nouveau architecture and beautiful coastal setting on the Atlantic ocean.  We were a small group of 6 cyclists and 3 guides – two from an adventure company in Alesund and one from WeAdventure.  We had van support (helped with the changing weather) , with one of the guides driving the van and two riding with us. 

Every ride was stunningly beautiful – mountains, fjords, waterfalls, charming coastal towns, efficient ferry transfers, farmland, smooth & quiet roads, bike lanes & very little traffic.

Our first ride brought us out of Alesund on a cool, damp morning. We rode in a horseshoe shape around one of the fjords. It made for a relaxing ride because there were so few turns to navigate. After 58 miles & 3400 feet of elevation, we arrived at our first ferry of the trip to the coastal town of Molde.  

It didn’t take long for our small group to bond. Our trip leader, Pam Kelly, knew almost everyone in the group and she exemplified the BAC motto of “friends leading friends on rides”.  Infectious humor, laughter and great stories were ever present on our rides & during meals.

Our second ride from Molde to Hustadvika was also on quiet roads with lakes and fjords and lush green hillsides. Hustadvika is a small place on the end of a peninsula. Warm cabins with heated floors in the bathrooms were a welcome place to dry out our gear. The hotels gourmet chef cooked a delicious meal.  

Stage 3  - We rode the 5 mile Atlantic road. It captures the spirit of Norway’s coastal heart in a journey across small islands. Norway’s greatest engineering feat is the sweeping Storseisundet bridge, which seems to defy engineering logic from certain angles. More riding on beautiful quiet roads until lunch at a lovely church & a van pickup to Andalsnes. In Andalsnes, we rode the 2100 gondola to the top of a mountain with amazing 360 degree views.

Our fourth day of riding we rode the famous Trollstigen climb – masterfully structured switchbacks and waterfalls the whole way up a 2100 foot climb.  Then it was downhill to our next town of Valdall on coastal fjord. A perfect afternoon for a leisurely kayak on the fjord.

We had the best weather – clear skies – on our fifth day.  Three ferry transfers – 37 miles & 4000 feet of elevation but no steep grades. Lovely climbing to a mountain lake & then another short climb on a rarely used road where we saw a herd of sheep. Mid way down our descent was a viewpoint overlooking the Geriangerfjord – a UNESCO world heritage site. It was breathtaking! We could see our next ferry headed to the town of Gerianger.  The ferry has an upper deck, where you could enjoy the mountains & waterfalls.  After docking, we were on the bikes for another climb on a quiet road with breathtaking views to our last ferry to Saebo. Our hotel was on the water & had magnificent views.

Our last day started out in a cold rain but we had a long climb so stayed warm. Our guide arranged for us to have lunch in a ski hut with a drying room. The rain stopped for our descent to yet another fjord and our last ferry transfer. A van picked us up so we didn’t have to ride “junk miles” back to Alesund. Our final dinner was an opportunity for more stories, trip awards and our final goodbyes.