I surprised myself by waking up in the same place that I had gone to sleep. Actually I surprised myself by waking up at all. After yesterday’s exertions I slept wonderfully well in my little trolls but. Post ride I sauntered into tiny Tynset to see what it had to offer and was pleasantly surprised on two fronts. Firstly it had a Thai Restauarant that served outstanding food at a reasonable price and secondly the town is home to the worlds largest “kick sled”.
Setting off this morning I did so under clear skies and a decided absence of “that stuff that moves through the air “ (Russ.K’s aversion to mentioning wind is a perfect way to avoid talking of it).
First up was crossing the Glomma which had been my riding partner for the last 2 days and leaving it behind as I climbed up onto a massive plateau.
Somewhat ironic that after yesterday’s fun the first town I should come across was......
Last night the receptionist had tried to sell me a different route towards Trondheim proclaiming that despite it being 30-40 km longer it was a quieter road and there was a scenic town to look at 55 km down the road. I took a glance at the map and that town was basically was all there was between me and Trondheim some 180 km away . As KSR wisely said “if they haven’t ridden a bicycle along the route then take their suggestion with a pinch of salt “. Prophetic words because I decided to stick to my plan of braving it with the trucks on the R3 and it worked out just fine. As I said earlier all Norwegian truck drivers have gone to the Spanish School of “Driving and dealing with cyclists “. They could not give me more room . Outstanding.
So on the bike I got and climbing I started doing. The first 21km is all up hill from Tynset along the R3 with the gradient varying between 3% and 9%. Perhaps buoyed by the Tzu proverb - “ in the classroom of war that which does not destroy us only serves to make us stronger “ - I felt strangely strong this morning . Or as “The Redeemed One “ was oft heard to say as we cycled through Spain...... “Strong like a bull”.
The weather and the scenery helped matters considerably . Armed with my day glo “can see this jacket from the moon” waterproof to keep me warm and to highlight my presence to truck drivers the climb was almost enjoyable .
As I said the scenery helped make the climb “easier “.
Barn of the day award was handed out within the first 15 km .
You’ve got to think this house owner is only one more flash flood or heavy downpour from losing everything. Nice location whilst it lasts though.
After 21 km of climbing the road flattens out and for the next 30 km you are riding along a plateau (windswept by this stage) with staggeringly beautiful views of the high hills of Norway all around you. Not too dissimilar to the Scottish or Welsh Highlands in many ways. This is Knutsho Plateau and home to the last genetically pure wild reindeer in all of Europe. At last count there were 1,250 of them . Altitude here approximately 2,600 ft.
Passed a few of these yesterday . And a few today. Moose antlers painted bright colours and then tacked to a tree roadside .
Coming off the plateau I stopped for a bite to eat in Kvikne at the appropriately named K-Circle petrol station. Meet Margite (pronounced Margaret). She has spent the last 4 years in Trondheim and heads to the big smoke of Oslo this year to study history and teaching. Her mother lives in Kvikne and Margite has come home for the summer to work in the petrol station . She doesn’t often come back in the winter when it can get -30 C . Smart lady. She was full of useful places to see in Trondheim when I get there tomorrow and she made a great a burger and chips . Like a lot of Norwegians her English was impeccable. Good luck with the studies Margite.
Leaving Kvikne and burping my burger as I went, I quickly came across this stunning bridge .
Followed pretty quickly by this lovely little church
Natures views remain unchanged . Just simply stunning.
I have seen more Tesla’s (electric cars) in Norway than all other countries visited on this trip combined . Given the vast expanse of Norway it intrigued me that owning such a car would surely present recharging issues given the distance between major cities. My intrigue was answered when I pulled up at the small town of Berkak which was my campsite for the night. So small it doesn’t even have one horse. What it does however have is a service station. Of the future . Multiple Tesla Charging Stands. The future has definitely arrived in Berkak.
