Week 3 - NSCR - Bergen to Göteborg

Day 16: Kristiansand to Arendal - 88km

Today is the 17th of May, Constitution day, the National day of Norway. Most of Norwegians which we are seeing are all wearing traditional clothing and are waving Norwegian flags. Todays target destination is Lillesand, a good 50 km. If it all goes well, we’ll continue up to Grimstad, thats + 20km. What happened was another 20 km extra up to Arendal. While we can see on Linda’s Strava that it is still a decent amount of elevation gain, it now seems to go smoother. Not sure if the road has a gentler incline or it’s us getting better.

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Day 17: Arendal to Risør - 68km

It’s easy to decide where to stop today as there are a few ferry crossings coming up for tomorrow.

In order to catch the 2nd ferry from StabbeStad to Kragerø at 11.45, we have no other option than to catch the first ferry from Risør to Øysang at 8.20 in the morning. Makes it verry simple, we need to find some lodging in Risør for tonight. Rather painfull in the pocket as there is only 1 hotel.

Weather is improving, it rains for just 1 hour, just when we’re stopping in Tvedestrand for lunch. Perfect timing.

Day 18: Risør to Langesund - 71km

This really feels like summer now. The first ferry takes about 40 minutes to bring us to Oysang en we have more than 2 hours and a half to cycle the 20 km to Stabbestad. Arriving there well ahead of time, we can sit and relax at the beach club, without drinks as they are not open for business on weekdays yet.

The 71 km are going easy, except for a single 500 meter climb where we both have to get of the bikes and need 4 hands and 4 legs to push up our bikes up the hill.

Day 19: Langesund to Langensand - 28km

Todays plan was to get to Santefjord, a day of more than 80 kms.

Suppose we left to late this morning as we had only done 25 km when hungry for lunch. By this time, it sank in that we never would be able to reach Santefjord and unfortunately, there are no hotels for the next 55 km …… except for the one just around the corner.

Easy decision, let’s stop here and make it a half day of cycling only.

Day 20: Langensand to Santefjord - 63km

A relaxing ride,

Something we really need to say about Norwegian drivers: Thet are the most polite and disciplined drivers we have ever seen, not just a few of them, All of them. They will never surpass you unless they can leave more than a meter between them and you. If you want to cross a road, they always stop. Always = Always.

Day 21: Santefjord.

Day of rest