Norway – The raw diamond

As a kid my family and I would travel to visit my uncle in Oslo, Norway. At the time my uncle was a major in the Army, and stationed in a huge bunker inside a mountain outside Oslo.

Every time we went to Norway we would head out on adventures in my Dad’s Dark Navy Austin 1300, and drive off high up into the Norwegian highlands. It was all very exciting to me, and even though I valued the sheer adventure of it I was perhaps too young to really appreciate the true spectacle of Norway.

Norway is a spectacle. It is a raw diamond with wild, untamed and uncontrollable weather conditions. As I write this Norway is experiencing freak snowfall in June! Because of its rawness Norway fascinates. The Alps most of us know: Alpe D’Huez, Col du Galibier, Col du Croix de la Fer - the list is long and recognizable, and if you haven’t experienced them on your bike you know the names for sure from Tour de France. But what about: Trollstigen, Dovrefjell or Gaustatoppen ?

As fans of road cycling the word “Adventure” or “Exploration” is gaining steady momentum. Every ride is essentially an adventure in itself, but lots of riders are taking things further and head for unknown roads in far away places to catch the thrill of an extreme bike ride. It therefore does not come as a surprise Norway - despite its harsh weather conditions - is extremely hot right now.

Our retail partner in Denmark - Velo Pavé - recently went on a recon to the highest peak in Southern Norway - GAUSTATOPPEN - as part of forthcoming commercial trip in September. An adventure which would see a team of riders put ISADORE APPAREL to the test, and use kit for almost every season in a singular adventure: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Who said Norway’s weather was controllable?

With an adventure broken into three stages the guys set off from Denmark, and headed to Norway by ferry leaving from Copenhagen. Living a life in partial luxury the morning after saw them head straight from the harbor of Oslo towards the town of Kongsberg. A beautiful, scenic ride of 100km with sunshine and short, steep hill climbs and stunning views of Southern Norway. So far so good.

The morning after the weather showed its true Norwegian nature. The rain had started and ahead was a 200km ride taking the guys past Tinnsöen in West Gotland. A breathtaking lake positioned between mountains and densely covered pine forrests.

Having passed the lakeside views the team headed for Rjukan, famed for its WWII history about the sabotage operations which were designed to prevent the Germans from obtaining heavy water to develop the atom bomb. From here you are in the county of Telemark - the home of the highest peak in Southern Norway - Gaustatoppen.

Gaustatoppen has everything you can ask for in a climb. It rises 1.883 meters above sea level and towers above Telemark. It may not have as many switchbacks as the Hollywood climb of Alpe D’Huez, but in terms of difficulty and sheer steepness it matches its famous French cousin very well. At 11km long with an average grade of 8,7, and peaking at 13% in places, you will for sure not be eating baguette or reading “Le Monde" as you ascend Gausta. Adding to that - you will neither find cycling tourist photographers waving camaraes and purchase flyers at you. Instead it is just you, your mates and “Gausta The Brute”.

Reaching the top of Gausta the Velo Pavé team was greeted by a wintery landscape displaying the beauty and rawness of Norway for what it really is. From here the descent started which would take the them back to Kongsberg for a warm bath, hot drink and a sumptuous meal.

The day after the team would embark on the last stage, covering 100km., taking them from Kongsberg and back to Oslo to embark the ferry to Denmark.

Despite its rawness, inhospitable weather conditions, high cost of living and extremely expensive pizza’s Norway offers incredible opportunities for giving yourself an adventure for life. I for one have always been fascinated about one singular climb: Trollstigen - and maybe one day I will face this famous Norwegian climb.

When the time comes, at least I know, as an adult I will treasure the spectacle of an adventure of this kind much more than when I was a 9 year old kid looking out the window of my fathers Austin 1300.

But maybe - just maybe - that very window laid the very foundation for my need to grab my bike and head out in search of adventures.

Velo Pavé will in September 2015 arrange a special Gausta trip with Scandinavian Seaways to Norway and Gaustatoppen. The trip will be limited to 16 riders maximum. For more info - stay locked to www.velopave.dk or follow them on Facebook.

Pictures courtesy of Velo Pavé