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Friday 18 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 3 Bergen to Voss
Variable
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
Next morning, after a little shopping, we took the train to Voss, the location of our next hostel. We had planned to go only as far as Dale and cycle the rest of the way, but plans changed as the rain fell! Norwegian trains are certainly good fun. They are electric, of course, and seem to travel at a respectable speed. Bikes are paid for in advance and loaded on for you by the staff, rather like Red Star parcels in Britain. The route included some rather lengthy tunnels but also gave us our first glimpses of the magnificence of Norway's scenery ‑fast flowing rivers, towering mountains, picturesque fjords ‑ a natural wonderland. With an hour to spare at Voss we took a cable car up the towering Hangur mountain side, giving us fabulous views of Vangs lake from the restaurant at the summit.

The hostel was purpose built in a delightful location on the edge of Voss lake - no wonder Voss is such a popular tourist location!
The entrance to Montana youth hostel, Bergen
The entrance to Montana youth hostel, Bergen
Montana youth hostel, Bergen
Montana youth hostel, Bergen
Voss Lake from the youth hostel
Voss Lake from the youth hostel
Voss Lake
Voss Lake
Our train arrives at Voss station
Our train arrives at Voss station
View from the cable car
View from the cable car
View of Voss youth hostel from the cable car to Mount Hangur
View of Voss youth hostel from the cable car to Mount Hangur
The town of Voss on the river Vosso, as seen from Mount Hangur [Remastered scan, 10/1989]
The town of Voss on the river Vosso, as seen from Mount Hangur [Remastered scan, 10/1989]
The south-eastern end of Vangsvatnet, the lake beside which Voss was built [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
The south-eastern end of Vangsvatnet, the lake beside which Voss was built [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
The north-eastern end of Vangsvatnet, showing the outskirts of Voss [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
The north-eastern end of Vangsvatnet, showing the outskirts of Voss [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
View from the cafe on Mount Hangur to the valley beyond Voss [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
View from the cafe on Mount Hangur to the valley beyond Voss [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
View to Voss and the north-eastern end of Vangsvatnet from the cable car on the journey down the mountain [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
View to Voss and the north-eastern end of Vangsvatnet from the cable car on the journey down the mountain [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Voss Stave Church [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Voss Stave Church [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Saturday 19 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 4 Voss to Vangsnes
Variable
50 miles (▲ 1435m ▼ 1495m)
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
There was more rain for our first day of cycling - not at all what we had hoped for. Our route took us north from Voss, flat for most of the way. We stopped at a shop to stock up with Norwegian yoghurts, made by the official Norwegian dairy company and especially delicious with their separate compartment containing the dry ingredients. We pressed on up a steep 1000m climb with many hairpins. On the way we saw several herds of goats and some farms advertising geitost - goat's cheese - very popular in Norway. It's a dark brown in colour, and sweeter than most cheeses - most of us thought it excellent! As we neared the top we found snow next to the road - an amazing sight in mid-August! We passed several houses with grassed rooves before enjoying the exhilarating descent to Vik. This is located on the Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. We rode around the edge for a few more miles to Vangsnes and our youth hostel.
The common room at Voss YH [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
The common room at Voss YH [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Bunk room at Voss YH, overlooking the lake [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Bunk room at Voss YH, overlooking the lake [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Shane and Mark ready to leave Voss YH [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Shane and Mark ready to leave Voss YH [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Voss YH [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Voss YH [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
The fast-flowing River Vosso in Voss [New scan, 10/2019]
The fast-flowing River Vosso in Voss [New scan, 10/2019]
The island of Lønaholmen, on Lønavatnet [New scan, 10/2019]
The island of Lønaholmen, on Lønavatnet [New scan, 10/2019]
Lønavatnet, the first large lake after Voss, taken from Husagrovi [New scan, 10/2019]
Lønavatnet, the first large lake after Voss, taken from Husagrovi [New scan, 10/2019]
View north east along Lønavatnet, with the island of Lønaholmen just visible on the right, taken from Husagrovi [New scan, 10/2019]
View north east along Lønavatnet, with the island of Lønaholmen just visible on the right, taken from Husagrovi [New scan, 10/2019]
Peter Rushworth at the Tvindefossen waterfall [New scan, 10/2019]
Peter Rushworth at the Tvindefossen waterfall [New scan, 10/2019]
A very wet Shop Stop at Vinje [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
A very wet Shop Stop at Vinje [Remastered scan, 10/2019]
Approaching the end of Myrkdalsvatnet [New scan, 26/9/2019]
Approaching the end of Myrkdalsvatnet [New scan, 26/9/2019]
This house just past Myrkdalen actually has a grass roof [New scan, 26/9/2019]
This house just past Myrkdalen actually has a grass roof [New scan, 26/9/2019]
First sight of the hairpin bends of today's big climb, Halsabakkane, with the river Storelvi flowing quickly towards us [Remastered scan, 26/9/2019]
First sight of the hairpin bends of today's big climb, Halsabakkane, with the river Storelvi flowing quickly towards us [Remastered scan, 26/9/2019]
The Hola goat farm below the intimidating Halsabakkane hairpin bends, with goats cheese for sale [New scan, 26/9/2019]
The Hola goat farm below the intimidating Halsabakkane hairpin bends, with goats cheese for sale [New scan, 26/9/2019]
One of the friendly goats from the Hola goat farm [New scan, 26/9/2019]
One of the friendly goats from the Hola goat farm [New scan, 26/9/2019]
Goats at the Hola goat farm [New scan, 26/9/2019]
Goats at the Hola goat farm [New scan, 26/9/2019]
Mark Burnard & Shane find the first snow - in August - just after clearing the Halsabakkane hairpin bends, at Presthaugsgroi [Remastered scan, 26/9/2019]
Mark Burnard & Shane find the first snow - in August - just after clearing the Halsabakkane hairpin bends, at Presthaugsgroi [Remastered scan, 26/9/2019]
The road ahead continues upwards and to the left towards Vetlavatnet [New scan, 26/9/2019]
The road ahead continues upwards and to the left towards Vetlavatnet [New scan, 26/9/2019]
Norwegian sheep seem to think they own the road [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Norwegian sheep seem to think they own the road [New scan, 25/9/2019]
A friendly Norwegian sheep stops for a chat during the climb [New scan, 25/9/2019]
A friendly Norwegian sheep stops for a chat during the climb [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Shane Powell stops for a photo shoot on a large slab of rock by the roadside as we continue the final part of the climb to the top [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
Shane Powell stops for a photo shoot on a large slab of rock by the roadside as we continue the final part of the climb to the top [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
The top of the mountain, 996m above sea level, and also the border between the two counties, Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
The top of the mountain, 996m above sea level, and also the border between the two counties, Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
View to the outflow of Målsetevatnet, from just past Skjelingavatnet [New scan, 25/9/2019]
View to the outflow of Målsetevatnet, from just past Skjelingavatnet [New scan, 25/9/2019]
A typical grass-roofed house overlooking lake Målsetevatnet [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
A typical grass-roofed house overlooking lake Målsetevatnet [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
View down to the Vikja river valley from near the entrance to our first tunnel [New scan, 25/9/2019]
View down to the Vikja river valley from near the entrance to our first tunnel [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Our first tunnel, Storehaug tunnel, 1044m long, as we begin the long descent to Vik from a height of just over 1000m [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
Our first tunnel, Storehaug tunnel, 1044m long, as we begin the long descent to Vik from a height of just over 1000m [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
Mark Moxham admires the fabulous view down to the Vikja river valley just after we emerge from the Storehaug tunnel. This valley leads to the Sognefjord at Vik from the right of our descent road whilst the Hopra valley meets it at Vik from the left [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
Mark Moxham admires the fabulous view down to the Vikja river valley just after we emerge from the Storehaug tunnel. This valley leads to the Sognefjord at Vik from the right of our descent road whilst the Hopra valley meets it at Vik from the left [Remastered scan, 25/9/2019]
First sight of the Sognefjord as we descend towards Vik [New scan, 25/9/2019]
First sight of the Sognefjord as we descend towards Vik [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Our road descends towards Vik and we get a clearer view of the Sognefjord and the Hopra valley [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Our road descends towards Vik and we get a clearer view of the Sognefjord and the Hopra valley [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Our first clear view of Vik and the Sognefjord as we descend from the mountains [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Our first clear view of Vik and the Sognefjord as we descend from the mountains [New scan, 25/9/2019]
Panoramic view of Vik, on the Sognefjord, taken from the hairpin descent at Langhamrane [Remastered scan, 24/9/2019]
Panoramic view of Vik, on the Sognefjord, taken from the hairpin descent at Langhamrane [Remastered scan, 24/9/2019]
The group rides past Vik church [New scan, 24/9/2019]
The group rides past Vik church [New scan, 24/9/2019]
Looking back up the Hopra valley to Hopperstad stave church, from near Vik church [New scan, 24/9/2019]
Looking back up the Hopra valley to Hopperstad stave church, from near Vik church [New scan, 24/9/2019]
Vik school [New scan, 24/9/2019]
Vik school [New scan, 24/9/2019]
Shane enjoys the incredible view from just opposite the hostel at Vangsnes. To the left is Balestrand, where we will be staying near the end of the tour; Dragsvik is in the middle, and Hella, our destination tomorrow, is on the right [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Shane enjoys the incredible view from just opposite the hostel at Vangsnes. To the left is Balestrand, where we will be staying near the end of the tour; Dragsvik is in the middle, and Hella, our destination tomorrow, is on the right [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Mark Moxham showing off his smart new PJs to Shane and Michael in Vangsnes youth hostel [New scan, 23/9/2019]
Mark Moxham showing off his smart new PJs to Shane and Michael in Vangsnes youth hostel [New scan, 23/9/2019]
Approximate map of today's route [Added 26/9/2019]
Sunday 20 August 1989
Day ride: Bridford Wood
Sunny
16 Participants: Michael Banks, Hazel Brown, Richard Burge, Michael Giles, Martin Hills, Marcus Kudliskis, Simon Paull, Unknown Rider 1, Unknown Rider 2, Unknown Rider 3, Unknown Rider 4, Andrew Simmons, John Stuart, Ken Twydell, Julie Twydell-Hobday, Martyn Williams
All parties met more or less on time at the Bovey Tracey pick up and Richard Burge, in his temporary position as leader, exercised his authority by changing the final destination to Blackingstone Rock. Nobody disagreed and so all set off for the first stop, inevitably the Primrose Cafe at Lustleigh. There was some uncertainty when the choice of road and railway track was faced and several bikes passed over the fence more than once. The majority though settled for the road.

Who was going to ask for the discount at the Primrose? There was no problem though as the customary concession was granted without a word. Talk and thoughts were about the distant pioneers threading their way amongst the fjords.

The long climb up to the Rock took its toll and after lunch taken on the summit, the Paignton contingent decided to head directly home as Julie had developed a leg problem. In Moretonhampstead a moment of confusion reigned where everyone took off on their own but reassembled to take the road to North Bovey and beyond. There were lots of steep hills to climb and a stop at an ice cream van came just in time for some. The reward came in the downhill towards Ashburton and a speed of 42mph was clocked at one point.

All agreed it had been a stretching day but felt it had been rewarding and that Richard had made a fine job of leading such a varied bunch - and, everyone was back home at a reasonable hour!

Editor's note: All junior members and less-experienced adults are strongly advised to keep their speed down below 25mph on all descents. Experienced riders should also restrict their speed if they are being followed by juniors or less experienced adults.
Sunday 20 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 5 Vangsnes to Sogndal
Variable
26 miles (▲ 790m ▼ 765m)
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
Vangsnes is really only important for its ferry links across the Sognefjord, but the hostel was comfortable enough. Just for a change it was raining as we left. The ferry to Hella was cleverly designed with two decks and a ramp that could be lowered to allow access to the upper deck. Norway has so many ferries that it's not surprising they have some impressive designs.

Next stop was Sogndal, involving a pleasantly flat ride along the north bank of the fjord. Sogndal itself was a busy town nestling in the shelter of the Sogndalsfjord. The warmer climate and fertile soil was the reason for the presence of many fruit trees, particularly apples, perhaps the first real cultivation we had seen in Norway.
Vangsnes youth hostel, overlooking Sognefjord [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Vangsnes youth hostel, overlooking Sognefjord [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Queueing for the ferry at Vangsnes that will take us across Sognefjord to Hella [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Queueing for the ferry at Vangsnes that will take us across Sognefjord to Hella [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Our enormous double-decker ferry, Stryn, built in 1979, prepares to load up at Vangsnes [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Our enormous double-decker ferry, Stryn, built in 1979, prepares to load up at Vangsnes [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Preparing for disembarkation as our ferry docks at Hella [New scan, 23/9/2019]
Preparing for disembarkation as our ferry docks at Hella [New scan, 23/9/2019]
Atrocious weather at Hermansverk, between Hella and Sogndal. This is the Sparebanken bank building [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Atrocious weather at Hermansverk, between Hella and Sogndal. This is the Sparebanken bank building [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Approximate map of today's route [Added 26/9/2019]
Monday 21 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 6 Sogndal to Skjolden
Variable
33 miles (▲ 955m ▼ 995m)
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
The main hostel looked a bit like Voss hostel, purpose built, but we slept in the annexe which seemed to be used as school boarding rooms during termtime. There were some brighter spells in the weather this morning, so everything looked much more attractive than it had last night.

Today's journey was relatively flat, following the banks of Lustrafjorden for much of the way and then taking us deeper into the mountains. We saw numerous enormous waterfalls running off the mountains and plunging into the fjord. The hostel at Skjolden was situated next to the rapids of a huge river ‑some members of the tour revelled in the overpowering noise, but others couldn't sleep even with the window closed!
Sogndal youth hostel [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Sogndal youth hostel [Remastered scan, 23/9/2019]
Ready to leave Sogndal YH annexe, just to the left of the main hostel building [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Ready to leave Sogndal YH annexe, just to the left of the main hostel building [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Mark Moxham, Peter Rushworth, Mark Burnard, Shane Powell, Mark Sloman and Ian Luke, on the wall by Sogndal youth hostel, looking across the Sognefjord towards Helgheimsvehen [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Mark Moxham, Peter Rushworth, Mark Burnard, Shane Powell, Mark Sloman and Ian Luke, on the wall by Sogndal youth hostel, looking across the Sognefjord towards Helgheimsvehen [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Fruit trees near Kvamsviki, 2.6 miles from the hostel [New scan, 22/9/2019]
Fruit trees near Kvamsviki, 2.6 miles from the hostel [New scan, 22/9/2019]
The island of Øyna in Barsnesfjorden as seen from near Kvamsviki, 2.6 miles from Sogndal hostel [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
The island of Øyna in Barsnesfjorden as seen from near Kvamsviki, 2.6 miles from Sogndal hostel [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Woodland cover near the road on the approach to Hafslo [New scan, 22/9/2019]
Woodland cover near the road on the approach to Hafslo [New scan, 22/9/2019]
Shane in Hafslo village, just opposite the Spar [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Shane in Hafslo village, just opposite the Spar [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Leaving the village of Hafslo after our short detour [New scan, 22/9/2019]
Leaving the village of Hafslo after our short detour [New scan, 22/9/2019]
Hafslo, on the banks of Hafslovatnet, viewed from the Lustravegen main road [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
Hafslo, on the banks of Hafslovatnet, viewed from the Lustravegen main road [Remastered scan, 22/9/2019]
The long and exhilarating downhill towards Marifjora, near Indre Hafslo [New scan, 21/9/2019]
The long and exhilarating downhill towards Marifjora, near Indre Hafslo [New scan, 21/9/2019]
Returning to Marifjora after a small, exploratory excursion [New scan, 21/9/2019]
Returning to Marifjora after a small, exploratory excursion [New scan, 21/9/2019]
A cafe and shop stop at Gaupne [Remastered scan, 21/9/2019]
A cafe and shop stop at Gaupne [Remastered scan, 21/9/2019]
The Feigumfossen waterfall on the other side of the fjord, as seen from the wooden church at Nes [Remastered scan, 21/9/2019]
The Feigumfossen waterfall on the other side of the fjord, as seen from the wooden church at Nes [Remastered scan, 21/9/2019]
Caption to follow [New scan, 21/9/2019]
Caption to follow [New scan, 21/9/2019]
The impressive Feigumfossen waterfall on the other side of the fjord, as seen from Høyheimsvik [New scan, 21/9/2019]
The impressive Feigumfossen waterfall on the other side of the fjord, as seen from Høyheimsvik [New scan, 21/9/2019]
The distinctive Dale church in Luster, stone-built around the year 1200 [New scan, 21/9/2019]
The distinctive Dale church in Luster, stone-built around the year 1200 [New scan, 21/9/2019]
Luster cemetary [New scan, 21/9/2019
Luster cemetary [New scan, 21/9/2019
Wild flowers near the roadside in Lustrafjord [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Wild flowers near the roadside in Lustrafjord [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Wild flowers near the roadside in Lustrafjord [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Wild flowers near the roadside in Lustrafjord [New scan, 20/9/2019]
First view of Skjolden at the end of Lustrafjord, taken from Havellenhamn [New scan, 20/9/2019]
First view of Skjolden at the end of Lustrafjord, taken from Havellenhamn [New scan, 20/9/2019]
One of the waterfalls we passed on the way to Skjolden, this one probably at Skaviki [New scan, 20/9/2019]
One of the waterfalls we passed on the way to Skjolden, this one probably at Skaviki [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Approximate map of today's route [Added 20/9/2019]
Tuesday 22 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 7 Skjolden to Bøverdalen
Variable
39 miles (▲ 1685m ▼ 1112m)
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
The ride to Boverdalen on Tuesday was the toughest of all. The road climbed to a height of 1434m, higher than Ben Nevis, and we took all morning and half of the afternoon to reach the Sognefjell summit. We stopped frequently to admire the ever-improving views.

When we got to the top we were rewarded with scenes which would not have looked out of place in Greenland ‑ huge glaciers hugging the snow‑covered mountain sides, vast lakes with icebergs floating around in them, and subzero temperatures. It was all very impressive, but once the rain began we decided to get on with the descent towards warmer temperatures and hot showers at the hostel. Boverdalen youth hostel was nothing special, but it was adequate.
Preparing to leave Skjolden YH [Remastered scan, 20/9/2019]
Preparing to leave Skjolden YH [Remastered scan, 20/9/2019]
Skjolden YH, adjacent to the very noisy Eidselvi river [Remastered scan, 20/9/2019]
Skjolden YH, adjacent to the very noisy Eidselvi river [Remastered scan, 20/9/2019]
Wild flowers near the roadside at Eidsvatnet, Skjolden [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Wild flowers near the roadside at Eidsvatnet, Skjolden [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Eidsvatnet, just behind Skjolden, which drains into the Eidselvi river that flows past the hostel [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Eidsvatnet, just behind Skjolden, which drains into the Eidselvi river that flows past the hostel [New scan, 20/9/2019]
Very old farm buildings at Berge, about five miles up the sognefjellsvegen from the hostel and 270m above sea level [New scan, 19/9/2019]
Very old farm buildings at Berge, about five miles up the sognefjellsvegen from the hostel and 270m above sea level [New scan, 19/9/2019]
Sheep living under a very old wooden house on the other side of the road at Berge, five miles up from the hostel [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
Sheep living under a very old wooden house on the other side of the road at Berge, five miles up from the hostel [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
Mark moxham and Mark Burnard admire the view from one of the hairpin bends near Sprekla, nearly eight miles up from the hostel and 560m above sea level [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
Mark moxham and Mark Burnard admire the view from one of the hairpin bends near Sprekla, nearly eight miles up from the hostel and 560m above sea level [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
Shane skims stones at Fossegaldsbrui, a small waterfall on the glacial river that we are following up the mountain [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
Shane skims stones at Fossegaldsbrui, a small waterfall on the glacial river that we are following up the mountain [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
The beginning of the summit climb on the bend just up from the Turtagro Hotel, about ten miles from the hostel and 930m above sea level [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
The beginning of the summit climb on the bend just up from the Turtagro Hotel, about ten miles from the hostel and 930m above sea level [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
View back from above Harahola, showing the road we have climbed. 11 miles from the hostel, 1035m above sea level [New scan, 19/9/2019]
View back from above Harahola, showing the road we have climbed. 11 miles from the hostel, 1035m above sea level [New scan, 19/9/2019]
The Nedre Oscarshaug viewpoint, 1100m above sea level and 11.5 miles from the hostel [New scan, 19/9/2019]
The Nedre Oscarshaug viewpoint, 1100m above sea level and 11.5 miles from the hostel [New scan, 19/9/2019]
Ian Luke, Mark Burnard and Mark Moxham at 1200m above sea level, 12.3 miles from the hostel [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
Ian Luke, Mark Burnard and Mark Moxham at 1200m above sea level, 12.3 miles from the hostel [Remastered scan, 19/9/2019]
1300m above sea level and 14.1 miles from the hostel. Overlooking Gjuvvatnet, with just 144m of climbing to go [New scan, 18/9/2019]
1300m above sea level and 14.1 miles from the hostel. Overlooking Gjuvvatnet, with just 144m of climbing to go [New scan, 18/9/2019]
A real glacier on the on the Steindalsnosi mountain, taken from the fenced road passing over Øvre Hervavatnet [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
A real glacier on the on the Steindalsnosi mountain, taken from the fenced road passing over Øvre Hervavatnet [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
1400m above sea level at Silja lake - higher than Ben Nevis! 16.5 miles from the hostel. [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
1400m above sea level at Silja lake - higher than Ben Nevis! 16.5 miles from the hostel. [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
Glaciers on the Steindalsnosi mountain and icebergs in the Silja lake [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
Glaciers on the Steindalsnosi mountain and icebergs in the Silja lake [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
The summit - 1434m above sea level and 20.5 miles from the hostel - the highest road in Norway [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
The summit - 1434m above sea level and 20.5 miles from the hostel - the highest road in Norway [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
The long downhill continues past Krossbu Tourist Cottage, about a mile and a half down from the summit [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
The long downhill continues past Krossbu Tourist Cottage, about a mile and a half down from the summit [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
View back from partway down the long descent, in Breidsæterdalen [New scan, 18/9/2019]
View back from partway down the long descent, in Breidsæterdalen [New scan, 18/9/2019]
Approximate map of today's route [Added 20/9/2019]
Wednesday 23 August 1989
Evening ride (Paignton): Sharpham
Dry
2 Participants: Dave Humphreys, David Thomas
The attendance just about made this an official ride. It turned out to be one of the hardest, taking the two riders through Totnes and along the delightful track to Sharpham. The Dart may be viewed at many points along the route. Whilst David was tired when he finally got back to Marldon he had thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Wednesday 23 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 8 Bøverdalen to Skjak
Variable
23 miles (▲ 180m ▼ 355m)
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
Finally we had sunshine as we set off from Boverdalen. There was plenty more downhill riding, following the river all the way to the delightful tourist village of Lom. We sampled the modern luxurious cafe above the shopping centre and explored the stave church, made entirely of wood.

This was the most easterly point on our tour, so we headed west along the wide-bottomed river valley, where all the flat ground between the mountains was cultivated by numerous small farms, each with their own tractor. Unfortunately we had a tough headwind all the way, which made the afternoon ride a real battle. Skjak hostel was a mix of 4-bedded chalets that offered a comfortable night.
Bøverdalen YH - sunshine at last! [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
Bøverdalen YH - sunshine at last! [Remastered scan, 18/9/2019]
Rear view of Bøverdalen youth hostel [New scan, 17/9/2019]
Rear view of Bøverdalen youth hostel [New scan, 17/9/2019]
Preparing to leave Bøverdalen youth hostel [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
Preparing to leave Bøverdalen youth hostel [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
View back to Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest peak, from just past Galdbygde on the River Bøvra [New scan, 17/9/2019]
View back to Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest peak, from just past Galdbygde on the River Bøvra [New scan, 17/9/2019]
The long downhill continues along the River Bøvra, this shot taken just past the Røisheim hotel [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
The long downhill continues along the River Bøvra, this shot taken just past the Røisheim hotel [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
View down the Bøvra valley towards Lom, from near Strinde on the Sognefjell road [New scan, 17/9/2019]
View down the Bøvra valley towards Lom, from near Strinde on the Sognefjell road [New scan, 17/9/2019]
Shane and Mark Burnard in the cafe above the Lom shopping centre. The cafe has since closed [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
Shane and Mark Burnard in the cafe above the Lom shopping centre. The cafe has since closed [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
Lom stave church, made entirely of wood and dating back to the twelfth century [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
Lom stave church, made entirely of wood and dating back to the twelfth century [Remastered scan, 17/9/2019]
Loar school, Lom, near the Stave Church. A new school was built in the 1990s, so this building is now used for the public library [New scan, 17/9/2019]
Loar school, Lom, near the Stave Church. A new school was built in the 1990s, so this building is now used for the public library [New scan, 17/9/2019]
Common Toadflax and Caraway flowers by the River Otta, about a mile from Lom [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Common Toadflax and Caraway flowers by the River Otta, about a mile from Lom [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Common Toadflax flowers by the River Otta, about a mile from Lom [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Common Toadflax flowers by the River Otta, about a mile from Lom [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Marsh Thistles by the River Otta, about a mile from Lom [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Marsh Thistles by the River Otta, about a mile from Lom [New scan, 16/9/2019]
The fertile agricultural lowlands in the Skjak valley. This photo taken from Bjørke, 3 miles from Lom and 8 miles from Bismo [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
The fertile agricultural lowlands in the Skjak valley. This photo taken from Bjørke, 3 miles from Lom and 8 miles from Bismo [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Looking across the island of Stensgårdøye on the river Otta, taken from Nørdre Odden, four miles before Bismo [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Looking across the island of Stensgårdøye on the river Otta, taken from Nørdre Odden, four miles before Bismo [New scan, 16/9/2019]
Our bunk chalets at Skjak YH, Mogard, Bismo [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Our bunk chalets at Skjak YH, Mogard, Bismo [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Shane at the entrance to Skjak YH, Mogard, Bismo, with our chalet visible behind [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Shane at the entrance to Skjak YH, Mogard, Bismo, with our chalet visible behind [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Shane demonstrating the comfortable wooden corner bunks [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Shane demonstrating the comfortable wooden corner bunks [Remastered scan, 16/9/2019]
Michael in our chalet at Skjak YH, Mogard, Bismo [Remastered scan, 15/9/2019]
Michael in our chalet at Skjak YH, Mogard, Bismo [Remastered scan, 15/9/2019]
The town of Bismo as seen from the mountain behind Skjak youth hostel [New scan, 15/9/2019]
The town of Bismo as seen from the mountain behind Skjak youth hostel [New scan, 15/9/2019]
View down the Otta valley from the mountain behind Skjak youth hostel during our evening excursion [New scan, 15/9/2019]
View down the Otta valley from the mountain behind Skjak youth hostel during our evening excursion [New scan, 15/9/2019]
View down the Otta valley from the mountain behind Skjak youth hostel during our evening excursion [New scan, 15/9/2019]
View down the Otta valley from the mountain behind Skjak youth hostel during our evening excursion [New scan, 15/9/2019]
Approximate map of today's route [Added 20/9/2019]
Thursday 24 August 1989
Tour: Norway
Day 9 Skjak to Hellesylt
Variable
50 miles (▲ 835m ▼ 1230m)
7 Participants: Mark Burnard, Michael Jones, Ian Luke, Mark Moxham, Shane Powell, Peter Rushworth, Mark Sloman
This was our longest day, covering more than 50 miles to Geiranger, and it started with some bright weather. None of the hills in Norway are ever as steep as they are in Britain, as they have to be navigable in winter when covered with snow. We climbed gradually for 44 miles, passing what looked like a deserted ranch near Grotli and a Lap trading post where the Laplanders were selling anything and everything to do with dead animals. The lakes near the top of the climb were crystal clear with the purest water, and all around were white tufts of cotton grass blowing in the wind.

Showers were coming in again as we reached the top, and there before us was the most amazing downhill we had ever seen. It descended more than 1000m in 6 miles along a road which could be likened to a helter skelter. It twisted and turned its way in seemingly endless hairpin bends right down to Geiranger. The view down to Geirangerfjord opened up as we descended through the stages. This is reputed to be the most scenic fjord in all of Norway, and we couldn't really dispute that. The final descent had more hairpins, and it was here that a number of goats by the roadside left us no choice but to stop and make friends.

We took a boat trip right the way along the fjord, with a guide telling us about all the sights as we looked up at the sheer sides of the narrow fjord. The rain didn't make it quite as enjoyable as it should have been, but we were pleased to have seen it. Shane was fortunate enough to be allowed to steer the huge ferry for a while, with a little supervision from the captain of course.

Our hostel was at Hellesylt, just near the end of our ferry journey.
The fast flowing river Framruste as seen from the road between Polfoss and Vuluvatnet [New scan, 15/9/2019]
The fast flowing river Framruste as seen from the road between Polfoss and Vuluvatnet [New scan, 15/9/2019]
Is this Norway's OK Corale ranch? A tasteful housing development on the banks of Vuluvatnet [Remastered scan, 15/9/2019]
Is this Norway's OK Corale ranch? A tasteful housing development on the banks of Vuluvatnet [Remastered scan, 15/9/2019]
The crystal clear waters of Breiddalsvatnet as the road passes over its northern corner [New scan, 15/9/2019]
The crystal clear waters of Breiddalsvatnet as the road passes over its northern corner [New scan, 15/9/2019]
Caption to follow [New scan, 15/9/2019]
Caption to follow [New scan, 15/9/2019]
This Lap trading post sells furs and many other items made from dead animals. Located at the eastern end of Djupvatnet [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
This Lap trading post sells furs and many other items made from dead animals. Located at the eastern end of Djupvatnet [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
The long downhill to Geiranger begins in earnest near Blåfjellbrakka [New scan, 14/9/2019]
The long downhill to Geiranger begins in earnest near Blåfjellbrakka [New scan, 14/9/2019]
The massive downhill to Geirangerfjord twists and turns through Hestebrehola [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
The massive downhill to Geirangerfjord twists and turns through Hestebrehola [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
Looking down towards Opplenskedal from one of the upper hairpin bends [New scan, 14/9/2019]
Looking down towards Opplenskedal from one of the upper hairpin bends [New scan, 14/9/2019]
View down to Ørjasæter, from the upper reaches of the descent (New scan, 14/9/2019)
View down to Ørjasæter, from the upper reaches of the descent (New scan, 14/9/2019)
Shane finds a friendly mountain goat [New scan, 14/9/2019]
Shane finds a friendly mountain goat [New scan, 14/9/2019]
The downhill continues, but now we can finally see the end of Geirangerfjord [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
The downhill continues, but now we can finally see the end of Geirangerfjord [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
Shane makes another new friend during the descent, watched by Mark Burnard [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
Shane makes another new friend during the descent, watched by Mark Burnard [Remastered scan, 14/9/2019]
Mark Burnard joins in the fun [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
Mark Burnard joins in the fun [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
Shane and the goat [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
Shane and the goat [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
Shane now has two goat friends [New scan, 10/9/2019]
Shane now has two goat friends [New scan, 10/9/2019]
Mark Moxham - getting involved! [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
Mark Moxham - getting involved! [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
The next stage of the descent, near Kvanndalsfossen [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
The next stage of the descent, near Kvanndalsfossen [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
View back to the road we have just descended, from Opplenskedal [New scan, 10/9/2019]
View back to the road we have just descended, from Opplenskedal [New scan, 10/9/2019]
View back to the road we have just descended, from Opplenskedal [New scan, 10/9/2019]
View back to the road we have just descended, from Opplenskedal [New scan, 10/9/2019]
Norwegian cows graze peacefully near Ørjasæter [New scan, 10/9/2019]
Norwegian cows graze peacefully near Ørjasæter [New scan, 10/9/2019]
The very best view of Geirangerfjord, from the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
The very best view of Geirangerfjord, from the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
The very best view of Geirangerfjord, from the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint [New scan, 10/9/2019]
The very best view of Geirangerfjord, from the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint [New scan, 10/9/2019]
The tightly-wrapped hairpin bends leading down to Geiranger [New scan, 10/9/2019]
The tightly-wrapped hairpin bends leading down to Geiranger [New scan, 10/9/2019]
Our ferry arrives at Geiranger to take us on a cruise through Norway's most magnificent fjord, Geirangerfjord [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
Our ferry arrives at Geiranger to take us on a cruise through Norway's most magnificent fjord, Geirangerfjord [Remastered scan, 10/9/2019]
View around the first bend in Geirangerfjord towards the Seven Sisters waterfalls, on our cruise to Hellesylt [New scan, September 2019]
View around the first bend in Geirangerfjord towards the Seven Sisters waterfalls, on our cruise to Hellesylt [New scan, September 2019]
The Gjerdefossen waterfall, on the right side of the first bend [New scan, September 2019]
The Gjerdefossen waterfall, on the right side of the first bend [New scan, September 2019]
View down the central section of the beautiful Geirangerfjord from the ferry, with the Seven Sisters on the right [Remastered scan, September 2019]
View down the central section of the beautiful Geirangerfjord from the ferry, with the Seven Sisters on the right [Remastered scan, September 2019]
The Seven Sisters waterfall [New scan, September 2019]
The Seven Sisters waterfall [New scan, September 2019]
The Seven Sisters waterfall on Geirangerfjord [New scan, September 2019]
The Seven Sisters waterfall on Geirangerfjord [New scan, September 2019]
The Friaren waterfall, known as The Suitor, opposite the Seven Sisters [New scan, September 2019]
The Friaren waterfall, known as The Suitor, opposite the Seven Sisters [New scan, September 2019]
View back to the Seven Sisters [New scan, September 2019]
View back to the Seven Sisters [New scan, September 2019]
Continuing towards the Hellesylt fork in the fjord [New scan, September 2019]
Continuing towards the Hellesylt fork in the fjord [New scan, September 2019]
The main fjord continues around to the right but we will be forking left to Hellesylt [New scan, September 2019]
The main fjord continues around to the right but we will be forking left to Hellesylt [New scan, September 2019]
A final view back to Geirangerfjord as we approach Hellesylt [New scan, September 2019]
A final view back to Geirangerfjord as we approach Hellesylt [New scan, September 2019]
Approaching Hellesylt, the end of our cruise [New scan, September 2019]
Approaching Hellesylt, the end of our cruise [New scan, September 2019]
Approximate map of today's route [Added September 2019]
Friday 25 August 1989
Evening ride (Buckfastleigh): Staverton
Dry
13 Participants: Nathan Arecco, Richard Burge, Andrew Caunter, Gary Duquemin, Martin Hills, Toby Hopper, Luke Kudliskis, Chris Platt, David Platt, Dave Platt Snr, Martin Rushworth, Andrew Simmons, John Stuart
Staverton was chosen as the evening's destination. Thus the route involved Colston Road, a short sprint along the main Totnes road and then down to Staverton Bridge. The group went along the Riverside path, with a return route via Bumpston Cross and the steep Caddaford hill.
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