Day 18 - Geirangerfjord and heading South (still)

God dag!

Welcome to day 18 of my trip blog... Riding 6,000miles to the top of Europe for charity.

Today has been another incredible days riding. I awoke in the Weatern Fjords to yet another sunny day. After packing up my tent in what seemed like record time I hit the road bound for Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most famous sights and a Unesco World Heritage site. And it didn't disappoint!

It's fantastic that such an amazing place was on my route home. The road twisted and turned with more hairpin bends than I have toes!

I found great viewing platform at the top of the fjord and promptly parked up the bike as close to the edge as possible for a good photo opportunity. Just as I did a bus load (literally) of tourists turned and got agitated that I had parked in the middle if the platform. In a rare moment of annoyance, I told them if they had a problem I'd get my passport out and show them the British empire still ruled the world... Or so the look I gave them no doubt said :)

1. Geirangerfjord and the town were wonderful but the amount of tourists and tour buses on the small mountain roads made manoeuvring the bike hard work, especially in the hot temperature (27 degrees!!!)

   
   

   I then carried on South on the road to home. I stopped in the town of Lom for a spot of lunch (hot dog, chocolate, and some Pringles). Petrol stations are by far the cheapest option for lunch in Norway, especially after being quoted £18 for a burger in a local kaffiteria.

   
   

   Continuing South I took the 51 road which I had ridden two weeks ago over a stunning and snow topped mountain pass. 

   
   

   

   
   

   My aim for the day was to get to Oslo but with roadworks and traffic getting in my way I stopped for the day 50miles North.

   
   

   I managed to get my tent set up in time just before the heavens opened.  I can't complain about the weatherI've had which has been truely amazing. I think I might even be getting a sun tan on my face!

   
   

   I then made up the culinary delight that was my dinner. 5 day cured pork belly thinly sliced, cheese enfused  with herbs, layered on freshly baked brown rolls with a dash of midges/mosquito.... Ok ok I had cheese and ham sandwiches with cookies for dinner. After a long day the  thought of cooking and eating another pasta and tomato sauce was too much so I went for the simple option. But it was tasty and I washed it down with a bottle is solo (Norway's answer to fanta).

   
   

   And that was my day... Other than writing this blog in the toilet block so I can charge my phone of the shaving socket, it's been a pretty solid day... 

   
   

   Oh yeah and one of my tent poles snapped which will have to be fixed on tomorrow morning's take down. More to come on that.

   
   

   So tomorrow I head for Olso having done just short if 5,000 miles in 18 days. The bike certainly feels that way too and is not at all as fresh as when I pulled away from the lighthouse 2 and a half weeks ago. But with another 1,000 miles still to ride in the next 3 days I need her to be on top form to get me home! The biker also feels that way. I've decided that I need a good English cuppa, a plate of mince and tatties, and some Cadbury chocolate!

   
   

   Thanks for reading. Even though I'm on my way home now you can still donate to help support brain injured children and their families. Every penny (and pound) helps and goes straight to Cerebra (you won't be paying for my bottles if solo, haha) so your contributions will be greatly received. www.virginmoneygiving.com/arcticride2014

   
   

   Thanks and ride safe!

   
   

   Gordon