Classic Fjords of Norway

Question 1

Where does the tour start and end?

Answer

The tour starts in Voss and ends in Ålesund.

Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday and both the arrival transfer from Bergen Flesland airport (BGO) and return transfer to Aalesund Vigra airport (AES) will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule.

We will provide you with details of suitable flight/arrival/departure schedules as flight timetables become available.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee the trip and to ensure your arrangements fit with the scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Question 2

How long is the tour? How many days cycling?

Answer

The tour is 9 days long with 7 days of cycling.

Question 3

What's the tour like?

Answer

You’ll mainly be riding on rural roads with low levels of traffic, featuring everything from gently rolling hills to significant mountain ascents. Generally speaking, the route is moderately challenging with enjoyable and manageable climbs featuring most days. Road surfaces are very good however, as is the case in all mountainous regions, winter weather can take a toll and there are occasional sections of rough tarmac and surfaces. The entire route is however suitable for standard road bikes fitted with 700×25C tyres.

Gradients on climbs are generally moderate, manageable and enjoyable. There are however occasions when the gradients increase and the climbs become more challenging. These steeper climbs are relatively short and are therefore still achievable by most enthusiastic road cyclists.

- 45-60 miles / 70-95 kms per day

- For riders with experience, good fitness & a decent level of skill

- Some features that may be experienced more frequently in a higher grade tour

- Most days include a couple of significant climbs

- Some long days & some steep to very steep sections

- Not for beginners

Is this suitable for you?

You’re definitely not a novice rider, you’re fit, you ride regularly at weekends, sometimes staying on the bike for much of the day, you love your bike! You also enjoy a challenge and if you haven’t already done so you’re keen to attempt a semi-serious to serious mountain pass or two. You’re as comfortable with the prospect of descending from the top of a col as you are with the idea of climbing it and you’re confident that you have the skills to do so safely. You’re not necessarily a “racer” but you can crank up the pace a little when it’s necessary and you don’t mind forgoing a coffee stop if the schedule demands it occasionally. You probably own and use clipless pedals. You have good control of your bike and can take a drink from a water bottle without having to unclip and put your feet on the ground. Whilst you find a full day in the saddle fulfilling you’re not obsessed and as much as you are looking forward to the riding on your holiday, you’re also looking forward to a little local culture and cuisine.

Question 4

Can I find out more about the bikes and equipment?

Answer

If renting a bike this will typically be a carbon framed road bike from FARA Bikes based in Oslo (www.faracycling.com), equipped with a Shimano Ultegra groupset. Excellent bikes with high-quality components including hydraulic disc brakes and low gearing appropriate for the terrain (11 speed, 50/34, 11/32).

Rental bikes will be provided complete with water bottle cages, a seat post bag and a small pump. A helmet can also be provided which, if required, should be requested at time of booking.

Please note that your bike will come with flat pedals as standard, so please do bring your own with you if you ride with clip-in pedals.