Looking for the ultimate biking adventure in northern Europe? Then we’ve come up with an absolute cracker!

This week offers the best off road riding in Norway in an area of spellbinding beauty, clean fresh air and awesome trails. Located roughly halfway between Oslo and Bergen and surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, lies the alpine ski resort of Hemsedal, which serves as the start point of this spectacular biking adventure.

Straight into the thick of it, our first challenge lies in the shape of the Reinskarvet pass, before the old road of “Fanitullvegen” leads into the beautiful surroundings of Geilo. From Geilo we are soon on the famous navvies road Rallarvegen that follows the train line over the mountains to Voss. Along the way we will see the stunning glacier of “Hardanger Jøkulen” and have the chance to ride with the famous “Flåm bane”.

Next follows a lovely section along the worlds most narrow fjord, “Nærøyfjorden” before returning to the mountains. Time to seek the mountain pass of Fillefjell, before taking a ferry to Bygdin, where we turn and start our return to Hemsedal.

The last day of riding is a real gem and leads us along “Eventyrvegen” (the Fairytail Road) back to Hemsedal. In time for a superb farewell dinner, and celebratory drinks in the beautiful Norwegian mountains.

If you require any further information call:                           +47 9321 4596 (Norway) or Skedaddle: 0191 2651110 / 07785 973754 (England)

For information by e-mail send your request to:                    info@activenorway.no

You may also contact Skedaddle by e-mail on:                   info@skedaddle.co.uk

DEPARTURES

NMB06/01                    15-Jul-06     to  22-Jul-06                 £1045

NMB06/02                    12-Aug-06   to  19-Aug-06               £1045

NMB07/01                    14-Jul-07     to  21-Jul-07                 £1045*

NMB07/02                    11-Aug-07   to  18-Aug-07               £1045*

*Prices to be confirmed December 2006

Flight Cost: £150 (approx.)     Bike Hire: £120     Insurance: £35     Grade: 4

ITINERARY

Day One -  Saturday - Hemsedal

Arrive at Oslo Airport, following international flights connections. (Confirmation of the flight times from the UK will be given upon booking). Once you have collected your baggage and/or bikes you will be met by one of the Skedaddle guides, who will transport you to Hemsedal. Although a relatevily long drive (around  3 to 4 hours) it will take us through some of Norways most beautiful forests before we wind our way up to Hemsedal, where we spend our first and last nights of the trip. Once checked-in we spend time sizing up bikes for those who are hiring or for those who have brought their own we will assist in re-assembling them. Hemsedal is famous for its skiing in the winter and biking in the summer. Don't forget that we have almost 24 hours of light at this time of the year and with lots of trails around in the valley, we are able to go for a ride in the immediate area. Our accommodation is on a twin share basis in the apartments adjaecent to the hotel, with evening meal taken at the hotel itself. (D)

Day 2 - Sunday - Hemsedal to Geilo (approx 90 km)  - Support vehicle for last 7km only.

This is when the real riding starts! Initially, we will either ride from the hotel and start with a nice climb on the side of the ski hill or we can ride from the hotel to the chairlift and get a ride half way up the mountain....though it would be sneaky to start 'cheating' at this early stage!! When we finally reach the top we will pass the lakes of Flævatnet and Gyrinossvatnet. Although they have two names, it is infact one lake after the construction of the dam. Onwards now to Fanitullvegen where we have lots of beautiful mountain riding before a superb ride down to Vats. 'What goes down must go up' so once we have decended there is another tough yet 'cheeky, climb to follow. From the top there is another great descent back to the main road below, from where we will meet our support vehicle for the last 7kms of the day as we head to Geilo, and our hotel accommodation. Dinner at own choice in Geilo. (B, L)

Day 3 - Monday - Geilo to Voss (approx. 85 km) - Support vehicle for first 20 km only. Train or optional 45km ride to Voss.

We continue along the main road for the first 20 km, until we reach Haugastol, where we say goodbye to the support vehicle and head out on the famous “Rallarvegen” / Navvies Road. This road was made in order to construct the railway between Oslo and Bergen and now is traffic free (apart from a few bikers!!). Skirting the railway it is the perfect way to see this stunning area of Norway. Our highest point along the way is Finse (1222 metres ) and makes for the perfect place for our lunch break. Suitably re-energised we continue to Myrdal where the train will take us to our final destination of the day, Voss. You may however wish to bike the final 45 kms if you still have the energy!! Voss is Norway’s outdoor capital and a great place to spend the evening, after what will have been a wonderful days riding. Hotel accommodation in Voss and dinner of own choice in Voss. (B, L)

Day 4 - Tuesday - Voss to Lærdal + ferry (approx 50 km)  - Support Vehicle throughout
Following breakfast we leave Voss and after a series of quiet back roads we reach Vinje and before heading to the famed Stalheim Pass whose 13 hairpin bends and thrilling 1 in 5 descent await you.  This is a speedy descent, but make sure you take time to savour the steep mountainsides and rushing waterfalls before reaching salt water a short time later. Boarding the ferry at Gudvangen, you get to glimpse the peaks 1800 metres above from the waters of the narrow Nærøy Fjord before crossing the broad expanse of the Sogne fjord, the world’s longest and deepest (Ferry journey is 3hrs). Once at Kaupanger we continue along the edge of the Sogne Fjord ( this time by bike ! ) to Lærdal and our hotel. Hotel accommodation in Lærdal and dinner of own choice in Lærdal. (B, L)

Day 5 - Wed. - Lærdal to Beitostølen. (approx. 116 km) Support vehicle for 80km approx.  

The longest day of them all and a really good one to boot! Leaving Lærdal and although on asphalt the views on this section are superb, as we ride beside the Lærdal River. Salmon fishing is a popular sport during the summer months here, so keep an eye out for jumping salmon and fishermen beside ( if not in! ) the river! At Borgund we can take out time to visit the stave church and take a short break in preparation for the road climb up to Fillefjell. This is a classic climb and will test the legs on this day five of the trip, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Once more back on the gravel roads we head off to Eidsbugarden. From here we will catch the ferry across to Bygdin before we ride over Valdresfloya and then to Beitostolen. Hotel accommodation in Beitostolen and dinner of own choice in Beitostolen. (B, L)

Day 6 - Thursday - Beitostølen to Fagernes. (approx. 38 km)

Today is an easy day, on a combination of gravel tracks and asphalt roads as the ride is mainly downhill for most of the day. Accommodation in Fagernes and dinner at own choice in Fagernes. (B, L)

Day 7 - Friday - Fagernes to Hemsedal (approx. 95 km) Support vehicle for 40km approx.

This last day of riding and it is an absolute beauty! Following yet another hearty Norwegian breakfast we start the day with a 'cheeky' Skedaddle climb (on road) before leaving the support vehicle behind, to ride “Eventyrvegen” - the fairytale road. Superb views throughout on this roller-coaster of a gravel road that will take us towards Lykkja and then back to Hemsedal where the trip started from. Celebratory drinks all round are surely the order of the day as we enjoy a final Norwegian feast at the hotel. Our accommodation is on a twin share basis in the apartments adjaecent to the hotel, with evening meal taken at the hotel itself. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Saturday - Hemsedal to Oslo Airport -  (3-4 hour transfer)

Following breakfast we board the support vehicle for the return trip to Oslo airport and onward flight connections. (B)


GENERAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND SECURITY

As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an Association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, Saddle Skedaddle Limited has provided a Bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992 in respect of non-flight inclusive packages only. This Bond provides security for money paid over by customers and for the repatriation of customers in the event of Saddle Skedaddle Limited’s insolvency. Note: Repatriation will only be provided if the travel component of your trip was paid to us.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Estimated flight costs are provided for this holiday. These are purely for your information and are meant to provide only a guide of what you could expect to pay for flights. Although flights do not form part of our packages we can provide you with advice on relevant flights and travel arrangements that tie into our holidays. Please contact us for details of these.You will then need to book flights directly with the actual airlines / agents who will send you the appropriate confirmation and tickets for those flights.

WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES

A) All accommodation during the trip (twin share).
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Evening Meal)
C) Full tour service including guides & support vehicle.
D) Unless stated at least one Tour Leader qualified in First Aid.
E) All ferry costs during the trip (as per itinerary).
F) Train from from Mrydal to Voss (Day 3).
G) Transfers from Oslo to Hemsedal (Day 1).
H ) Transfer from Hemsedal to Oslo (Day 8).

WHAT THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

A) Personal clothing and equipment.
B) Travel to & from Norway.
C) Alcoholic drinks.
D) Some meals ( see itinerary )
E) Entrance fees to historical sites, museums, churches and exhibitions etc.
F) Travel insurance.
G) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
H) Bike hire (if applicable).

VEHICLE SUPPORT

We have the security of our support vehicle at certain times during the trip. Here there will be some capacity for tired bikers. Apart from your emergency tool kit you will NOT be required to take any extra equipment to that you would take on a normal day ride.

INSURANCE

It is a condition of our trip that you are covered by a medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes repatriation to your home country and cover for the biking activity. We recommend the ‘Skedaddle Policy’ for those commencing their journey from the UK, which may be booked through Saddle Skedaddle (see booking form).

EQUIPMENT

We provide everything except a bike (although we are able to hire these, see booking form for details), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike it must be a mountain bike possessing a minimum of 21 gears witha minimum of front suspension

Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable. During the holiday you will be using your bike each day and it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded your local bicycle dealer should undertake this service. We will of course be taking a full tool kit and a selection of spares, which we will provide should the need arise. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the Information Pack sent with your booking confirmation.

TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER

Temperatures at this latitude of Norway are changeable even in the spring / summer months.  The region also receives rain, which hopefully falls outside the timing of the trip, but please however pack accordingly.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

A full ten-year passport is required for visiting Norway. If this is not currently held it is your responsibility to obtain this in good time.

STAFF

All trips have at least one bike guide/mechanic, UK or locally-based with support staff where appropriate

PERSONAL SPENDING MONEY

Since our holidays include the accommodation and the majority of all food, we suggest that approximately £150/US$225 in cash in Norwegian Krøner should prove sufficient. In reality this will be for those evening meals not provided by the accommodation.

Any additional personal expenditure for such things as souvenirs depends very much on the individual. Cashpoint Cards & Credit Cards such as Visa & MasterCard are accepted in Oslo and the larger places we will visit during the trip, for buying goods, paying for food as well as for drawing cash.

FLIGHTS

For this particular Skedaddle Active Norway trip the airport you will need to fly into is Oslo, from where we offer a free collection service on Day 1 of the trip and return here on Day 8 of the trip.

The most cost affective airline serving Oslo from the UK is Norwegian Air Shuttle www.norwegian.no who fly regularly from London Stansted. Other options include SAS and British Airways.

NB. DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS FOR THIS TRIP WITHOUT PRIOR CONSULATION WITH SKEDADDLE, 
OR ACTIVE NORWAY FOR NON-UK RESIDENTS

JOINING ABROAD AND EXTENDING YOUR HOLIDAY

It is possible join our tours abroad and if more convenient to arrive by ferry to Oslo. Such arrangements should be made by yourself and stated at the time of booking. Please contact us for details of this option.

BAGGAGE DETAILS

Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage other than your bike. This bag which should be preferably either a backpack / rucksack or ‘sports bag’ so as to assist in transportation, and one small daypack. The daypack may be useful for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing and snacks while cycling. This will also be useful as your ‘in flight’ bag for such items as cameras etc.

Please note that, the normal aeroplane hold allowance is around 20kgs and all excess baggage charges must be met by you. Check with your airline or us if you are in doubt of the allowance.

HOW TO BOOK

Before you book we recommend that you read carefully the general information, booking conditions and the itinerary. To book your place on this trip, please contact us to check the availability of places on the trip. Following confirmation of this, then send a fully completed booking form, with your deposit of £200 including details of everything you require; bike hire, dietary requirements etc, If you book less than eight weeks before departure full payment is then due on booking. You may also prefer to book on line at : www.skedaddle.co.uk

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payments can be made by cheque, credit or debit card or and bank transfer. NB. Although there is no additional charge for using debit cards, there will be an additional 1.5% charge if paying by credit card.

CONFIRMATION

On receipt of your booking form, you will be sent an acknowledgement of your booking along with a Saddle Skedaddle Information Pack, containing information about your holiday, suggested reading, and also general information about this area of Norway its history, people & climate.