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The beginning is there, I have now covered 2500km. Almost 10% of the total roughly✌️

Also climbed 20,000 meters, most of which in Norway.

When you set that against what I practiced in the Netherlands, it's enormous. In the Netherlands, I went cycling 50km once every two weeks. That was sweating hahaha 😅

The biggest improvement in condition took place in the first 10 days of cycling in Norway.
I still remember how tough I found the first steep climb of 30 meters. That was mostly walking.

The title sums up the day well.

Turbulent day today. Lots of rain.
Last 30km was a headwind of force 7.
Last 10km even more.

There were moments when I couldn't move forward in first gear. Strangely enough, I usually had little trouble with that headwind and rain. The surroundings were as rugged as the ride itself, it was not boring.
Fortunately, there were also plenty of tunnels, which are windless and thus a pleasant change.

I was highly motivated to get away from the Lofoten and the weather here. That certainly helped.

I'm now on the island Leknes of the Lofoten.

Yesterday it rained all day and night. With a harsh wind as well. Late in the morning it stopped and I went cycling.
For safety and comfort, I got a better raincoat. One where you can fully close the hood. Definitely handy. The old one was much too small.

I had a nice ride and didn't suffer much from my legs, as long as you take it easy. That's certainly a blessing in disguise.
Now on a new island and it looks rugged. Set up tent right next to a Fjord.

You have a nice plan. Climb two mountain peaks and then head to Devils Gate. That's quite a way towards the third peak already.

The Devils Gate didn't skip me. More on that later...

Had an epic journey today. Biked 102km.
The journey started at Blijk on the island of Andoya.
Most of it is fairly flat, with the occasional climb.
And mostly a tailwind.

The bike ride was a gift, you don't get them like this often.
Kept a good pace, and when a climb occasionally came, I powered through without downshifting too much.
If there are continuous climbs, it doesn't work, and you slowly go up in first or second gear.

I also paid attention to my technique today and kept the cadence above 80. Much better, mainly for your knees.

In photography, one speaks of a Golden hour.
When the sun is low and provides beautiful lighting.

Here, it is better to speak of a Golden night, because the sun stays like this all night.

It's nice to go out with the camera then.

Today is extra special. It is actually the very last golden night of 2025. From tomorrow, the sun will set completely again.

Actually, it's not normal but still nice.

I'm lying here on the beach above the Arctic Circle, it's close to 30 degrees. Plenty of sun and people are lying here on the beach sunbathing. So am I. 
The sea water, on the other hand, has a temperature that matches the location.

Today I mainly spent time moving from one island to another. It was a long ferry crossing. On the island of Senja, there was a small climb and a tunnel.

The new island is pleasing. In the middle, you have mountains and around them, it is flat.
There are large beaches.

Early in the morning everything is gray, it's chilly and it's raining a little. You wonder: why am I here?
You don't know yet that it's likely going to be the most beautiful day so far.

Got up early in the morning. I had to wait a few hours for the ferry.
Once arrived on the island Senja, it quickly becomes clear what a special island this is. The mountains here pretty much rise straight up. The waterfalls are hundreds of meters high. Moreover, it's very quiet on the island. Nature is much more present.

Back to start.
Today took the ferry from Honningsvag (North Cape) to Tromso.

From there I will cycle south towards, among other places, the Lofoten Islands.

It goes from one extreme to the other.
From simple meals and sleeping in a small tent to a three-course dinner, a cabin, and a luxury ship.

I spoke to Canadians here. They stay on the ship for the entire vacation. Sometimes they get off for an hour. That's possible too. The ship sails along the entire Norwegian coast.

Climbing 750 meters late at night (steep climbs, not normal ones) and there I am, at the North Cape! At midnight.

To this first goal: 635km and 5930 meters climbed.

The North Cape is a place where things end but where the endless sea also provides space and time.
It allows me to say goodbye to my grandmother who has been gone for a week. Space to say goodbye to a way of life that doesn't bring happiness, space to say goodbye to certain aspects of myself and ample space to say hello to a new grand adventure that will start here, at the North Cape.