Today was a long day. Rainy and chilly.
90km cycled and did the North Cape tunnel.
The last bit was really too much, just kept going and very steep uphill. That turned into bike pushing.

See video of the announcement and going through the tunnel.

After that came an even longer tunnel which luckily wasn't so steep but was chilly.

I can appreciate the tunnels. Really another level. I do not appreciate the quickly passing cars.

It actually started last night. I didn't know it would be four degrees with a lot of wind. Sleeping with only thermal underwear is way too little in that case. Due to the cold night, I also started late today.
I also didn't take into account in my preparation that it would get so cold. I think it's quite unusual.

The beginning went well. With two big climbs. You really notice that you're making progress when you do this for a while.

Yesterday had a pleasant evening with Bart and Carola. They are cycling in the opposite direction, having started in Finland and already visited the North Cape. Nice to have met them!

Today I cycled halfway toward Alta. Another stretch like that tomorrow.

The only supermarket was closed, so until Alta, I will only eat crispbread and dry bread.

If there were a heaven for cyclists, it would be here! Bizarrely beautiful. Perfect cycling weather.

What a good day! Yesterday I lightened the luggage a bit, and today I immediately completed the first stage of 92 km and climbed 682 meters. I really didn't expect the first stage to go so well!

I really pushed my limits but do expect to be able to cycle again tomorrow.
Really happy that the climbing is going so well, of course, it's tough but I enjoyed it today.

In the fjord, I saw puffins. Just like a kind of mini penguins.

Did grocery shopping today.
It's so expensive here. 3.50 for a head of lettuce. 7 euros for 250 grams of coffee. Well, now three days of crispbread with mackerel and tomato sauce for lunch. Delicious!

Then cycled to the other side of the fjord and to the city center. Lots of climbing and the bridges are very steep. A steep climb to about 40 meters high so that all boats can pass underneath.

A total of 400 meters of climbing to just see how it goes and I find the bike really too heavy. Tomorrow a package will go to the Netherlands to lighten the load.

Landed in Tromso!

When you fly over Norway, you wonder why you haven't been here before. From the air, it's already impressive with all that snow and fjords.

At the airport, I assembled the bike, and that was quite fun because I was clearly not the only one unpacking a bike box.

Then I cycled along the water and stocked up on water and milk at the first supermarket. I was very thirsty, so it was gone immediately.

You're not quite sure what to wear here. You quickly need a sweater, but a T-shirt suffices for cycling.

Arriving this Sunday, in two days, I will reach Tromso.

After a good night's sleep there and purchasing things like groceries, toilet paper, and toothpaste, my cycling trip will begin.

So I expect to be on the bike on Monday, which will start off immediately with a climb.

The weather forecast is very good.

Monday will be 19 degrees with sunshine in the afternoon.

I have decided not to go to the North Cape. I'm heading south from Tromsø towards Lofoten. This is because the route to the North Cape is too difficult and is for very experienced cyclists. Tromsø is therefore the northernmost point of my route.

First I tried to stay within 15 kg of luggage. Soon it became clear that 20kg's seems to be a more realistic target.

All items are sorted out with to goal to stay as lightweight as possible.
However, I do  take a lot of camera equipment, a full-frame DSLR with extra lenses, action cams and a drone.

I noticed that tripods are very heavy and there is not a light weight option if you want to add some reach.
So I made a tripod by myself, it has a max height of 135cm and the weight is only 250 grams.

What is the plan?

There isn't much of a plan like a route and stick to it and plans can change in detail but I have a wish to cycle in Africa. Since cycling south, starting from the Netherlands in summer seems to be very hot, I will start in Tromso, in the far north of Norway.

The route is made all the way to west Africa but I am sure I will change it in detail over and over again.

Firat I will Cycle to the Noordkaap and then heading south.

I am mentally ready for it but many aspects are new for me.