Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 19
Lightbulb UK to Nordkapp via the fjords

hi all,

i'm planning on riding up to Nordkapp (the northern most point in mainland europe) in late july. If anyone fancies riding up with me drop me a line. Should take about 3-3.5 weeks of leisurely riding.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 206
I did this in Feb '07 and it was amazing!

Enjoy it!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Indoors's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 102
Went up there last year - had a fantastic time - you'll love it.

Went solo BTW so if no-one replies, don't let it put you off.

Pics are here if you want something to whet your appetite.

Flickr: Triumph trips' Photostream

Cheers,

Indoors.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Immingham, England
Posts: 24
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indoors View Post
Went up there last year - had a fantastic time - you'll love it.

Went solo BTW so if no-one replies, don't let it put you off.

Pics are here if you want something to whet your appetite.

Flickr: Triumph trips' Photostream

Cheers,

Indoors.
This trip is certainly on our must do list.
Cracking fotos Indoors.

Those bars on the Bonnie look a bit high and wide. I really like them.
They're not standard are they?
__________________
My mind to me a kingdom is.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Did this in 2000. It's fantastic.

If no one else has suggested it, think about new tyres. Roads designed to take months under the snow cause more wear than the UK variety. Don't ask how I know , lets just say there is a very nice BMW dealer in Trondheim.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Mar 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Did this in 2000. It's fantastic.
lets just say there is a very nice BMW dealer in Trondheim.
Andy
Funny, I know that very BMW dealer! They tried to convince me of the inferiority of my KLR to the 1200GS they had on the floor....but gave me reasonably prompt service before sending me on my way north last September.

FWIW, I found parts readily available on overnight delivery from Oslo at about twice to three times the price in the USA. This fact alone would recommend getting well ahead of the curve on maintenance before entering Norway. I was told that tires and other such are best purchased in Germany, and that many Norwegian and Swedish bikers make regular buying trips there.

The journey itself is as spectacular as advertised. Don't miss the Lofoten Islands, and don't assume lots of high-mileage days: speed limits are low, and fines are reportedly draconian. OTOH, Norwegians seem quite content to toodle along at precisely the speed limit for hundreds of kilometers without making any attempts to speed up or overtake. This tends to bunch them up, allowing easy passing once you conquer your fear of radar traps.

I would add just one caution: the caribou/reindeer herds in the north are the precise color of tundra rocks and sea fog. If the fog rolls in, dress warmly and find some sort of car or truck to follow.

Safe journeys,

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Mar 2009
Indoors's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Leicester, UK
Posts: 102
Thanks for the kind comment about the pics, roxxo. It was a hassle to stop sometimes and get the camera out but I'm glad I did.

The Bonnie bars are standard as far as I know, it's quite a comfortable riding position but I wouldn't necessarily recommend the screen or rack and panniers frames I fitted.

TWB's comment about tyres is useful, the tread on my back tyre was pretty low by the time I got home and rutted Norwegian back roads broke the rack and pannier frames (the bungees weren't just for show then).

I wouldn't worry too much about spares, etc., Norway isn't the back of beyond. I kept an eye on the Scottoiler, less of an eye on the oil consumption and only pumped up the tyres once (but I did have an RAC card in my wallet just in case).

Indoors.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 1
Hi, I did this trip 2008. Two up with my 14 year old daughter. Its a brilliant trip. it took us 17 days total up and down. Hope your aware theres no direct ferries now from UK which will add a couple of days riding on.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Essex,UK
Posts: 13
Nige what did it roughly cost you to do this trip ?

Been thinking about it for a while now but never really got round to planning it. Any advice & pointers will be welcomed
__________________
http://stevetongue.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 May 2009
beaming buddha's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dublin Ireland
Posts: 24
greetings markharf,
I think we met on the ferry from bodo to moskenes in the lofoten islands last september
certainly the islands were the highlight for me together with the fantastic weather. I based myself in henningsvaer in a fishermans hut. then moved up the coast to the nordkapp.your right about the reindeer and elk who sometimes have a fondness for parking themselves in the tunnels so keep a watch out guys but like some of the other members say its a great trip to do and camping should certainly be an option in july as the short summer gets the most visitors
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 May 2009
apapadop's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
Hi, we all seem to be off-topic here so I'll just add my 2p.

I did this trip last summer and it was the best I've done so far. 20 days, 11,000 KM. I went on my own but met a friendly Italian on a Triumph along the way (on the boat from Bodo to Lofoten) and we rode together till Nordkapp.

I second the comment about the tyres, mine were almost trapezoid but the time I got back.

For the route and some other pictures check out the report at http://www.moto.gr/forums/showthread.php?threadid=66663 - the writeup is in Greek but the map etc should give you a rough idea of what I did.

Servicing/workshops in Norway were even more expensive than London... I had to change oil and get a replacement indicator (managed to drop the bike and break one of 'em) in Bergen and I had a very rough time convincing myself that I wasn't being taken for a ride.

Extremely kind/helpful people, when I needed help it was all there and for free.

The multiple mandatory ferry rides along the coast are excellent opportunities to meet people, so don't worry about going alone, you are bound to meet someone along the way.

If I may suggest a particularly wonderful piece of road that I think you will enjoy riding: The summer-only 520 (http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=59.80...12&l=0&m=h&v=1) from Novlefossen to Haugesund.

Have a great time & don't hesitate to ask anything about the trip!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 9
Option

Hey Max.

I will go from Denmark around July 20th up through Norway, going to Lofoten and then Nordkapp. I will go via Finland and Russia home. A friend of mine will ride with me to about Lofoten and then head home.
I don't have much of a plan about when to be where and hope to do a lot of camping and cooking. If possible, I will stay off main roads and mybe do a bit of off road when my buddy has left me. The tarmac seems to be bad for your tires so I dont see why I should ride it all the time. My bike is a 95 Transalp and I have previously done a smaller trip in the Italian alps. Try Ryansrejse.dk and click on "Billeder" I haven't got much text yet, but some of the pictures are pretty good.
if you want to contact me, write to ryan_tjelle@hotmail.com

Greetings
Ryan the Dane
__________________
Everything is Possible!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 May 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 19
thanks chaps, i've finally got my ferry booked and ordered a new small lightweight tent. can't wait to head out.

just need to sort out comms and we'll be ready to roll
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
did that trip in 07 mate, some of the best roads you will ever ride, especially through the mountains.
make sure you go to the fish market in Bergen, free samples=free breakfast
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 6 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Did this in 2000. It's fantastic.

If no one else has suggested it, think about new tyres. Roads designed to take months under the snow cause more wear than the UK variety. Don't ask how I know , lets just say there is a very nice BMW dealer in Trondheim.

Andy

a great piece of advice, shredded my back tyre miles from nowhere. KTM dealers a little harder to come by im afraid
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Norway/NordKapp Lost Highway Route Planning 7 24 May 2013 14:56
london to nordkapp pockey Travellers Seeking Travellers 39 8 Feb 2009 18:30
Kristiansand to Nordkapp garyfzs1000 Route Planning 15 2 Apr 2005 00:51
trip to the Nordkapp large person Route Planning 6 23 Oct 2003 23:25
Nordkapp Lost Highway Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 10 Jul 2002 20:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:57.