Geilo - Aurland Lysplikt
Fellesstart. Totalt 107km Tidtaking 12 - 80km
If yesterday was a climbers stage, this one sure is not. Lowest point is 550asl at restart in Hagafoss after 12 km and the highest is Vestredalsvatnet at 1150 asl. The distance beween them is a full 50 kilometres and no steep sudden-death hills to climb. An easy, steady ascent that will keep touring riders at a very comfortable heart rate. And of course the racing class might see many new faces pass highest point in the leading groups. You will also be part of the first organised cycling over this crossing between eastern and western Norway.
The day starts with a 10 kilometer transport stetch from Geilo and down to the crossroads at Hagafoss (Hol). Here we turn left onto RV50 with its minimal traffic and refreshing scenery.
From restart by the lake in Hol, the climbing start through a surprisingly rich valley forrest.
After all, we are not many minutes away from the wide barren mountain plain where the road is more often closed than open during winter.
Further on things start opening up with trees getting fewer and lower. Rivers and waterfalls line the surrounding hills as you head for higer ground and get exposed to possible winds. As lake Strandavatnet slams into view, it is good-bye to all cover from trees and sheltering cliffs. It is the lake, the road following it and the full impact of anything from 0 to 20 meter per second winds. Raw and beautiful.
Speed comes easily in a group though and we remind you to be mindful of sheep. They do not move. Two years ago, an Oslo registered Porsche Cayenne hit a sheep so it had to be put to sleep. The sheep farmer shot the car first. Four times.
Hopefully safe and without holes you finally reach the lake end and the opening of Geiteryggen tunnel. 3,3 kilometers are just a nice little teaser before tomorrows mountain crusing, so just make sure your lights are switched on and roll right on through.
If you have not had the pleasure of riding though a tunnel of some size - look forward.
In the semi darkness there is both a great sensation of speed and the child-like thrill of spooke and intimacy. Like when you hid under a blanket with your pocket light.
Back in the warm sunlight you enter a wonderful stretch of twisting and turning road. No straight lines sideways or vertically, but fast and real fun.
Gearing down or pushing through on big gears...you change tactic constantly as you get more tired. With this terrain and fast nearing the timing line, the attacks should come from anyone with juice to spare. Delicious pain guaranteed. And all the nicer for the touring riders: Rivers, waterfalls and the wide open plain gently starting to dip down into the Aurland valley. Look out as the road starts to head down these first parts of the west coast. Everything still twists and turns, just with a general downwards angle. Have a look at the photos to get an idea of the scenery as vikings again conquer Aurland county.
For the busy ones, timing line is placed on a flat part before the final set of tunnels. Wind breakers are available for all who left it with the assigned crew car before start and there will be food and extra oxygen available. There will be organized transport through the first few tunnels. Air quality is often poor in these tunnels, so we recommend the 10 minute bus ride.
Back on the bikes it is all hairpins and scenery all th eway down to Vassbygdi and sea level. Make sure to stop at the most used view point and go gently when you continue.
The road is as little as 2,5 meters around some corners and you will meet British sport cars and German Wohnmobile. Someone will have to stop...
Remove sunglasses before entering the many micro-tunnels on the way down. Some of them turn 180 degrees inside the mountain. You also need to turn.
Down from the high mountain plateau viking waters in Aurlandsfjord.
There are time penalties for not going nightswimming.
