Nordsjørittet 2014

On Saturday 14th June, I participated in Nordsjørittet, this time for the 5th time. Nordsjørittet is a 90km cycle race on both tarmac, gravel and on a muddy field. It goes from Egersund to Sandnes along beaches and through tiny towns. The scenery is lovely, and you really get close to nature in all possible ways. This is the 3rd time I started with TV-Aksjonen, which is a annual fund raiser for various cases each year. I feel it´s extra special to know that all of my start fee goes without any cuts to the case. I will definitely do the same next year :)

This particular Saturday the weather was fantastic, bright sun, clear blue sky and almost no wind at all – this rarely happens here on the west coast, so it’s something to put into the history books ;)

The day started way to early with a bus ride to Egersund together with the “early starters”. It’s so nice to feel the excitement in the air, especially when all elements tell us this will be a perfect day. When arriving in Egersund we were met with thousands of super-ready excited riders, eating and drinking to fuel up, all dressed up in sponsored clothes, it’s very colourful and special :) 

I started in seeding group 14 with start date 9:10am, in total there are over 30 groups! So as you can imagine this is a huge race :D

The race started and off we went, I had as mentioned earlier a goal to finish below 4 hours… did I make it? No… but I did set a new personal record :) I finished at 4:02:12, and are very happy with that. Of course I tried my absolutely best to meet my goal, but I am just not good enough yet. I know my weak points, and where to focus until next year. First, I need a new bike with better suspension and tires. Second I need LOADS of more training on loose gravel and stony, muddy hills. I am just too cautious… I know I can improve my time a lot by being more confident there. Last I need more cycle training in general; it’s just not good enough to start after Easter :) From now and until next year I’ll try to cycle at least a few times every week, to become super strong for next year’s Nordsjøritt :) :)

Come join me!! :)

Summertime and training

View towards Stavanger from Lifjellet

The past two weeks have been lovely here in Stavanger, superb warm sunny weather, and longer and longer days. My focus these days are cycling, to be ready to Nordsjørittet (90km) the 14th June... my goal is less than 4 hours, so I pray for southern wind, and not to warm weather. I´ve been cycling to and from work most days, and have had two longer trips on 46 and 53km. I feel ready, just hope I can hold back in the start to keep some energy to the last half ;)

In addition to all the cycling I´ve been walking in the nearby mountains, and paddled both on an old windsurfing board and in a canoe. 

It´s only one month to Macchu Picchu - hipp hurray! Can´t wait to get going :)

Hope you´re having a lovely time you too :)