(Picture of the Bergen Waterfront)
(Picture of the Group at the start of Day 1)
(Picture of a fjord - can't remember which one!)
We spent the first day in Bergen, visiting the fish market and a few museums to brush up on our Norwegian culture. Cycling started yesterday, in the pouring rain with temps in the 40s. It was an awesome day, despite being soaked through and having to use the hotel hair dryer on my shoes and booties this morning. Today was the longest of the days (about 68 mi I think) but the last 10k was a 10% "wee-cheeky" climb to our hotel. Apparently the course record for the climb was 1 hr 3 min by some American lady last year in her 50s. I was the first to the top (cause I had a head start) and finished in 1 hr 9 min. It was brutal. James, an Englishman came along shortly after, but it only took him 59 min to reach the top. He now holds the record.
The group consists of 10 riders and 2 fabulous guides. 5 riders are from the U.S., 3 are from London or thereabouts, 1 from Ireland, and 1 from New Zealand. The Kiwi has been keeping us laughing hysterically throughout the trip. Other than Turbo, Diego, and I - no one knew each other before the trip, yet we're all getting along great.
(A beautiful rainbow!)
The scenary has been absolutely spectacular. The fjords are amazing. You can still see the glaciers, though they have retreated in recent years due to global warming. There is fresh snow still falling on the top of the fjords as we cycle in the valley's below. I don't care what the calendar says, it is winter here. I didn't bring nearly enough winter clothes and have been wearing every layer I brought. Apparently the forecast for where we end tomorrow is a high of freezing with snow showers. Lovely! :-) Seriously though, it doesn't matter because we're having a great time and everything has just been amazing. Only 3 more cycling days to go, total bummer.
