The fjords of Norway are world-famous for being dramatic, awe-inspiring and mystical, yet relatively undiscovered for mountain biking. Until now. Beginning June 2017, mountain bikers can sail into the labyrinth of the fjords of Norway and be dropped off at remote jetties where they will unload their bikes, clip into the pedals and start the steep climb out of the fjord to the top of a wild mountain ridge. From here, overlooking glaciers, emerald lakes and cascading waterfalls, mountain bikers crest the edge and tackle the technical descent down the opposite side and back to the boat. This is the idea behind H+I Adventures’ newest mountain biking adventure and is a world-first in the mountain bike travel industry.
Into the Labyrinth is a mountain biking expedition like no other, where accommodations and transport is provided by a converted, ex-military Scandinavian minesweeper. The Gåssten is the perfect vessel for bringing riders closer to the rugged mountain trails of Norwegian fjords.
“We’re thrilled about this new adventure into the fjords. Using a boat to access the Norwegian backcountry to mountain bike direct from the fjords has never been done before, and we’re delighted to be the first to offer this kind of adventure,” said Euan Wilson, Owner of H+I Adventures.
Norway’s steep-sided fjords are not for the feint-hearted. Mountain bikers will ride, carry and push their bikes to the summit of 1,000m peaks and then navigate the downhill trails that will deliver them back to their waiting minesweeper. With a maximum group size of eight, riders on this world-first adventure will quickly begin to work as a close-knit team, both on the trail and on the boat.
“This is more than an adventure, it’s an expedition. Our expert local guides will look after you on the trails, and our crew aboard Gåssten will make sure that all your efforts are well rewarded with delicious, home-made meals and a beer or two!” added Wilson.
Starting in Molde and finishing in Ålesund, the first of these new weeklong mountain biking expeditions in the fjords of Norway sets off June 24th to July 1st, 2017, with an additional four departures scheduled between July and October.