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Just done brilliant Sportiv in Arctic Circle

I would completely recommend the Lofotoen Insomnia Race in northern Norway that I just did. We started the 235km at 1 in the morning and cycled through as the sun doesn't set. Only 5 foreigners did the race. Brilliant people and I can't imagine that there is a more beautiful race anywhere.
If you wanted a trip for next year I'd be happy to give you as much info as I have
http://www.lofoteninsomnia.no/index.php/english/

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

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snappyandrew | 10 years ago
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it took me 9hrs 30 but I was taking it easy with a friend. The course is a little bumpy. There is about 2500m of climbing, with a a 7km tunnel and a cat 4 climb at the end. It was by far my biggest ride but I didn't find it as hard as I'd feared.

The link to enter next year has just been sent to me.
https://www.deltager.no/insomnia2014

Get back to me if you have any questions

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ashfanman | 10 years ago
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Wow. That looks absolutely stunning.

How long did it take you to complete the 235km? What's the course like - much serious climbing?

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snappyandrew | 10 years ago
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it was great weather about 13 when we started and 17 when finished. light base, jersey and a rain jacket for a bit of warmth that was removed half way through. Because of the gulf stream it's quite warm. Imagine Western Isles of Scotland

The water when I jumped off the quay when finished was refreshing and I now have feeling back in my bits.

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Jaltham | 10 years ago
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That sounds amazing! What kind of temperature was it? And what clothing did it require?

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snappyandrew | 10 years ago
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Thought it might interest a few people. Norway is not cheap but there are ways to do it that make it just about affordable. I would budget for £500.
The way I would do it would be to fly to a place called Bodo. This involves changing at Oslo. From there you can get the ferry across on the afternoon of the race. This is meant to be amazing and you arrive very near the start. There's a sports hall that you can use to relax and get ready for the race. All your stuff will be taken to the end of the race by the organisers
The race is in a straight line and ends in Lodigen. There is a small cheap-ish (i think less than 100 for room for 2) hotel there that you can crash at. There is a party that night that I really enjoyed and then catch the bus to Hasted/Norvik Airport and home.
Flights cost me £250 with Norwegian Air.
The race itself is quite small but the fantastic organisers want to grow it. They were incredibly helpful to us and I'm sure would be to any other riders coming from abroad.
The place is beautiful and you might want to stay a bit longer. It's very far north. To give you some idea if you were travel the same distance south you'd be somewhere like Casablanca.
happy to answer any other questions

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Mat Brett | 10 years ago
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Wow! I would love to do that. Can you give us info on costs, how long you were away and so on, please?

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farrell | 10 years ago
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Shit the bed yes!

This looks quality.

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wjputt | 10 years ago
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This sounds great. Wasn't it a bit pricey getting and staying there?

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