And in the end all was good

This week has had its ups and downs. While initially the rally seemed at risk and our touring plans for the region were ruined, things changed and it seemed like a fan could be ordered in time for the rally. This changed, however, when the promised fan actually was out of stock. Now what to do? Different solutions were tried, saving the damaged fan, buing one from the bike dump etc. In the end, when all seemed lost, there was a “donor”: the mechanic had a bike with the same fan that had only run 2000km. For the price of a new fan I could get this one. What a relief, finally everything was sorted. While waiting for the bike we filled our days with bicycling in the countryside and visiting museums in Karlstad.

Elks are better seen while not riding, where there is oat fields you can be sure to find them munching.
Elks are better seen while not riding, where there are oat fields you can be sure to find them munching.

Running the Versys has, for sure, been expensive this summer, with first the leaking front fork and now this. I hope to keep it for a while still and hopefully no more major things will happen in a while.

I love designated parking areas
I love designated parking areas

Anyway, I was happy to be able to take Christopher back to the airport on Friday. We set off already on Thursday afternoon, directly from the bike garage. This made it possible for us to do some touring on small roads and see some sights on our way. We stopped again in Värmskog for another shrimp sandwich, those are too good to pass on. Then further on to Glava and passing through the nature park. I don’t remember the GPS asking for allowance to take us on gravel roads, but on gravel we went. Steep and twisty, more adventurous than I would ever ask for. Riding two up, climbing those steep hills, I was very nervous, I knew that I would not get a second chance: if I stalled the engine or had to stop I would not be able to hold the bike with Christopher on the back. Fortunately, we didn’t meet any traffic on those narrow roads. A pity I didn’t feel confident to stop for photos. I found it too risky, holding the bike without solid ground under my feet while Christopher gets on and off is difficult.

Goodguys MC
Goodguys MC

We stayed the night in Goodguys MCs clubhouse. They have an awesome place in Årjäng, with dorm, pool table and lounge, bar and garage. They welcome bikers to stay the night for the small fee of 50 sek. We spent the evening in the bar just chilling and next day we went to a local café for a last fill of Swedish buns then off to the local sight. I remembered this troll from when I was a child, it did seem bigger back then, but I suppose it was due to me being smaller ?

Posing with the Troll
Posing with the Troll

After a few kilometres we crossed into Norway and left E 18 for smaller roads. The weather was hot and the views were stunning. I was pleased the last two days turned out well after all the lost opportunities to tour the previous days. Sunne, Mårbacka and Tossebergsklätten have to wait for next time but at least we got Glava and Rudskogen. We stopped for lunch in a roadside café, Rich’s bar in Borgen, Ostfold. According to pictures in the restaurant it had been in the same location for a very long time, starting off with selling hot chocolate and hot dogs. Now they are known for the best potato mash in the world.

Norway at its best
Norway at its best
Christopher enjoying local food, "pölse og steppe"
Christopher enjoying local food, “pölse og steppe”

Too soon we arrived at the airport, we had coffee and spent the time remaining by the bike. Christopher’s flight was delayed, fortunately it was only caused by lack of staff at Ryanair and nothing to do with the terror threat that Norway received.

Getting changed and having coffee by the airport
Getting changed and having coffee by the airport

While writing this I’m preparing for “the small Baltic tour” and the Polish WIMA rally – and of course my running shoes are coming along.

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Åsa

I'm a passionate biker from Sweden. I love to travel, preferably on my motorcycle. Please let me know what you think of my blog! Post a comment or send an e-mail: asa@forza.greynorth.net

3 thoughts on “And in the end all was good”

  1. Vad roligt att C hakar på. Ser underbart ut och vad skönt att allt fixade sig med fläktproblemet!

    Kör försiktigt!

  2. Nice pictures ,Just on my half Sweden tour and went to Mårbacka and went for a guided tour, what a magnificent women Selma was a pioneer 🙂

  3. Glad to have you back Hasse! Selma was indeed before her time! I wanted to go back to Mårbacka with Christopher and experience the guided tour, but it will have to wait. The bike is currantly running but towards Poland. I get good use of the new fan, it’s warm weather still 🙂

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