From the capital to the countryside

The 80 km ride offers everything from modern bike paths along the Oslo fjord, deep forests, small side roads and a beautiful 35 km stretch along the Tyrifjord, which also gives you an opportunity to take the longer route, following the waterfront all the way around, making it a 150 km route.

We follow the modern bike paths along the Oslo fjord, where on weekdays the city’s most busy businessmen compete on the city’s most expensive road bikes. Not only on how to make most money but to make the fastest ride to work. Today, weekend, they are home, counting their earnings or buying yachts.

Steadily the landscape rises from the sea level in Oslo and we reach the highest point at Liertoppen without too much strain, revealing a magnificent view of the Lier valley. 10 fast kilometers follows down to the near midway-point at Sylling, with only 35 kilometres to go. Here, the local grocery store offers cool soda and snacks, vital to the rest of the journey. We make a short stop in Sylling to indulge in semi-fresh Norwegian pastry and cold coke. Perhaps we have talked too much, because when we've got back on our bikes, we've speeded up a bit. The joy of competing the segments between Sylling and Vikersund catches us, as the old Modum road kisses the beautiful Tyrifjorden all the way home.

We feel blissfully, taking in the tranquil stretch of tarmac in this slightly remote part of the Norwegian countryside, a mere 50 km away from Oslo. The inner TT spirit animal is laid to rest, and a speedy push for Vikersund can wait for another day. Did we mention to bring enough rations as there are no shops for 35 kilometres after passing Sylling? Well, we forgot water, so we have to make a brief stop at the scenic Gulsrud church, refilling our empty bottles with fresh water from the cemetery tap. But hey - the sun is shining and the water is tasteful. Who’s complaining?

A must-do if you have some extra time on this route is to take a left shortly after the beach at Holmenvika (approximately 7 km past Sylling) and try ‘Røinebakken’, (“Røine Hill”). This is where the UCI race Sundvolden Grand Prix tortures its riders two times before sending them to the man with the hammer up to the top of Krokkleiva. A fine opportunity to test your legs against the Norwegian professionals that use the hill for training and competition. Did we try? No, not today. The sun’s out and our legs crave for more pastry. The traditional Norwegian school bun awaits in Vikersund.