1. What kind of bike do I need?
The route will follow roads, backroads, cycling paths and includes also gravel sections. In general we try to use paved roads. You always have to be prepared for roadconstructions with bad road surface.
In 2018 Kai Edel and Mike Sheldrake finished on 25mm tyres. The whole route was preridden on a roadbike with 40mm carbon rim wheels and 30mm road tyres. It’s no secret anymore, there are a total of about 215km gravel sections till Tarifa in 2019. That was about 35km less then in 2019. Some roads especially in Poland got a new roadsurface in 2019 compared to 2018. The improvement of the roads in Poland and the Baltic is an ongoing process.
2. Do I need insurance?
Yes, as the ride is totally self-sufficient, you need to organise your own insurance.
3. Who enforces the rules?
You do. The nature of these long distance rides makes them impossible to police by a third party, so the trust and responsibility rests solely on your shoulders to conduct yourself appropriately. If there is an obvious breach in this trust then the race director will make a ruling based on why, how and what rules were breached and if/what penalty would be given.
4. Is this adventure for me? Am I fit enough?
The extreme weather and terrain coupled with the distance and self-reliance makes this event a challenge not to be underestimated. If you are someone looking for a challenge in your life than yes this is for you. A background in cycling would be an advantage. A positive outlook with a good sense of humour is mandatory.
A standard of fitness is required to the point of being capable of spending continuous long days in the saddle. And an awareness of self-reliance and what that entails.
5. What does the winner get?
It is not a race in the conventional sense. There is no prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The winners get the kudos and bragging rights for being the fastest. Everyone else will be racing themselves, each other and the weather just to finish. Beat the rider in front or stay ahead of the rider behind. This race will inspire you to question your limits and give you the confidence that you are far more capable than you think, not just in cycling but in life. The prize is Adventure.
6. What do I need to pack?
Be prepared for everything. Cold and rain in the north, snow in the mountains, heat in lower regions or even in the mountains.
7. GPS tracking
Online GPS tracking is not intended to ensure rider safety. It is for info-only, and validation of course compliance
8. Helmet
It’s a law to wear a helmet in following countries you cross on the route:
Spain: outside of villages and cities, not in long cliembs or high temperatures
It’s in the riders responsibility, to check the local laws.
This website gives you an overwie of the roules in the different countries:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad
9. How do i come to the start?
We will organize a bus with trailer for the bikes from Alta to the NorthCape. The bus will leave Alta 19.06. / 14:00 and arrive at the NorthCape around 18:00. Cost incl. bike Euro 110.-/person. Reservation with the registration is necessary.
Train to Narvik and from there by bus.
By sea, Hurtigruten calls at Honningsvåg twice a day.
Nearby airports: There are major airports in Alta and Lakselv.
Flights to Honningsvåg by Wideore.
Buses from Honningsvåg to the NorthCape
There is a taxi service in Honningsvåg that will take you to the Nordkapp. Taxi center phone (+47) 78 47 22 34
Norway public transport: www.177.no
www.177finnmark.no
10. How do i come from Helsinki to Tallinn?
There are 3 ferry lines:
– Eckerö Line, 3 connections a day, from 2h30, from Euro 19.-
– Viking Line, till 12 connections a day, from 1h45, from Euro 29.-
– Tallink Silja Line, till 7 connections a day, 2h, from Euro 19.-
11. How do i come home from…?
- Helsinki: airport, train, ferry
- Bregenz: airport Memmingen, trains (SBB, ÖBB, DB), buses
- Nice: airport Nice, trains SNCF, buses
- Tarifa: airport Gibraltar, Malaga, Sevilla or Jerez de la Fronterra / buses from Tarifa to the airports / train from Algeciras (20km from Tarifa)
www.tarifa-online.com/how-to-get-to-tarifa/
12. Boxing your bike for your journey back home
You find bicycle shops in Helsinki, Bregenz, Nice and Tarifa. Best you get in contact with a shop in advance to make sure they have a box for you. If you need help packing your bike, they probable will help you too.
13. Can i change my finishing point during the race?
You have time till May 31th how far you will cycle, if you will go for the whole route to Tarifa or finish at the beach in Nice. As soon the race is startet, there is no change possible, to get classified. We think it would be not fair, targeting a finish at Tarifa and when you see you prefer to finish in Nice changing the finish line. If you start for Tarifa and finish at Nice, you will be listed as finisher for Nice but not classified.