Biking with two kids is a different ballgame. With our oldest son, we had been cycling day trips on our holiday in Loen in 2020, and testing 3-day bike adventures in Ryfylke and at the Nærøyfjord in 2021. With those positive experiences in mind and having heavily invested in quality e-bikes, bike trailers for children, and much more, we were eager to try some longer distances.
We landed on cycling for 10 days, starting with some easier biking along the “Kanalruta” (Norway’s National Cycle Route #2), following the Telemarkskanalen. From Dalen, we wanted to cycle all the way home, meaning we had to cycle over three mountain passes. The first one from Dalen to Setesdal, the second over Suleskarvegen, and the third over Lysevegen to Lysebotn at the Lysefjord. After cruising through the fjord, we could bike the last 20 km home from Forsand to Jørpeland.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our kids and ourselves, we used a lot of time. During our 10-day, 350-km-long bike adventure, we had 2 full resting days, 3 very short stages, and 5 doable stages, ranging from 20 to 70 km. With all the luggage and elevation gain, we could not have made it without our electric bikes. Along the way, we stopped at many playgrounds and lakes, to play and have fun or just to enjoy a nice pick-nick.
We highly enjoyed the scenery along the Kanalruta, and especially watching the boats traveling through the locks bridging the height difference between the lakes. The mountain passes were a good challenge but provided us with a sense of mastery. Ending our tour at the Lysefjord made us realize that we are extremely lucky to be able to call this wonderful corner of Norway our backyard.
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