Cycling tour book for "Birken-land"; Sjusjøen, Nordseter and Hafjell

Øyvind Wold has spent the last few summers cycling in the mountains north and east of Lillehammer, on gravel roads, cart tracks, and trails. On nine out of ten trips, he has his SLR camera hanging over his shoulder, ready to take nature photos – or even better – photos of cyclists he meets. This has resulted in the book "35 bike rides in the world's best ski terrain Hafjell – Øyerfjell – Nordseter Sjusjøen."
By Bjørn Ankre
2 min read
Sykkelturbok for «Birken-land»; Sjusjøen, Nordseter og Hafjell

Øyvind Wold has spent the last few summers cycling in the mountains north and east of Lillehammer, on gravel roads, cart tracks, and trails. On nine out of ten trips, he carries his SLR camera over his shoulder, ready to capture nature photos – or even better – photos of cyclists he meets. This has resulted in the book "35 bike tours in the world's best skiing terrain Hafjell – Øyerfjell – Nordseter Sjusjøen."

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"This is 'Birken-land,' known for superb ski trails and as one of the world's best areas for cross-country skiing. I bought a cabin here eight years ago to enjoy a long ski season. But then I discovered that the cycling opportunities were absolutely wonderful! Not least, I like the long sightlines and that the roads are virtually car-free. As an avid cyclist, I want to show that this is also a top cycling destination," says Wold. "I started cycling a bit more systematically to get a better overview. When I found out there wasn't a book that presented the area comprehensively, I thought it would be fun to try myself."

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"I've tried to create a selection of tours that appeal broadly; both to ordinary families who just want to look around a bit by bike, people who want to try trail cycling, or those who want a bit more challenge, for example, those training for Birken or other races. The majority of the tours can be ridden by most people; you don't need a fancy bike or a heart rate monitor to enjoy these roads."

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"E-bikes have become a growing phenomenon, not only for everyday cycling and commuting but also for recreation and holiday cycling. There's no doubt that battery assistance has brought many more people out onto the mountain roads in the district, including many well into adulthood. Meeting people over 70 in good cycling form and with a big smile on their face is a beautiful sight!"

E-bikes can be rented in several places in the district, and many of the suggested tours are well-suited for e-bikes, says Wold.

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The book includes an introductory section on relevant destinations, season, equipment tips, cycling signage, maps, good starting points for tours, bike rental locations, favorite tours of cycling profiles, and more.

All proceeds from book sales go to Øyer turskiløyper's work with ski trails and facilitating outdoor recreation.

Book facts

About the Author

Øyvind-Wold-35-Sykkelturer-i-verdens-beste-skiterreng Since 2000, Øyvind has written and photographed extensively about cycling and outdoor life. He has published ten guidebooks. He writes for several Norwegian websites and magazines, including Friluftsliv, Syklistene, Terrengsykkel, Gruppetto sykkelsport, and Padling. Above-average interest in equipment; has published over a hundred product reviews. In addition to trail cycling, touring cycling, often over several days, is his main interest.