INTRODUCTION. GENERAL. Opinions differ as to the advisability of cycling in Norway. Level roads are hardly to be met with, whilst on the other hand hills unrideable either up or down are frequent. At the same time there are long stretches of road where the gradient is not severe and the cyclist is able to ride without pedalling for 10 kilomètres. A reliable brake on the machine is an absolute necessity if the cyclist desires to take full advantage of the long descents. The surface of the roads varies very much, some being perfect, whilst others are simply loose sand. The surface of a road often changes from good to bad and vice versâ in accordance with the weather. Great care must be exercised on some roads owing to the number of gates, often placed on steep descents and round corners. There are comparatively few towns and villages in Norway. Most of the names given in the routes are hotels, or single houses, called stations, where food and lodging can be obtained. The best season for touring is from the beginning of June to the middle of September. CUSTOMS. No duty is levied on machines brought by members of the C.T.C. for touring purposes, the Club being known to the Norwegian Customs Authorities as the International Touring Club for Cyclists. GUIDES. The column in the routes headed "Objects of Interest" is intended to help in planning a tour; detailed information should be sought in the usual guide books. Baedeker's Norway, Sweden and Denmark, price 10s., and Murray's Norway, price 7s. 6d., are recommended. LIGHTS. The carrying of lights at night is compulsory in towns, but in the country there is no general regulation. MAPS. The "Reisekart over Norge," scale 1: 800,000 (about twelve and a half miles to the inch), in two sheets, price Is. 6d. per sheet, can be obtained at the Club Offices. RAILWAYS. Bicycles have to be paid for if conveyed by railway. The rates are 30 öre for a distance not exceeding 50 kil., 50 öre up to 200 kil., 75 öre up to 400 kil., and I krone above 400 kil. 25 kilos. (55 lbs.) of luggage is allowed free. RIDING REGULATIONS. The rule of the road is to keep to the right in meeting, and in overtaking to pass on the left. Led horses must be met and passed on the side on which the man in charge is. Great care should always be exercised, as the Norwegian horses are very nervous. STEAMBOATS. These are very numerous and often are the only means of conveyance. Cycles are carried free on some steamers, whilst on others a small charge is made. Bennett's Abridged Time Tables, printed in English, price 6d., can be obtained by post from Messrs. T. Bennett & Sons, Christiania, and will be found very useful. BERGEN (Nos. 1, 5, 10.) Vadheim.. Steamer to Vadheim. Good and mostly level road. Good hilly road for about 7 kil., then steep dangerous descent. Good and mostly level road to Sandene. Keep to the right at the Steamer to Faleide. Mostly level road to Vestnæs. Good and almost level road. Good road, with some ascents; keep to the left at the fork. |
