10/4

Leaving Karlstad whith a little sad moment, but necessary. The weather was Ok , just a little rain. After a while the wind changed to crosswind which meant that my average speed fell dramatically.

Göta Canal locks at Sjötorp

About 22 km north of Marierstad at Sjötorp I crossed one of many locks of Göta Canal. Before I continued towards Mariestad I called Hakan and Birgitta and says…

 – I’m on my way.

Finds out that they are significantly affected by flu and decides that there will be no overnight with them.

The last 22 km went into headwinds character, it was really tough, but after an hour and a half I was in front of Hakan & Birgittas villa

We chatted about past events and Hakan showed his wine project, drank coffee and sandwiches before I headed towards Skövde.

It was really fun to meet them after so long time and we said goodbye with hugs!!!

Just 7-8 km south Mariestad, Käckestad I did camp for the night. I found a place few hundred meters from the road in a forest clearing.

Tomorrow Jönköping

I had four nights in Karlstad, every one of those was special. Together we explored Karlstad by cycle, eating Vietnam food, visited a nature area where we stopped for coffee and cookies. Drank wine and whiskey and just had a good time.

We also did a car drive to Hammarö and the very south of it ,in blown.

My days in the City Of Sun has charged my batteries both physically and mentally, I will definitely return here.

I Love Karlstad

Next day, monday I head for Mariestad and and another friend of mine. Håkan and Birgitta.I leave Karlstad for this time and bicycles towards Mariestad, about 130 km south.

Everything worked as it should, except that I lost the kickstand to my bicycle (Bike Stand).

I have tried to choose roads with little traffic for three reasons, safety, surroundings and silence.
If You have time leave,  the mainroads and look for roads through countryside. Lots of small village with curious people and nice environments to fix your gaze at.

Best road so far is between Edsbyn and down to Furudal. The road that meanders slowly besides the river Voxnan.
This part must also be a heaven for horses and horse owners, these four-legged beautiful animals were everywhere.

Four nights in tents and summer is still far away but my Marmot sleepingbag is worth the cost.

Stayed one night at my sister’s son in Arbrå for shower and carbohydrate food, spaghetti and sauce bolognaise before I pedaling away over the mountain and beside Galvlake to Alfta on wet, soft and groove gravel roads.

Lake Galvsjön halfway between Arbrå and Alfta

The rest of the roads to my firts goal Karlstad only asphalt.

In DalaJärna when I Just finised my coffe,  the female owner asked if I want to have four sandwiches for free and of course I sad Yes and gave her a hug.

35 km futher and 22 km southwest from Vansbro I hit camp in middle of nowhere.

Next day will be a long one on bicycle, because I have planned to reach Karlstad which I also did with lots of headwind and steep hills after Flipstad.

It is still hard to believe I’m now on a solo cycling around the world but I get euphoric feelings in order to be alone, free and independent.

I entered Karlstad early afternoon and cycling around the city for a few hours before i called Marita!

Meeting Marita was very pleasant moment, she was alike, glad and charming, just a little bit older.

Panorama view from apartment

My plans is to stay at her apartment for two or three nights and her condominium located down at the river (Klarälven), and then continue towards Mariestad.See Yeah

Saturday morning, I woke up well rested and the first thing I did was … how is the weather?

Cloudy and raining with elements of snow, it is reality and You must like it.

Ten a clock from Resecentrum I will start pedaling south and I´ve been told that the local newspaper will be there and also some of my friend to say goodbye and good luck and my feelings they are… Feels Unreal But Exciting.

The short cycle trip from Kenths apartment was unsure, 2 cm of wet snow made the trip risky and in my mind there was only no crash.

Down at the Travel Center waited my colleagues, acquaintances, friends and some lovley F&S friends, far more I expected and it made me happy.

A special friend was also there, my beloved Jussi, an Irish Setter
I will miss you

May 1 2017 I started my journey

Small talks, hugs and some photos then take off.

Peter From the local newspaper follow me the first 10 km for more photos and a last intervju.

Nearly three years I will be one with my bike, it feels unreal but inspiring. Have to pinch my skin to be sure – It’s true.

Everything did well to my first night in tent just outside Härnösand.

Outside Härnösand I pitch up my tent close to a small creek

The only problem was – the ground was frozen and the tent pegs was hard push down, but everything can be solved.

Tomorrow, first Sundsvall then coast road to Norrfjärden where two of my dear friends and workingmates will meet up.