The Iron Curtain Trail

 Grenze Jacobselv to Kirkenes Norway

What a day... to the edge of Europe and literally a stone's throw from Russia across the narrow river ... no fences, just yellow marker posts in Norway and red and green ones in Russia. It's a mad world isn't it, plaques and statues all around  here commemorating Russia freeing Norway from  German occupation .... and today!

And  one of the longest road routes in Europe ... the E105 ... starts here and goes all the way to Crimea!

Kirkenes  was apparently one of the most heavily bombed towns on mainland Europe as the Germans used it as a base to attack Arctic Convoys and invade Russia. The massive airaid shelter - Andersgrotta -  which could house 2500 people is still here.

Next to it is a monument to the liberating Russian  soldiers. And in town a tribute to the mother's who held their families together during that terrible time. 

The Iron Curtain Trail

 Arrived in Kirkenes after 2298 miles and you know you are 'up north'  sun still there... well it is 24 hours a day...but temperature has dropped 10 degrees.

Saw first reindeer today ...excited ... then along came more and more. Can see why they have a 50mph speed limit on some roads... the sweeping curves encourage you to do more... but rudolph's cousins ran out on me twice!

A bit of a shock though when the road became unpaved... for 48 miles... 

The Iron Curtain Trail

 Crossed the Arctic Circle 3 times today!

First time in Sweden when I  took a wrong turn and was going way off route on a little used road .... the marker was sadly in a state of dire neglect ... turned round and crossed it again.

The 3rd crossing was in Finland... as planned ... with a better, though sadly more commercial sign. 

 Now truly in the land of the Midnight Sun!

The Iron Curtain Trail

 Although I've already ridden 1620 miles and trip proper doesn't really start til I get to the Norwegian/Russian border some  930 miles hence I'm seeing some fascinating things and meeting some wonderful people.... last night stayed in Moliden, Sweden in a cottage built in 1890 and part of which was at one time used as a country store. 

The owners expanded their business in 1938 to include a gas station. When the road they were on and the village got bypassed in 1968 both businesses shut down.

The gas station has been kept as it was on the day the very large cash register gave its final Kerching!  Sven, my host for the night had the key and let me have a look.... a petrol head paradise!

The Iron Curtain Trail

The idea and inspiration came from 2 books, Tom Moore's The Cyclist Who Went Out in The Cold and Mlchael Cramer's Guide to The Iron Curtain Cycle Trail. The section I'm hoping to do is the Norwegian and Finnish section ...1780km ... on a motorbike. You cyclists have my respect!

Sent on the move.

The Iron Curtain Trail

Planning to follow the EuroVelo 13 Cycle route... on my motorbike... along the Norwegian/Finnish/Russian Border. 

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A new experience

A new experience.... setting off on a trip to Spain on Monday to watch MotoGp final race in Valencia. The new bit....going with a friend... all my other trips have been solo!

Watch this space .....

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