I left the motel and continued riding around the neighbourhood. I eventually reached a crossroads and had to choose which direction to travel. I looked at my GPS and saw that in order to keep on the right path, I had to turn onto a gravel road. The gravel road was passable, but there were a few water-filled potholes. Later, when the road was being used for logging, it developed deeper potholes and larger, uneven, rocky ponds. Because I didn’t want to get into an accident, I drove carefully. Although it was difficult, the scenery was beautiful, and I was eager to find out what would happen next.

Although it drizzled softly, riding wasn’t tough. My riding gloves, though, just slowly became soggy. Despite the fact that my gloves are waterproof, with time water seeps through, soaking both my hands and the interior of the gloves. I must locate better, waterproof gloves. The rain didn’t disturb me at all other than that. I rode in Klim Badlands, which, in my opinion, is the ideal equipment for all weather.

The clay-mixed gravel road seemed to go on forever. But then it abruptly came to an end, and the street changed to a well-paved asphalt one. Kittelfjell, a little ski resort, was the next place I passed, and the road kept curving uphill. This is a rider’s dream destination. Quiet flow, excellent maintenance, and a winding path. The border between Sweden and Norway was finally crossed, but it was only indicated by a little sign next to the road. After the border, I began to see increasingly taller fjells and significant elevation variations. This is the well-known Norway that I frequently travel in.

I rode to the Norwegian settlement of Hattfjelldal and stopped for coffee. After that, I travelled along Highway 806, which connects Hattfjelldal and Korgen. It is a beautiful route that travels through valleys and fjells. The sun was out, and the temperature increased from 13 to 20. I observed motorcycles entering the village of Korgen through a side road, indicating the road was crucial for motorcycle traffic. I learned through map software

that the fjells are crossed by a narrow road. A more recent straight road travels through a tunnel beneath the fjell. The narrow road has a troubled past. I rode the entire length while photographing the surroundings.

Part of Blodveien, which was built during World War II as part of Hitler’s attempt to build a road throughout Norway, crosses Korgfjellet. Sadly, the German Occupation Force killed up to 640 Yugoslav prisoners of war while building Korgfjellet from June 1942 to May 1944. To honour these war prisoners, monuments have been erected in Korgfjellet Fjellstue, Fagerlimoen, and Osen.

I took the bike to the Norwegian town of Hattfjelldal. I took a coffee break along the way.

After that, I travelled along picturesque route number 806, which connects Hattfjelldal with Korgen. It had mountains and valleys, and it was really lovely. As I rode, the weather warmed up and the sun came out. When I arrived at Korgen, I noticed numerous other riders arriving from a side road, which led me to believe that this road was crucial for motorcycle traffic. A newer, straighter road travels in a tunnel beneath the mountains, as I discovered when I used a map program to compare the two routes. The modest road’s name, Blood Road, comes from the tragic history of the Yugoslav prisoners of war who perished while it was being constructed during World War II. Along the way are memorials remembering these war prisoners. I travelled a short distance on the narrow road while photographing the stunning surroundings.

I rode outside of Korgen in the late afternoon. I rode to the following city. It was Mo i Rana, a town I had been to previously. The towns of Norway are frequently worthwhile visits as well, though typically the natural wonders are the main draw. This trip to this city is no different from previous ones in that it will only be for one night.

The big town Mo i Rana is located close to the Arctic Circle. The Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park is nearby. The town was once a trading post and later became a modern city. It was once known for its ironworks. In the town, you may discover fine dining, live theatre, live music, a scientific museum, shops, and shopping malls.

But there was a tiny task I needed to finish before I could check into my hotel. My bike had a thick layer of dirt on it from two days of riding in the rain and most of today on gravel roads. Given that the remainder of my voyage would not entail any more gravel roads, it was in desperate need of a wash. I rapidly searched the area for the closest petrol station with a self-washing area. Fortunately, I discovered one that provided the service and spent 10 euros for the washing time.

I left the laundry incident and went to the motel. It was only a short trip to the harbour region of the city. I was familiar with the hotel because I had spent one night there the year before. The well-known Havsmannen statue is strollable from the hotel. It is an 11-meter-tall, 60-ton metal sculpture that faces the ocean. The motel offers an excellent breakfast, is reasonably priced, and is peaceful. Based on the automobiles in the parking lot and their insignia on the side of the car, it is used by employees of numerous companies. Therefore, the hotel’s services, such as its breakfast and quiet rooms, are assured. After a strenuous day of riding, such a location to stay is truly nice.

In the next episode, I will cross both the Arctic Circle and the speed limit. I can’t wait to see what else this journey has in store for me.