6 days bikepacking in Telemark

Bikepacking along the Telemark canal, or Telemarkskanalen, as it is known in Norway, riding for a total of 6 days in Telemark.
In late summer 2021, I had somehow convinced my editors at a newspaper magazine that it would be a good idea to write an article about riding the Telemark Canal, the more than hundred year old waterway linking the coast of southern Norway with the interior of Telemark county. It turned out my wife had some holiday left and wanted to come along, which meant bringing our Jack Russell terrier Banjo along too. Follow along as we ride our bikes deep into Telemark and back home, trying to bring back a story and photos for the reportage while enjoying the late summer in Norway.
Filmed with the Fujifilm X-T3 camera and the Fujifilm XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ zoom lens.
Photos from the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 and the Fujifilm XF 35 f/1.4.
Music from Artlist:
Anthony Vega - Late at night
Yoav Ilan - Blue Waltz
Rodellos Machine - Clear skies
Full - Oak And Cherry
Sand Diver - Daybreak Ritual
Campfire Calm - Paper Planes
Yehezkel Raz - Ballerina

[@marcellopacifici]

Such a wonderful storytelling, pictures and moving pictures! Thanks for sharing this gem to the world. I'm glad YT brought me here.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for your kind words, mate, really appreciated! 😊🙏🏻

[@DFlo780]

your story telling and videography/photography are amazing! thank you for sharing your experience!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Wow, thanks, really appreciated! 😊🙏🏻

[@ogshadow113]

another great video, lovely photos and story telling, i'm from England and don't ski, but i know Telemark from the old british 60s war film, the heroes of Telemark, with kirk douglas!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! I have only heard about the movie, but definitely should get around to watch it sometime 😊

[@mssuo]

The Algorithm suggested this video to me, and now I've subscribed and watched every single video from your channel. Love everything about these, the storytelling, the philosophy, and of course the visual side as well. Thank you! Now I'm off to get me some bikepacking bags...

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

That’s wonderful to hear, thanks for the kind words and the sub! 😊🙏

[@chefsolid-new]

What a lovely video, thanks for sharing. Great work and I'm sure a lovely experience.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, happy to hear you liked it! 😊🙏🏻 Apart from a few sections of road with sketchy traffic it was an absolute blast 😊

[@canica99]

so good, always so good. Thank you for posting and cheers.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks! 🙏🏻😊

[@hondaryder3779]

Interessant, i've not yet heard of this part of the world, truly worth visiting. Prachtige documentaire, groetjes uit Nederland.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, glad you liked it! 😊🙏

[@mathewhensinger3081]

Your videos are truly inspiring! Subscribe here for sure. I went and took a bicycle frame building class in the smoky mountains here in America abut a year and a half ago. Right after that my very young mother passed away unexpectedly. That added with a new work project that required me to travel and take all of my time pulled me away from, well me. Coping with grief by putting yourself into work is not a healthy recipe for your soul. I am doing the work to become the best version of myself now and am in a better, healthier place. One of the best things for me has always been getting on the bike and doing what i call a moving meditation. Its so healing. I am the same age as you and resonate with connecting with your younger self, a purer self, that original spark. I have always had a connection to bicycles and still ride everything from 90's mountain bikes, gravel grombers, and single speed cruisers. Your videos have helped give me validation and rekindled that need for creation and invention. To go dust of that bicycle jig and start following that kid i see when i stare back in the mirror says to do....... follow that fire, blow on the kindle, encourage and support myself, and create a suntanning warm fire of contentment in knowing I'm following what I was fortunate enough to be given this life experience to do. I tell you this because I see that spark in you and your magnificent story telling.. Keep following your heart sir, it has served you well, my rad 13 year old self high fives yours! One more thing, if you did read this far, what brand of boots are you wearing? I like to dress more casual when I ride and those boots look nice and soft. Thank you for your time and be blessed.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thank you so much for your touching comment, Mathew, I really appreciate it! Not only were your words moving, but also very eloquently put. I can very much relate with what you write. The boots are the Fåborg model from the danish shoe company Duckfeet. If you look at their homepage, you’ll quickly realize why they are called duckfeet. The sole is rather hard, so I find them good for bikepacking/-touring. My inner sixteen year old high fives back!

[@mathewhensinger3081]

@@BackwoodsBikepacking Thank you for the reply! I had a feeling they were Duck Feet. I use Bundstones now, but they tend to be a little loose, and the lace up design, leather, and wide foot bed the Faborgs have look like they would be a good all day riding boot. Thanks again for the reply and take care friend.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

@@mathewhensinger3081 No worries, my pleasure. Funny you have heard about Duckfeet, I thought they mostly were a Danish thing 😄

[@lannayedurham9867]

Absolutely wonderful film as always, lovely to see banjo on tour!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thank you for the kind words, I’ll tell Banjo! 😊

[@timothywimborne1722]

Wonderful. One to add to the bucket list 😊

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, glad you liked it! 😊🙏🏻

[@sascha1778]

Thank you so much for taking us along. This was such a beautiful ride video!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting! 😊🙏🏻

[@tonypaddler]

Another beautifully made video, thanks very much for that 👍

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you liked it! 😊🙏🏻

[@tonypaddler]

@@BackwoodsBikepacking your videos are very well presented ! 👍

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, glad my Norwegian English is understandable 😄👍

[@tonypaddler]

@@BackwoodsBikepacking because of your accent and perfectly spoken English I assumed that you were from England?

[@TheSoundscapeHarvester]

@@tonypaddler That’s some compliment, thanks! I guess I have to hand that to my wife who is English-Australian.

[@trondaadnesen]

This is just pure pleasure to watch and listen to 👏🏻

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, mate, glad you liked it! 😊🙏🏻

[@saranstrokecyclist4776]

Beautiful as always . Love the colour very much .👍🏼

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad to hear you liked it, thanks! 🙏😊

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. The scenery was beautiful and the adventure was very interesting. I especially enjoy seeing your little dog 🐕 joining in on the excursion. Wonderful story. Looking forward to future videos. 💞 🚴‍♀️ 🐕

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thank you for the kind words, really appreciated! 😊🙏

[@Velobetty]

Really beautiful story, scenery and photography. Thanks!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks! 😊🙏🏻

[@indrekpoiss]

Nice vintage bags!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, those old designs are still functional 😄

[@waitej100]

Beautiful as ever thank you!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words! 😊🙏🏻

[@DameEdnaBrown]

A great video guys and such beautiful scenery

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏

[@keefmillard]

Mikkel my friend…. You have smashed it once again 👌🏽✅ Thank you for your work….Really !!! Loving your style 🙌🏽 Best Keef

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Keef, really glad to hear you enjoy the movies. Kind regards, Mikkel 😊🙏🏻

[@CityWalks]

Beautifully done and very inspiring. Definitely gets the juices flowing. -H

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad you liked it, thanks! 😊🙏🏻

[@katjasendmayr1342]

A beautiful video! Stunning pictures! 😃

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, glad you liked it! 😊🙏🏻

[@034BAL]

Great to hear from you again. Great video!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, glad to hear you liked it 😊🙏🏻

[@garryshirreffs9517]

Great vid many thanks, what a stunning route to ride wow

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting! 😊🙏🏻

[@nickbarry659]

Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it, thanks! 😊🙏

[@dirkkindermann2734]

Once again you bless us with an uncomparable footage and story about the beauty of Norway. The way you travel seems so calm and stressless and I believe it is - as Banjo shows :-) I also like your traditional, classical equipment. Too many youtubers are rushing through the wilderness riding their ultralight 'spaceships' - you don't, and that gives so much... Thanks a lot and keep on beeing so natural!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for all your kind words, Dirk, really appreciated. I guess there are days and moments on these trips that definitely are taxing, but I’d rather highlight the joy of outdoor life on two wheels than focus on the physical aspect.

[@marcokalle2452]

The Fuji X-Pro1, 35mm f1.4 and 18mm f2 make up the classic holy Fuji trinity! 😉🙌🏾

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Yes, a great combo! Makes me giddy every time I pick it up 😄

[@mikeinseoul]

Excellent storytelling and images. I really enjoyed watching this trip. Thank you for sharing!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for the kind words! 😊🙏

[@MsGanodes]

Beautiful!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, glad you liked it! 😊🙏

[@lescrews4211]

Absolutely awesome! I loved every minute of this. I would like to have a copy of that publishing.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words, really appreciated! 😊🙏🏻

[@jeremyjanin]

Always enjoy watching your videos. Another great one. Thanks for the picturesque escape. It made me want to go ride my bike. :)

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Happy to hear it made you want to go riding your bike, thanks for commenting! 😊🙏🏻

[@2pinttony]

Another fabulous film. Great presenting skills. I could easily watch your videos for hours and not get bored. Its always a treat when you upload a new film. Its even better that you ride Surly bikes 😊

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thank you so much for the kind words, really appreciated! 😊🙏🏻

[@sethh3605]

Man, what a beautiful place! Great video and great photos for the article.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Happy to hear you liked it, thanks! 😊🙏🏻

[@chrisbardell]

Fantastic film, stunning locations. Thanks for sharing this adventure.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, happy to hear you enjoyed the movie! 😊🙏🏻

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

Another great video. I swear you live in the most beautiful country for cycling and camping.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, I sure can’t complain about our possibilities for outdoor life here in Norway 😊

[@zer0en]

i was (am) so out of shape when first riding the part from Dalen to Ulefoss. but i made it. this inspires me to come back and enjoy it in an even slowe pace, bringing my dog and a camera. great storytelling as always, and always lookin forward to your updates!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, happy to hear you liked it! 😊🙏🏻 Yes, some of the hills are pretty steep. Happy riding! 😊

[@richmurphy1787]

Looks like you had a wonderful adventure.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, it sure was a great trip! 😊

[@gravelpack8536]

Beautiful story telling trying to work my way there

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words! 😊🙏🏻

[@rossmax767]

Love your carradice bike set up.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

The Carradice Long Flap Camper is such a great bag for bikepacking, love it!

[@AdamZuk1982]

Incredible great !

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, happy to hear you enjoyed it 😊🙏

[@cairebrittobarletta]

amazing videography! awesome content! greetings from Brazil

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad you liked it, thanks for commenting. Greetings from Norway 😊

[@gantiplex]

lil Banjo 🥰 and good stuff, BB!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏🐶

[@FollowThomas]

Great bikepacking story. 👍

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, happy to hear you like it! 😊🙏

[@arminhess1512]

great as usual!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, mate! 😊🙏🏻

[@Mortarion___7]

Beautiful piece of filmmaking

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thank you, glad you liked it! 😊🙏🏻

[@adipranoto1396]

I like your bikepacking set up

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks!

[@Mitisekhon]

Oh that was wonderful…and such lovely pictures! Ever want to cycle in Himalayas, let me know, I live in Chandigarh which is at the foot of these majestic mountains…

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words and offer, really appreciated! 😊🙏🏻

[@bogdanc2309]

Great content!! Congrats mate, this was epic!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Wow, thanks, glad to hear you enjoyed the movie! 😊🙏🏻

[@jojoanggono3229]

Very nice place for cycling, very scenic. Always sad to see trees getting cut down. I also use XPro1 but seldom bring it on bike ride, I found it to be rather heavy to be slung over shoulder when riding. Yes I do like the picture from XPro1 but I think a Ricoh GR iii would be perfect to carry on a bike ride. Much like you I also started learning on a FM2 a long while ago. Several of your shots are spectacular.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Cool that you started out with the FM2 too! I hear good things about the Ricoh GR. Nowadays, I usually take the Fujifilm XE4 with the XF35 f/1.4 with me as my photo camera on bikepacking trips.

[@nugrohom5737]

Senang sekali menonton perjalanan gowes yg sangat indah dan adventur.....salam bersepeda.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks, happy to hear you enjoyed the movie! 😊🙏🏻

[@cassgilbert6193]

Love this!!!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad you liked it, Cass! 😊🙏🏻

[@Step1-go]

lol props for couples bikepacking thats tough honestly, feels like a strain to the relationship lol

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Ha-ha, thanks, we’ve been a couple for 30 years and know nothing better than going on trips in the outdoors together 😄

[@sonja9001]

I like this trip! Maybe next time bring your fishing rods and add some fishing to the trip?? Great video!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏🏻 I do like to bring a fishing rod on local trips, but we didn’t have much time for fishing this time and would need a bunch of permits in the different waters 😊

[@markfisher299]

Lovely

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Great to hear! 😊🙏

[@DmitryY-r5o]

Great!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks!

[@jcblum1507]

amazing!!1

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏🏻

[@Plast_and_Cars]

Гарні карєвиди, якось так олдскульно можливо із за фільтру у відео.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Glad you liked it! 😊🙏🏻

[@bikevlogadventure3263]

Nice...! Ride Safe😊

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏

[@fooslinger]

Very nice

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏

[@FfMGebabbel]

#mademyday thnx for sharing

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

😊🙏🏻

[@onflownaestrada]

very good man

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! 😊🙏

[@VincentForDesign]

7:21 SOooooooo....you dropped your wife 😆Joke aside, thanks for the very well-documented journey! Very rare to see a bikepacking video with full narration (in a good way!).

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Ha-ha, we actually arranged for her to wait a bit so I could get some shots of her riding up the hill. Glad you liked the narrating. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste, but it’s fun to experiment a bit.

[@davidharris4062]

Nothing wrong with the XPro 1, I use a XT2, X100V and Nikon D200 & D800, I also have an F5 and FM2, wonderful film 👍👍👍

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I agree, besides improved autofocus, there has only been marginal improvements in sensor technology the last handful of years. If I only could get a digital version of the FM2 …

[@julianwilliams4750]

Hi just wondering if you could share your wife's model of Surly and those cool looking handlebars she has. Looks to be a very capable setup for your type of travelling. Best Julian

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

It’s a stock Surly Long Haul Trucker with the Dajita Far Bar and a Velo Orange Happy Stem 😊

[@MrBaseren]

Is it in any way possible to see your route on a map :)? Im planning going on a bikepacking trip and this route looks astunnishing, Thanks for the great video and story

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the video 😊🙏 I usually don’t share my routes for several reasons, but I guess about half of it followed the national cycling route you can find on ridewithgps.com 😊

[@ShorTube640]

I love you Drive solO 😘....

[@Jappert1234]

Beautiful video. Do you by any chance, know what the brand of her black saddle bag is? Thanks in advance!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks! The one with the side pockets is the Carradice Long Flap Camper

[@CanadianSledDog]

I wish my dogs could shrink down like Mario and fit in a crate on my bike like that!

[@NL-35]

Get a cargo omnium:) i travel with my 23kg dog easy with that bike. Greetings

[@CanadianSledDog]

@@NL-35 that's a cool way to get around with your dog! I do wilderness bikepacking touring so I need to use fat tires and no e-assist, and I'll have 2 full size dogs when my puppy grows up. I bought a Quiet Kat 2 wheel fat trailer they make for hunting, and I plan to fit a 26 inch crate on it for 1 or 2 dogs at a time.

[@alienac5433]

Wes Anderson!!!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I wish! 😄👍

[@AJankowski]

👍

[@balint8684]

Fantastic storytelling yet again. Well done. Also, which company makes your wife's bicycle bags?

[@mawo3961]

Carradice bags. Probably the camper model.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words! 😊🙏🏻 mawo3961 is right, we use the Carradice Long Flap Camper. We have modified one of them and removed the side pockets to make it fit better between the drop bars on my wife’s bike.

[@balint8684]

@@BackwoodsBikepacking Thanks for getting back, appreciated!

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

@@balint8684 No worries 😊

[@williamwood6795]

What bags are you using and how did you pack your sleep system??

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

My wife had two Carradice Long Flap Camper bags and I had one plus a pair of Ortlieb Backrollers. We carried each our inflatable sleeping pad and sleeping bag, and I carried the tent as there’s simply more room in the Backrollers. I usually just pack some rain gear and a warming jacket in the Long Flap Camper and use the rest of the space in that bag for camera gear.

[@veriest1]

What a beautiful ride! I just found your channel but it looks like a great "Subscribe."

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Thanks for the kind words and sub! 😊🙏🏻

[@sulaimansulaiman3403]

👍👍🇮🇳🇮🇳♥♥

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

😊🙏

[@anotherscandinavian]

Mind sharing the route?

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I know this sounds a bit odd, but I usually don’t share my routes 😊

[@stemarization]

Hi, what brand are the two bags? Thanks

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

The bags are the Long Flap Camper model from Carradice. We have modified one by removing the side pockets so the bag fits better between the drop bars.

[@davidstjernstromeriksson35]

Do you have the gpx track for the trip?

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I would recommend just following the official cycling routes and improvise from there 😊

[@yumyumhungry]

Hmmm I didn't know telemark was a place. It's good to know all those crazy skiiers who lunge down the hill come from somewhere.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Try to look up Sondre Norheim, the skiing pioner from Morgedal in Telemark 😊

[@ErwinvanderHam]

have you got the route on gpx or Komoot

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Sorry, I know it sounds weird, but I rarely share my routes 😊

[@ErwinvanderHam]

@@BackwoodsBikepacking that is a shame because it is a route i would like to do

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

@@ErwinvanderHam The Ride with GPS app and homepage is a great resource 😊

[@gr8bkset-524]

Seems like you were rushing through everything.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Yes, we kinda had to as we only had six days and no other alternative. I wish we had more time to fully enjoy the landscape, but it was a great and memorable trip still 😊

[@VincentForDesign]

9:47 the boat looks like toy here

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I agree, it sure looked small beneath the tall hillside 😄

[@astriddegroot7438]

Don't understand why people always put deadlines on them.

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I see what you mean, but in this case, it was the newspaper that put a deadline on the article 😊

[@kora8182]

I really enjoyed your Video, until I saw how you transport your Dog. Please consider doing it different the next time✌️ Like Jon from omni tierra is doing it for example...

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

I appreciate your concern regarding Banjo! 😊 As far as I can tell, our setup is size wise rather similar to John’s setup with Mira if you consider the size differences between the two dogs. Banjo is built very different from Mira and cannot run for long distances. Instead, we stop more or less regularly to let him down to sniff and do his dog things. I have tried to have him running next to the bike using a special dog leash setup, but he pulls to hard for his own good, so I have had to abandon it to save his joints.

[@kora8182]

@@BackwoodsBikepacking I don't find your handling of the dog problematic at all. I only care about the box. I think the dog has too little freedom of movement and can't look out so nicely. You know what you're doing, I didn't want to bother you. 🦝

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

@@kora8182 No worries, I appreciate the concern. He can lie down outstretched in the crate and peer out of the rear end and often choose to sit up and look out through the opening at the top. The high sidewalls give him a sense of security and helps to protect him from inclement weather. Ideally, though, I do wish the crate was a couple centimeters longer.

[@dougrault2608]

Mike Linder

[@bleblu]

Bla bla bla...

[@BackwoodsBikepacking]

Bla-bla-bla? Bla-bla-blaaa!