Riding the FORGOTTEN 100 Year Old Gravel Road Lost in the Norwegian Mountains

[@robvandennoortgate7306]

Looking at your videos, i wanted to bikepack in Norway. In July i finally did a 700km gravel ride through Norway. Make no mistake, your videos are just amazing! ;) But experiencing it for myself i find that no matter what camera you have, it cannot possibly show a fraction of the beauty i saw there! Thank you very much for letting me discover this country that i would never have considered a cycling destination before!

[@matthewnorway]

Sometimes I look at my film footage and say this doesn't even show 10% of what I experienced. So glad you cycled Norway this year to experience it yourself!

[@Squilk]

I used to do a lot of rock climbing but due to covid and having a child, I stopped going as often. I moved away and lost my climbing community in the process, and over the last few years I have become less fit than I used to be. I few months ago I was lent an ebike, for a few weeks, and since then I have been using a cheap hybrid bike to commute to work. I now do 130 miles a week and I have become addicted to it and really feel the pull towards becoming a ‘cyclist’. This video has entrenched this. Honestly, this video was really moving. I got goose bumps. It’s been a revelation and I know that I can take my past love of the mountains and my new love of cycling and bring them together like this. Thank you.

[@WyeExplorer]

Reminds me of a section in the amazing poem, 'Don't Quit,' which goes. 'Life is queer with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about, when he might have won had he stuck it out; Don’t give up though the pace seems slow you may succeed with another blow.' Fantastic adventure. Mark. P.S full poem online.

[@rambleon913]

Cool poem. Sums it up!

[@nicholas5569]

You show of our country in a beautiful way, its very nice watching Norway from your perspective, and your love for Norway

[@kvalvagnes]

Good one. Commentary and soundtrack is top. Didnt know about this road - perfekt to do on a good day... the drop under the nose ....then you know it was a serious day... Slingsby is a legend that open the eyes of Norwegians to our own mountains....

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Wow. Misty clouds clinging to mountains IS the most beautiful presentation and presence.

[@rascal6054]

4 days and I arrive from the US. Can’t wait to ride in Norway. Thanks for your videos.

[@matthewnorway]

The weather is very settled right now so hope it's sunny in Voss for your rides!

[@thiskewlchick]

I'm usually miffed at KZbin suggestions but thankful that this gem popped up today. 🙂🇨🇦

[@ChrisNaylor]

This video shows why the work you're doing and Cycle Norway are essential, Visit Norway do a great job for casual tourists visiting the main cities but it needs entrepreneurial spirit and thinking to showcase the best of these hidden gems

[@romoisjuev]

Brilliant video, not hiding any of the setbacks you had. This is what an cycling adventure is about!

[@jhonerrolborlagdan2489]

These contents can put tears in my eyes What a great route

[@christopherhood9241]

pleased to see mother nature finally relented and gave you access to such an amazing place/road. well deserved. thank you for sharing, stunning.

[@ordinrisa8962]

I cycled this road in early august, and the first thing that came to mind after finishing it, was: I have to do it again. It’s incredible how they made this road by hand. The road just threads trough the landscape uncompromisingly. Truly stunning. A shame that hardly anyone knows about it. Thank you for sharing Matthew!

[@safe-keeper1042]

I wish the Norwegian tourism industry would do a better job at promoting a wider range of destinations, instead of just focusing on the same ones all the time, like Trolltunga. It creates a lot of wear and tear on those few destinations.

[@matthewnorway]

@@safe-keeper1042 I agree!

[@nickisauer9626]

Yes Norway is so beautiful. I cycled the Rallarvegen this summer and was lucky with the weather too. It was fantastic.

[@nonamenerds8157]

I promise, I'll never complain about Norwegian weather again... been there this summer for several weeks and had a lot of rain - but I had a camper van. Your determination to keep going even when soaking wet is inspiring!

[@capunkmelky]

Beautiful country & i love. Greetings from Timor Island-Indonesia 😇

[@IngerMaaike2]

Fantastic road, thanks for showing it.

[@digilux4017]

Matthew, you deserve a nobel price of your own!

[@deanwilkendorf5304]

Beautiful content. Marvelous post production. Inspiring location. Wonderfulful voiceover. I want to go there myself, and see this in person.... thank you.

[@awildanieves8744]

What a Fearful ADVENTURE thank you soo much,please becareful👋😯

[@sADYc]

We love you, brother! For a small nation, this channel is huge and you are a treasure! Happy travels!

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, I liked the video very much, thanks you for sharing, stay safe, stay blessed

[@pandacharm]

Rode this twice last season. First alone, and then I had to show it to a friend :) Was thinking someone need to make a film about it. Thanks for doing it, and what a great film !

[@Biking360]

Incredible. Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to put this video together. I know it's no easy task and it's very much appreciated. Take care but if you're reading this at home I reckon you're safe to take your helmet off now :)

[@andreanetto69]

You did your best, you did it: you made me hungry of a dream that maybe I’ll never realize, a savage wild bikepacking trip, but I saw it in your video. Thanks a lot 🙏

[@jeroenmanten]

Beautiful Video that's shows Norway from a beautiful perspective. Really wonderful to watch this video

[@MitchBoyer]

Wow this looks incredible. What a journey and what a road!

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

Even living in Norway and not being a biker myself, I love your work 😍

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks! 😃

[@nirgundo]

Just amazing ! Again. Thanks Matthew.

[@matthewnorway]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jakubjaskoowski6940]

I got exactely in the same situation in July this year, but from Ovre Ardal direction. Didn't even try to cross over the snow. Yet the road is so amazing I'm gonna try again.

[@desmotom]

One of the best videos on KZbin. Thank you 🥳

[@andersjefsenrasmussen3003]

So fantastic and inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@SatriaChannel_08]

Very interesting mountains....and really amazing gravel roads... There are many very beautiful scenery....

[@LJJ368]

Fantastic... On and on... it is spectacular; awesome is your story.

[@GymnasticsCoaching]

Yeesh. But congratulations on finally putting that epic ride in the bank!

[@chelmialouest_motorcycle3036]

Whaaaaa incredible landscapes 🤩

[@Jorgew01]

Nice seeing the nature of norway being explored. Ive just rediscovered the beauty of nature in norway myself. When i was young we did alot of camping but it faded. Now im out in the woods around oslo almost every weekend.. enjoy your trips matthew

[@dorotahukisz1027]

my cycling and Norway algorythms made YT to showme your channel. Love your sense of humor

[@lokkagutt]

Cheers for sharing. Another one on the bucket list!

[@travelwithradi9124]

Wow, lovely. Breathtaking view.

[@markmclean2503]

Fantastic trip and wonderful documentary. Always impressed by your travels and hard work.

[@gerdriechers8426]

Your best video so far. I am not a cyclist but a lover of Norway and with this you caught the essence of the country!

[@1unsung971]

Lip reading at 8.42 I feel your pain Man. You are a resilient fella. Thanks for sharing your adventures and travails. All the best form New Zealand

[@DIY-DaddyO]

On my list. Epic effort sir. Bravo.

[@Ody-up6kg]

Goosebumps watching this Matt!

[@alexanderburgle8338]

We have been to Norway this year for 4 months and also put up a fight with the weather. So good to see that you never gave up and got your well deserved reward. Yeah Norway, sometimes you hate it and one minute later it makes up for three days of rain with its fantasy world :-)

[@camperp195]

Wow,just wow,what a fantastic adventure ,beautiful,amazing scenery,to say im jealous is an understatement 👍

[@TravellingTorunn]

I do enjoy your amazing videos from Norway (where I live). And all respect to you for taking on these difficult trips in all kinds of weather. I could never have done that. That is why I every year go to the South West of England to walk the coastal paths in the lovely sunny weather and the lush cliffs and valleys and beaches 😄 Thank you for sharing your experiences. I very much appreciate watching 👍😊

[@matthewnorway]

Thank you for your kind words Torunn 😊

[@meaphotographica]

Thank you for sharing. One of my to do list.

[@jan-christerhasti6934]

It is not forgotten and never has been. Other than that, it's a fantastically nice place to travel along 🇧🇻🇧🇻

[@VegardMinde]

Thank you, I had no idea this road existed!

[@kevinhawker2946]

I happened upon your channel and was truly inspired by this video. Your courage and determination are admirable!!! In 2 years, I’d like to take my son on this route, as he graduates from uni, here in the USA👍🚴👍🚴👍‼️‼️‼️

[@jorgenfischer]

Crazy English bastard! Glad you had an awesome experience. And to be honest -> These are the days you look back on and feel PROUD that you pushed through. Anyone can do this in perfect conditions, but you soldiered on and experienced something that even fewer people will ever experience. Congratz!!

[@SoundsandSightsVideos]

Congratulations on achieving this amazing riding adventure. You’re riding videos are making me wanting to return to Norway with my bike to ride my own adventures in the mountains. Keep making these amazing videos. Cheers

[@Gugner]

I did the same in Norway once with a m MTB bike and a Yak trailer. Deep snow from last year on the road….I had to dismantle everything and carry all on my shoulders. Once crossed, just more gravel road, but I had crossed the pass!💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻😃😃😃😃

[@danydhondt4677]

Let me start by congratulating you with this marvelous video. Beautiful footage. But I'd like to give some advice on editing though, without criticizing your work. I think you should cut down the music by at least 80%. The video is packed with music that just isn't necessary. There's one point in your video where the music stops and you say 'Do you here this?.... Silence!'. Please share this with your viewers: the silence, the sound of tires on the gravel, the wind and the rain. No music can beat that. Second tip: raise the volume of the voice over. I hope you don't mind feedback, which is meant to be positive. Keep making these nice video's! Thx

[@Hunter-jz2pt]

beautiful video and location! Thank you!

[@JonAbbott]

Absolutely love it - great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@matthewnorway]

Great to hear, thanks 👍

[@pulchralutetia]

Great video. Norway is truly stunning.

[@craigjohnson134]

I live in Norway and didnt know about this road! Thanks for the Great vid!

[@DejanOfRadic]

Bravo! Stunning and inspiring

[@papasquat355]

My ancestry is Norwegian and I have always wanted to visit, but doubt that I'll ever be able to. Your videos are a great surrogate and give me renewed interest in going some day.

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

hole-e-sheet.....that's stunning!...my bucket list is now comically long 😆

[@effyleven]

Ahh.. yeah. The trains with foot rests. Amazing how much they improve your comfort, especially if you are not tall. Beautiful drone shots, BTW. And the music was suitably Norwegian, too.

[@speleokanu4720]

Wonderful ! Mountains and weather need patience and a very strong will to succeed, especially in Norway. Your insights and storytelling as well as the views are fantastic.

[@katrinastewart5456]

Thank you for your inspiring videos. In 1994 I cycled from the Netherlands to my parents in Norway and did some cycling in the Southeast. I had to find routes through cycle guidebooks and maps. No internet, no mobile phone. No filming, I just took a few photographs on my way. It’s wonderful to see your films and drone footage and to hear about your preparations with maps and Google Earth! I live here in Norway now and love hiking, but seeing your footage I’m tempted to pack up my old bike again, pannier bags and all. Not that I see myself riding up this road! I’m approaching the big 6-0, so I might not be entirely realistic about my capabilities😅 Perhaps an electric bike will have to be on my wish list. But you certainly are an inspiration!

[@matthewnorway]

Good to hear Katrina! I think E-bikes are the future and a perfect way to experience Norway in all its beauty without feeling exhausted and drained. Hope to see you on the road!

[@AM-hk3uw]

Hi KS, my wife and I will returning to ride etc in Norway and we are not far of 60 as well. But no ones cares about your age when you are on a great road in the middle of no where. I must admit though, there are some roads that I would not want to ride on, but those quiet gravel roads would be superb. I just spent July 2022 in Norway and it was great, but cyclists need to choose the right roads etc, as I saw lots of motor homes, narrow roads, people not used to driving on the right hand side etc... (like me).

[@mrsporty9669]

I follow this channel regularly for wonderful inspiration. Thanks for your effort and sharing 🚴🏋️🏡

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for supporting the channel 👍

[@frederikconradsen3786]

Wow😮 thanks for sharing!

[@familleidier5755]

Merci pour cette découverte !

[@robdesbois]

Wow man that looks beautiful, gone straight onto my wish list! I rode through Bygdin in June, got really lucky with weather and had some incredible views. There's some really great riding there!

[@kenprice1047]

Great video and effort! Thanks! Also, hilarious that you “kept your helmet on Incase the book shelf fell” 😂😂

[@matthewnorway]

That bookshelf looked risky 😉!

[@kikomonztah]

Wow 😲 🔥👌

[@percival3830]

I have been so looking forward to this summer's videos that I know you will have been recording. I confess I didn't expect the first one to be so wet! I shall remember that. I plan to get over there summer of 2024 and cycle Trondheim to Brodo, (and perhaps more) when the latter is the Capital of Culture. Next year is a long promised LEJOG here in the UK in May with my buddy Chris, and when over in Seattle for a family wedding in late summer 2023, perhaps the Pacific Coastal Route down to Mexico. So, summer 2024 will be my first opportunity to ride in Norway. In this respect then the Norwegian rides feel a long way off, but somehow your vids bring them very close. Still inspiring me Matthew, thank you.

[@matthewnorway]

Time flies - 2024 is not that far off! Good luck with your journey down the Pacific Coastal Route - sounds awesome!

[@AndersKeisHansen]

That is an epic video !

[@norwegiangadgetman]

Love it. Particularly that you also show the failure and poor weather, not just the 'postcard view'. There's way too many who think that Norwegian nature is as tamed as in certain other countries. I hope you don't scare too many away, just make them reconsider their equipment. I woul love to ride that road, but... I'm a bit too well-padded to put it diplomatically. Maybe in a couple of years. ;-)

[@matthewnorway]

You can be transported to the top of the road and cycle down which is a great way to experience the road without the suffer-fest.

[@norwegiangadgetman]

@@matthewnorway I really don't like going downhill on gravel roads with hairpin bends. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I managed to push my bike up Trollstigen way back when I was bikepacking, so... Just need to lose 15 or 20Kg, and I'll be back in shape(pearshaped, but still)

[@chaimplumer6308]

This was a great video, introduced me to your channel.

[@mf5531]

Excellent video. and incredibly beautiful landscape.

[@bisikleta1015]

Balls freezing just watching the rain with ice on the road

[@HD1340b]

I cycled this trip at the end of July this summer and was lucky enough to experience it in beautiful sunshine. Had heard about the 1000 meters and wanted a challenge. Had no idea what awaited me other than a great climb. When I got up and started cycling in towards Tyin I almost started laughing, is it possible I thought? Felt like I was part of an adventure, just waiting to meet Espen Askeladden around the next bend 😅 Fantastic trip, highly recommended!

[@matthewnorway]

Great to hear!

[@johnleenane4571]

Stunning, what a place . Well done👍🇮🇪

[@bigmikeshooter]

Great landscapes and filming. Bravo from Greece.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Dimitrios 👍

[@multiplikado]

very, very special.... british, love it

[@MAURITS_METERSMAKER]

That is an amazing video. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

Well that looks tempting. I love gravel riding.

[@matgolebiewski]

Astonishing views and story.

[@deannilvalli6579]

I have to give it to this guy, he makes a damn fine and funny video! Hilarious commentary and great shots and good info too.

[@matthewnorway]

Glad you enjoyed the work put into the video 🙏

[@Costic]

I love how you saying "It would be rebuilt excactly how they did it in the early twentieth century" is between two photos both with excavator in them. (not calling you out or anything, just found it funny). Great video.

[@hoser7706]

Fantastic footage and film! Fantastic!!! Hats off to you. And what an epic adventure and historic, insance but impressive road. You have me sold on riding it!! This was soul-stirring!

[@rosstinelli]

Fair play lad, what a video

[@AR9ify]

Fantastic. Well done 👍

[@imagistatheimagista1870]

Epic!!!

[@sceniccyclingoz]

What an excellent adventure. I'm envious! Brilliant filmaking too, thank you for sharing your journey with us, it's so inspiring.

[@soloist777]

Wow!

[@knucklesprayer]

Awesome vid, i hope i can go there one day!

[@eddie.on_bikes]

Really awesome video man. Very well documented. Congrats.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for watching

[@espenrosenquist6683]

I had to giggle when you met the first ... patch ... of snow. Sorry for that. Thanks for sharing. There are becoming fewer and fewer quiet areas in this country, sadly, but it is still quite a large country to get lost on a bike.

[@alolympic]

Brilliant video. Not come across your channel until now, so I look forward to immersing myself in more of your adventures. Chapeau

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Alistair 👍

[@wohlhabendermanager]

I just came back from a two day hiking trip through Norway (first time I've done this, so that's why my wife and I settled for only two days). We got really lucky with the weather, even though the 2nd day was the roughest and hardest hike I've ever done. Wading through knee deep mud is really something. But, I would pack my things and go back in an instant if I could. All the pics I took can't really show what it's like to be out on your own, overlooking a huge valley, while the sun peeks out behind a mountain top. Only thing I would change is to bring some wellies. :) Thanks for this video, I feel it captures the essence of Norwegian wilderness, and sometimes things just don't turn out the way we want them to. But in the end, it's still worth it.

[@samso3148]

This may be the best documentary/travel video I've ever seen!!!! I am 40. The scenery, camera, editing, music, commentary, what a video... you rock! You must have spent a lot of time studying how to make the great videos, am I right?

[@davidp7414]

Epic, you are a strong man