We have ridden both the OF700 and OF300 races and believe that riding the actual route just a couple of weeks before the start (OF700 starts on 1 August and OF300 starts on 3 August) offers many advantages. From a training perspective, it offers extensive training of between 25 and 30 hours. From a technical, tactical and equipment perspective, it gives you time to make any necessary adjustments, purchase equipment or remedy anything that crops up as a result of this trip.

Everyone, including those who have competed in the OF300 race before, will benefit from this trip from both a training and tactical perspective. If you have not cycled in the Finnmark terrain before, no less in the OffroadFinnmark, you will gain solid experience and expertise of the conditions on the Finnmarksvidda mountain plain, about the race and about what is required. This will significantly increase your chances of a good performance in the actual race.

We meet for a briefing the evening before (Thursday 11th) to go through the map, plan and check gear. Representatives from the Offroad Finnmark organisation will also attend this meeting to share their experiences and answer any questions.

Surface

We mostly ride on single tracks and quad bike trails. The quad bike trails means double tracks that roughly follow the lines of the terrain, which is hilly and relatively dry. But every time we need to cross the “wrong” path (in other words east-west), it means a lot up and down, swamp crossings and many streams to ford. We sometimes encounter rivers, which we need to wade to far up our thighs (or worse) to cross.

Weather and conditions

Finnmark in July often means relatively good weather with lots of sun and little rain and temperatures between 12 and 25 ˚C. However, the summer 2017 confirmed once and for all that when it comes to weather everything is not necessarily normal any longer. It was very wet. The Finnmarksvidda ended up like a wet sponge and riding by bike became an interesting exercise. But the rain is always followed by the sun. Consequently, summer of 2018 was fantastic! We are convinced that the summer of 2019 will be even better, the best in living memory.

Equipment

After the Lord created the Finnmarkvidda mountain plain, as far as we have been able to ascertain, he inspected this wonderful gem in the north on a full suspension 29er. This has also become the natural choice for us who live here today. If you can choose – go for a 29-inch full suspension. If not, bring the bike you have and you will end up buying a full suspension afterwards. If you do not have an FS29, you may rent one from us! Check out our bike rental page for more info!

Included

Luggage transport, meals (from breakfast day 2 to lunch on day 4), guide (repairman and local guide), badstue and accommodation.

The legs

Day 1: not released
Day 2: not released
Day 3: not released

Accommodation

First night at Aurora Canvas Dome in Alta. The second and third night at Mountain Cabins (Fjellstue) or wilderness camp. Let us know if you need additional nights