Yeah Well Ah

The foot O people had been to Yxbracken ski area the day before. They said there were lots of tracks and it was very steep down to the finish.

Well thankfully on Day 4 we had a remote finish on top of the mountain and made our way down the steep winding bike/ski trail (shades of Buxton but much higher and steeper) at our own pace. Great fun near the top but it got steeper and looser so I walked the bottom half.

But I’m skipping the bit in the middle. Not very enjoyable. narrow tracks  hard for me to get out of the way of faster riders. Very rocky and/or rooty. Mostly beyond my capabilities. Only 6 controls in (supposedly) 5.4km. Not so many tracks and virtually no route choice  I did a LOT of walking. Glad I wasn’t staying for the last day which is also in this general area.

So I’m not bringing my mtb to Sweden again. Decision made. The forests are often lovely with unexpected lakes. The recreational trails are very pleasant. The real mtb tracks are generally too difficult for me. If there is another visit to Sweden I could hire a mtb for a recreational ride.

I was a bit sorry to leave Norrköping. Felt I didn’t give it my full attention. Never did get a handle on the navigation. Sent Mrs Sat Nav into a spin when I thought I knew what I was doing going home from O-Ringen centre one night. By now I should know the way …

I don’t think I gave you this photo – genteel apartments on the inner ring road  ( “Promenade”) – with large internal courtyards

On the other hand, driving into Gothenburg today (where I spent a WMOC week four years ago) it was instant recognition. And when a serious traffic jam threatened access to the ferry, I happily over-rode Mrs SN until she caught up with me!