The journey is complete but it hasn't really started! The waiting is almost over and we're as prepared as we could hope to be.
The 23 hour trip from Älmhult to Riksgränsen went extremely smoothly. At no point was the train any more than 2-3 minutes late and we rolled in to the beautiful snowy & mountainous landscape bang on time. Within 30 minutes or so of arriving we were checked into the Ski Lodge and had built our bikes.
The village of Katterjokk lies just 2kms away and that was our destination, by bike of course, for lunch. Raggmunk at Ebbe's - perfect. A short detour into Norway on the way back for a couple of pictures then we picked up our route notes and stamping cards and took a look around at some of the various equipment of our "rivals". Everything from a recumbent bike to some old fashioned tourers to even a couple of bike couriers riding fixies!! It takes all sorts. Not often you're about to start a road race and the other entrants are curious that you're riding high profile rims, looking like they think you're a bit "over the top".
Almost all of the 46 entrants (3 are still on their way) joined for a really good meal on the next door hotel followed by a short briefing by Peter, the organiser, fellow entrant and (I think) course record holder.
Now we're just relaxing after removing as much as we can from our baggage and making the final preparations.
Tomorrow we ride!
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30 minutes to check in AND built your bikes. I'm glad I'm home.
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