Hiking in Norway – Ulriken to Floyen
I recently spent a week in Bergen Norway. While there my friend John and I spent a day hiking in the mountains surrounding Bergen. There are said to be seven mountains surrounding the city. Ulriken is the tallest mountain at 643 meters. This may not seem that high, but you must consider that the old section of Bergen sits at sea level. Ulriken has a cable car that quickly takes you to the top. Floyen mountain is visited much more often by tourists and locals. A train run by cables quickly takes people to the top. The main station for Floyen is much more accessible to downtown Bergen and there are expansive running / hiking trails that lead to the top. We decided to explore this mountain region by first riding the cable car to the top of Ulriken. This will cost you 80 NOK (~$15 US) per person. We would then spend the day exploring the mountain and make our way to Floyen.
Farmville Super Meth, No I Mean Super 8
The Super 8 Hotel in Farmville, VA is horrible. DO NOT STAY HERE. Kathy, Sydney, and I arrived Friday night before the race and checked in. The first thing that should have raised a red flag was the "Meth Watch Participant" sticker on the front door. I guess they have a meth problem in Farmville. The room was dirty and there were stains on the chair. The bed was very uncomfortable and the pillows were flat. We tried to go to bed early but were kept awake all night by the guy or girl upstairs watching a loud tv and jumping around, and the people running up and down the stairs. I finally fell asleep around 2AM, only to wake up for the race at 4:30. This was one of the many times in my life I wish I had a gun with me. Kathy commented that she did not feel very safe here.
Kathy dropped me off at the race and had to go back to this hole in the wall. When checkout time came she had to make multiple trips to the car with Sydney in tow. A rude man asked her if she was done in there. The clerk tried to kiss Sydney. I would have went off at this. The meth residue may have gotten on her! That is the last time I stay at a super 8. I would rather stay in my car.
If you see either of these as you go to check in to your hotel get in your car and drive away as fast as possible.
Quick Thoughts
I will be publishing a full race report soon and a report on our "Meth Watch" hotel experience Friday night! I just wanted to get these quick thoughts down for now.
- It was a perfect day. 40 - 55 degrees and sunny with litte wind
- The race ended up being 34 miles (measured with my Garmin Forrunner 305)
- I finished in 6:58 and change
- I had my best run the last 3 miles after a grinding second lap
- Chips Ahoy Cookies taste great while running
- Never stay in a Super 8 hotel
- I do not like Clif Shot sports drink
- I am now officially addicted to these races, most fun I have ever had running by far
- Only once thought "The fun level has reached an all time low!" This quote was made famous by my friend Steve during a backpacking trip
- Middle age women can kick my butt
I could go on forever with my list here, but I will save the details for the next few posts. Hopefully I will have some time tonight to complete my race report, hotel report, and a "what I ate" entry.
