Our flight wasn’t until 14:40 so another unhurried start, with a wander down to the river and a leisurely ride to the airport, stopping off at the Co-op for snacks. There are only four check in desks at Alta airport, a pair each for SAS and Norwegian. We prepared our bikes and checked in, we were relieved to be assured that everything was booked through to Manchester. As for the bikes, no long walks or scanner drama, we handed them over at the excess baggage door. There was no queue at security, a relaxed airport experience so different from the major hubs.
Our flight schedule was
Wed 28 Sep 2016
14:40 – 16:35 Alta – Oslo, Gardermoen
Stop over at: Gardermoen: 1h 25m
18:00 – 19:10 Oslo, Gardermoen – Copenhagen, Kastrup (Terminal 3)
Stop over at: Kastrup: 0h 55m
20:05 – 21:05 Copenhagen, Kastrup (Terminal 3) – Manchester Airport (Terminal 1)
Although we had to walk a long way at Copenhagen, all the flights were punctual and there was plenty of time between them, we simply followed the “Transfers” signs, checked which gate and queued up. There was a passport check at Copenhagen but no additional bag checking.
Our bags and bikes were quickly off at Manchester and undamaged, my chain hadn’t even been dislodged. We assembled them, loaded up and returned to the same Premier Inn that we’d used on the outward journey.
Next morning we were up early for breakfast so we could catch the 09:06 train from the airport station to connect with the 09:50 direct service to Bangor. On board was a cyclist from Hebden Bridge on his way to Ireland so we enjoyed a chat before alighting to ride home.
More photographs
Our luggage
We didn’t use the italicised items.
Toolkit
Puncture repair kit
Multitool (allen keys etc)
Speed lever (for fitting tyre on rim)
BBB Easy Tyre Fitting Tool (older version) from SJS cycles
Emergency spoke kit
Inner tube
Tyre levers
Lubricant
Adjustable spanner
Spare bolts
Tweezers (for extracting thorns)
Brake blocks (2 pairs)
Duck tape
Gear/brake cables
Spokes
Sleeping
Vaude Mark L 2P Tent
RAB Ascent 700 XL sleeping bag (Alan)
RAB Neutrino 600 sleeping bag (Christine)
2 x Sleeping bag liners
2 x Thermarest Evolite sleeping mats
Cooking
Butane stove
Evernew Titanium non-stick pan set (1.9L and 2.6L)
Lifeventure Titanium Camping Plates and mugs
Collapsible Bowl
Pot Cosy and Windshield Kit
Naturehike 5L collapsible water carrier
Toiletries
Insect repellent
Anti-bacterial washing gel
Body wash
Calendula and arnica ointments
First aid kit
Lifeventure washing liquid
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Dental floss
Scissors
Electric shaver
Deodorant
Soap
Shower gel
Athletes foot cream
Lip balm
LifeVenture Trek Towel
Electronics
Samsung Galaxy 8″ tablet
Phone
Sony A99 full frame DSLR camera
Konica Minolta 17-35mm f2.8-4 lens
Konica Minolta 28-75mm f2.8 lens
Surui carbon fibre tripod
Head torch
Chargers
Clothes (Alan)
Shimano cycling shoes
Endura overshoes
Altura Night Vision waterproof cycling jacket and hood
Gore bike wear overtrousers
Phoenix warm waterproof gloves
Buff
Extremities hat
Long sleeve merino wool base layer
2 pairs waterproof socks
1 pair merino wool socks
1 pair normal socks
2 pair padded cycling pants
2 pair pants
1 pair cycling trousers
1 pair trousers
Klättermusen down fleece
1 long sleeved t-shirt
1 long sleeved cycling shirt
North Face lightweight shoes
Clothes (Christine)
Shimano cycling shoes
BBB overshoes
waterproof cycling jacket and hood
overtrousers
warm waterproof gloves
thin gloves
Buff
merino hat
Long sleeve merino wool base layer
2 pairs waterproof socks
1 pair merino wool socks
1 pair normal socks
1 pair padded cycling shorts
1 pair padded cycling pants
2 pair pants
1 pair cycling trousers
1 pair trousers
Karrimor down jacket
1 long sleeved t-shirt
1 long sleeved cycling shirt
lightweight shoes
Documentation
Passports
Airline check-in requirements
1:100,000 ProjektNort map: Lofoten
1:400,000 Freytag & Berndt map no 4: North Cape
Route and accommodation info
Notebook and pen
Cash and cards
Bikes and packing materials
Thorn Raven with Rohloff hub and Continental Travel Contact 1.75″ tyres (Alan)
Chas Roberts Rough Stuff with disc brakes and Continental Travel Contact 1.75″ tyres (Christine)
2 x Cycling UK plastic bike bags
2 x Lightweight nylon holdalls for tent and panniers