The long way home - Day 5 and 6: The Home Stretch and Beyond..
Day 13: The Long Haul to Västerås
Day 13 was a marathon of riding, covering 668 kilometers from Umeå to Västerås. It started early at my dad’s place with a light breakfast and packing up my gear. The morning was calm, and I took a scenic detour via Ratan to Sävar, where I made a quick stop to visit my sister and her two kids. It was nice to catch up with them for a bit, but I knew I had a long day ahead, so I couldn’t linger too long.
After saying goodbye, I hit the road again. My schedule was tight, and I knew I needed to make up some ground, so I decided to take the E4 freeway south. The ride was smooth but uneventful, just a steady push towards home. I took a short break at the Högakustenbron, a beautiful spot and a nice place to stretch my legs. But other than that, the day was all about covering as much distance as possible.
“Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The mishaps, the detours, and the surprises were all part of the adventure.”
By the time I reached Västerås, I was ready to call it a day. I found a camping site and when I got there I met a group of bikers that I started talking to. Apparently there was a big motorcycle meetup in town that weekend. They were staying in a cabin at the campsite near me, after hearing about my trip, they invited me in for a cold beer.
It was a nice way to wind down after a long day, sharing stories and laughing with fellow riders. But the exhaustion was catching up to me, so I didn’t stay too long. After a while, I crawled into my sleeping bag, ready for some well-deserved rest. Only one more day left, and then this incredible journey would be over. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that the adventure was almost behind me.
Day 14: The Final Stretch Home
Day 14 dawned clear and crisp, and I was up early to pack up my gear for the final stretch of the journey. The thought of heading home after such an epic trip was a mix of relief and sadness. I had covered a lot of ground, met some great people, and seen landscapes that were nothing short of breathtaking. Despite the rough patches—the mechanical issues, the bad weather, and the exhausting days—it had been an amazing adventure.
The morning was a bit of a blur as I packed up my tent and gear. I dont even know if I had anything to eat for most of the day and I didnt stop to take any pictures.
It was nice to finally get back home, but I also knew I'd miss the constant adventure of the road. The freedom of waking up each day with no set plan, the thrill of exploring new places, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers were all things I'd miss. But I was also looking forward to the comfort of my own bed, a hot shower, and a home-cooked meal.
Even though I had to skip a few places I had initially wanted to visit—thanks to the unpredictable weather and some unexpected issues—it only gives me more reasons to plan another trip. The North Cape, while an incredible destination, had left me with a desire to explore more of Norway and its winding roads. I’ve got a list of spots I missed and routes I didn’t get to tackle. Plus, my bike, the 690, had been a bit of a handful. It’s a great bike, but after all those miles, I was ready for something a bit more comfortable for long-distance travel.
The trip had been a real test of endurance and flexibility. There were moments of frustration and setbacks, but there were also moments of pure joy and wonder. The rugged landscapes, the thrill of new roads, all highlights that made the journey unforgettable.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The mishaps, the detours, and the surprises were all part of the adventure. They gave me stories to tell and experiences to reflect on. I was already dreaming about the next trip, envisioning new roads to explore and different bikes to ride.
On the road again..
There was no time to relax when I got home. As soon as I parked my bike and unpacked my gear, I jumped straight into a new adventure. I quickly repacked my stuff, picked up my son, and we hit the road again. This time, we were embarking on a different kind of journey—a 3500-kilometer road trip by car, heading back north.
But thats another story...