The road to the North Cape - Day 2: Detours, Close Calls, and Good Company

After a wet and wild first day, I was hoping for a bit of a smoother ride on Day 2. The goal for the day was to reach my friend’s cabin in Lysvik. I woke up pretty early and after a small breakfast I packed up my gear. Before continuing my journey, I left my mark on the wind shelter in the form of a sticker.The rain had stopped, but the sky was still overcast. I was ready to hit the road again and continue my journey on the Swedish TET.

The View from Karlsborg

One of the best things about traveling on a motorcycle is the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye, especially if you're traveling solo like me. And that’s exactly what happened just outside of Karlsborg. I was cruising along when I spotted a vantage point that promised a spectacular view. It was one of those “why not?” moments, so I pulled over, parked the bike, and took a little walk up to the viewpoint.

And let me tell you, it was totally worth it. The spot, called "Klintens utsikt", offered an incredible view. Below was the lake "Bottensjön" with the town of Karlsborg sitting right on its shore. And off in the distance, I could see Vättern, Sweden’s second-largest lake, stretching out like a giant mirror. The whole scene was framed by rolling hills and thick forests—just pure Swedish nature at its best.

I hung out there for a bit, just taking it all in. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget about everything else—just you, the road, and the world spread out in front of you. I snapped a few photos, but honestly, they don’t do it justice. Being there in that moment, seeing it for myself, was something special. It’s moments like that that make these long rides totally worth it.

A Close Call After Kristinehamn

After lunch, the ride continued smoothly through the Swedish countryside. I made a quick stop in Kristinehamn to fuel up and check in with my friend, letting him know I was on schedule to reach the cabin by evening. We chatted for a few minutes, and then it was back on the road, the final stretch of the day’s ride ahead of me.

Now, here’s where the day took a turn. Feeling good after the break, I got a little too comfortable. The roads were open, the music in my helmet was playing, and I was cruising along at a nice pace. Maybe a bit too fast, if I’m being honest. I had my phone mounted on the handlebars, following the map, and enjoying the ride. But as any rider knows, you have to stay focused, especially on unfamiliar roads.

I was coming over a small crest when the road suddenly turned—a sharp right that I didn’t see coming. Before I knew it, I was off the road, heading into the ditch.

It wasn’t a terrible crash—more of a slide off the road—but it was enough to jolt me back to reality. I ended up in a muddy ditch, the bike lying on its side, and my heart racing a bit faster than usual.

A Helping Hand

After catching my breath and making sure I was in one piece, I got up to assess the situation. The bike was fine, just a bit muddy, but it was stuck in the ditch, and turned in a way that there was no way I was getting it out on my own. Fortunately, there was a house nearby, so I walked over and knocked on the door.

The homeowner was incredibly friendly and came with me to the crash site. When she realized she didn’t have the strength to help me lift the bike, we flagged down a passing car with two guys inside. Together, the three of us managed to get the bike back on the road. It was one of those moments where you really appreciate the kindness of strangers. Without their help, I’d have been stuck there for quite a while.

Once the bike was back on the road, I thanked my saviours, got a photo of them and then got back on the road.

The whole thing was a good reminder to stay focused and not let the comfort of the ride lull me into a false sense of security. Lesson learned!!

Arriving in Lysvik - Sauna, Beers, and a Dip in the Lake

By the time I rolled into Lysvik, the rain had catched up with me. All of a sudden it became dark and cold, and the rain started again. At the same time, "Hells Bells" by AC/DC started playing in my headphones.. A little worrying..

My friend’s cabin was a welcome sight—situated by the lake Fryken, with a beautiful view of the lake. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long, eventful day on the road.

My friend and his girlfriend greeted me with cold beer and a simple meal. After unloading my gear, we sat down for dinner. We spent the evening catching up, swapping stories, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the cabin. After dinner, we cranked up the sauna and settled in for some proper relaxation. After the sauna, we decided to take a dip in the lake. Now, I’m not usually one for cold water, but after the heat of the sauna, it felt amazing. The perfect way to unwind, soothe sore muscles, and just let go of all the stress of the day.

Reflecting on the Day

Looking back on Day 2, it was definitely one for the books. The detours, the crash, the help from strangers, and finally, the evening at the cabin—it was a day full of memorable moments. It’s funny how the road can throw so many different experiences at you in a single day, from breathtaking views to close calls, to the simple joy of spending time with a good friend.

As I crawled into bed that night, I was tired, but in the best way possible. The journey was still young, but it was already proving to be everything I’d hoped for and more. I knew there were plenty of challenges and adventures still to come, but for now, I was content. Day 2 had been a wild ride, and I couldn’t wait to see what Day 3 would bring.