The road to the North Cape - Day 3: Rain, Mud, and a Test of Patience
Day 3 started off with a mix of excitement and frustration. I got up early, packed my gear, and had a quick breakfast, ready to dive back into the adventure. The rain was back, and it was clear my gear wasn’t quite up to the task. My rain poncho, which I had foolishly brought with me, was completely torn by the wind and in rags. I realized I had to get a better jacket first thing this morning. Lysvik, where I spent the night, is not far from Torsby, so it had to be the first goal of the day.
Getting new gear - A Stop in Torsby
As I rolled into Torsby, I hoped to find a better jacket. However, I was way too early and most shops were still closed. Also, it seemed like there weren't that many stores in Torsby with rain jackets, so I found myself driving around town a few times trying to figure out what to do. After some searching, I finally stumbled upon an outdoor store that was about to open.
I walked in, dripping wet, and explained my situation and my adventure to the owner. To my surprise, not only did they have a rain jacket that fit the bill, but they also gave me a nice discount. It felt like a small win in a soggy day. Sometimes, sharing your journey can lead to unexpected kindness. With my new rain jacket purchased, I continued my journey to the north.
Missing Mangwood Inn
Spending the night at my friend’s cabin meant I missed out on a part of the TET I’d been looking forward to. Mangwood Inn is a popular campsite along the trail, known for its great vibes and as a meeting point for fellow travelers. It was a bit of a bummer to miss it, but hey! it gave me a reason to plan a return trip in the future!
“I had some ratchet straps with me, so I rigged them up between a few trees and the bike, hoping to pull it out..”
Back on the TET
I rejoined the TET and made my way past Stöten, and Fulufjällets National Park. This part of the trail was a real treat. The nature was spectacular, and for the first time on this trip, I felt truly remote. The roads wound through beautiful landscapes, with stunning views that made it all worthwhile. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and despite the muddy conditions, the ride was shaping up to be one of the highlights of the trip.
The rain wasn’t too heavy during this section, but the trail was still pretty muddy from earlier showers. I stopped a few times to snap some photos and grab some snacks, because the scenery was too good to rush past without documenting.
However, not everything went smoothly. At one point, I noticed that one of my bags was missing. After a moment of panic, I realized I must have lost it somewhere along the trail. I had to backtrack a few kilometers to find it. It was a bit of a hassle to go back and retrieve it. Once I had it secured again, I continued on, hoping the rest of the ride would be less eventful.
The Muddy Mishap
The ride was going great until I reached a well-known spot outside Lillhärdal. This place is famous among TET riders for its old, broken-down bridge and the stream crossing next to it. The stream crossing itself isn’t too bad, but the real challenge comes after—mud and a steep slope that’s really easy to get stuck on.
I hesitated for a while, weighing my options. The conditions looked tricky, but I decided to give it a shot. I managed to cross the stream without too much trouble, but as soon as I hit the other side, things went sideways. The bike got stuck in the thick mud, and I ended up tipping over in the stream. I quickly got the bike back up and started it again, but making my way up the muddy slope proved to be a bigger challenge than I anticipated.
The Struggle
The back wheel dug itself deep into the mud, and the bike stalled out. I tried to get out, starting the bike over and over, but the battery quickly drained. It was one of those situations where you’re stuck and getting more frustrated by the minute.
I had some ratchet straps with me, so I rigged them up between a few trees and the bike, hoping to pull it out. For the next 2-3 hours, I was knee-deep in mud, battling the elements, and trying to get the bike back on the road. Meanwhile, the rain caught up with me again. It started pouring like the sky had opened up a faucet. I quickly pitched my tent and threw all my gear inside, trying to get some semblance of dry space amidst the downpour.
Spending the night
After what felt like an eternity, I finally managed to get the bike up on the road. By this time, I was soaked through and completely exhausted. With the battery drained, I had no choice but to spend the night where I was.
The night was a rough one—thunder and lightning lit up the sky, and the rain kept hammering down. I barely slept, with everything around me soaked and muddy. It was a tough end to what had been an otherwise great day.
Reflecting on the Day
Looking back, Day 3 was a mix of highs and lows. From the joy of riding through stunning landscapes to the frustration of getting stuck in the mud and battling the elements—it was an adventure in every sense. Sometimes, it’s these tough moments that really test your patience and resilience, and in the end, they make the journey all the more memorable.
Despite the challenges, I knew the trip was still worth it. Before setting out, I’d told myself that if it rained constantly, I might just pack it in and head home. But I’m a bit stubborn, and once I set my mind to something, I don’t easily quit. So even with the rain and mud, I was determined to push through. Every rough patch just added more character to the journey, and I was committed to seeing it through.
Stay tuned for Day 4, where the adventure continues and the road promises new surprises!