Cycling tour "The climbing challenge" 41 km

This is one of the five rides described in Thor & Dag Otto's Cycle Routes, and is Dag Otto's favourite interval training. The route incorporates Grøslekleivene – the ideal spot to test your climbing abilities. With the tourist office as starting point, ride south-west towards Odden Shopping Centre and turn right onto Jørgen Bangs gate. As you reach Lillesandsveien, turn left. Then, at the roundabout, turn right. Follow Tønnevoldsgate until you reach Storgaten. Turn left, and then follow route 404 towards Herefoss. The route will take you past two lakes, Rore and Syndle – both ideal for paddling. Just before Skiftenes, you will ride past the entrance to Gurebo farm. If you have brought children along, or have plenty of time, we strongly recommend a visit. It is a beautiful farm. Alternatively, continue along route 404 through Skiftenes. This is where the challenging climbs start. When you have completed Grøslekleivene, there is a 3 km stretch to lake Kilandsvannet where you can give your legs a bit of a break. For a longer ride, it is possible to continue along this road via Birkeland and Lillesand back to Grimstad – a round of just over 80 km. The other alternative is to return to Roresand by following the same route back. At Roresand, turn right towards Landvik Church. Then turn left towards Kryssen. Continue straight ahead on this road back to Grimstad.

Comments: Route 404 leads through beautiful scenery with a mountainous feel. It is particularly spectacular in autumn when the colours are in full display. There is no cycle path after Roresand, but route 404 is in general quiet with only limited traffic.

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