A day of pedaling through misty lakes, chatting with strangers on a wooden bridge, and indulging in a much-needed buffet feast.

This part of the trip took me from the comfort of Luleå’s hotels to the wild, where a meeting with another cyclist and a muddy swim made me think about what it really means to embrace the unknown.

Waking up to an empty campsite, I realized I’d slept through the departures of every other traveler, which was perhaps a testament to the deep rest my body needed. The ride to Luleå was supposed to be short, but the road had other plans.

I pedaled past the Arctic Circle and its sticker-covered sign was a quiet testament to the ground I’d covered. A week of cycling, and I’d finally crossed it. The days were still long, the light still lingering, but the coast was calling. Töre awaited with the promise of a shower, a rare luxury after days on the road.

I barely spent a day in Finland, but I think I made them count. A cozy breakfast by a rushing river, a warm chat with a German couple, and two surprisingly delicious bolognese pizzas. Then, with a full stomach, I pedaled over the bridge into Sweden. It felt like saying goodbye to the wild and most remote stretch of this journey so far.

Exhausted but fueled by a solid breakfast, I set off from Norway with a buckling leg and a tailwind that felt like a parting gift. The ride to Muonio flew by, with the sun on my face, wind at my back, and a newfound energy. Maybe it was the promise of warmer climates, or maybe it was just the relief of leaving the worst cold behind.

Fighting through rivers, snow, and knee-deep mud, I lost a tripod but gained a new respect for survival. The final stretch to the road was the hardest 10km of my life.

A brutal climb through snow and mud pushed me to my limits, forcing me to camp in a desperate bid to avoid freezing. The mountain tested everything I had.

Day 2 brought a tailwind and sunlight that never faded. The kilometers passed quickly, fueled by coffee, waffles, and the need to stay warm.

Gear I’m packing for a 7000km bike ride, and the pitfalls I’m trying to avoid.

I’m biking 7,000+ km from Norway to Spain to slow down and break the rhythm of everyday life. Follow the journey for updates, photos, and the story behind the adventure.