www.valdres.com/things-to-do/bjodalsrunden-cycling-tour-p611643

Bjødalsrunden is a very beautiful and varied, but demanding cycling tour in Sør-Aurdal. It contains tough climbs and sections of poor road quality, so bringing a mountain bike is a good choice. Also, you should be fit and have some previous cycling experience as this tour is not for everybody! It can be combined with cultural attractions and small hikes.

Difficulty: demanding; not suitable for families; fitness and experience is required

Distance: approx. 36 km Elevatuion gain: approx. 930 m

Directions: From Bagn, drive to Reinli and park your car at Matkroken (grocery store). From there, cycle towards Stavadalen and N.Fjellstølen and later follow the signs towards Ellingsæter. At first there are some kilometers on a sealed road, but after Stavadalen the road turns to firm gravel. After Nordre Fjellstølen and through Bjødalen Valley though, it deteriorates to a rough surface with wet sections, but the charming summer farm area with grazing livestock will probably make this the highlight of the tour. You will need to cross the Bjødalen stream, and unless you are able to cycle across you might get your feet wet! At Ellingsæter, there’s a cafeteria and a convenience store. Keep cycling towards Bagn for some kilometers and then turn left towards Island and back to Reinli.

The tour stretches from approx. 500 m.a.s.l. to 1040 m.a.s.l, which means tough climbs. However, it’s exciting to see how the landscape changes from deep forests to the open mountain country as you are climbing.

Tips for experiences along the route:

* A visit to the lovely Reinli Stave Church

* An easy hike to the potholes at Kvitingen (Jettegryter) from Kavlan

* As this tour circles the mountain plateau Bjødalsfjellet, hiking trails to the summit Bjødalskampen (1159 m.a.s.l.) start at several places along the route, i.e. at N. Fjellstølen, the Bjødalen valley and Ellingsæter.

* A hike to the historic war beacon point of Langeberget from the road between Island and Reinli.