Torbudalen, a nice place for recreation=)

One of the valleys leading into the mountains from Sunndalsøra, is Torbudalen. Many have made this calm and relaxing valley in a spectacular scenery their place for recreation. Although there are several areas for cabins, you hardly notice them when you're driving along the road. This is because the size and number of cabins is strictly regulated. I am ashamed to say it, but for the 10 years I have called Sunndalsøra my home, I have never visited this valley so of course I had to say yes when I was invited this autumn. To get to my friend's cabin I cycled so that I would get the time to enjoy the scenery and really see the nature. The road in itself is actually a tourist attraction, Aursjøvegen, that is worth a visit. If you also make it to Stakrafts power plant in Sunndal, you get to see photoes of how challenging it was to get equipment up the valley when the dams where built. There are several dams along the road, the largest one is Aursjødammen where you also find a cabin for tourists. There are several other cabins in the mountains nearby for those who does not mind a short hike. 
The time spent at the cabin was lovely. Not only was the company impeccable, but the activities was just how I like it: We had a hike to Håkådalshøa. A nice hike, but a bit rocky at the top. Of course games were played and lots and lots of food was eaten. A dip in the lake followed by a visit to the outdoor tub removed every last bit of tension=) On our way home we was lucky to have my friends father arrange some shooting exercise for us. There are also other possibilities in Tobudalen, like picking berries, fishing, photography etc, but there are only so much you can do during a weekend while relaxing...=)

The view down towards Sunndal.

The firs dam, I'm excited:p

Signs along the road telling the name of almost every hill. "Beautifullvalley hill"

Torbudalen seen from Håkådalshøa

Relaxing, again, after the hike=) 

cool:)

=)

The birkebeiner competition

The Birkebeiner competitions has its roots in the story about how the future king, Håkon Håkonsson, was moved to safety by a dangerous trip over the mountains when he was only 2 years old. This background is made clear by the competition rule that everyone has to wear a backpack weighing 3.5 kg for both the skiing and the cycling competition. For the last competition, the run, you do not have to wear it. The skiing competition was held last winter, and the cycling and running this autumn. You can choose whether you want to take part in one, two or all three competitions. If you take part in all three there is also a combined competition of the three: "the triple". In each competition you have to be below a maximum finish time (based on the best ones in each group) to get an award. If you manage this in all competitions, you get the title "Birkebeiner of the year".

The cycling competition was great fun! And I both understand why the it's sold out within minutes and why people sell their tickets when it's bad weather. Luckily the weather was nice this year and I could only enjoy the beautiful route and the lovely scenery along it. The same also applies for the run which was a 21 km route mostly in the terrain. Much better than running on concrete or asphalt! And much more fun=)

I am very impressed by how well it all has been organized. Especially considering the logistics with having the start and finish at two different locations and also the amount of people participating in the competitions. Well done!

My goal was to become a Birkebeiner of the year, and after managing the requirements in the first two competitions I had only the run left. I got a good night sleep at Suttestad gård, a charming old building  away from the noise. I would recommend a stay at this place for anyone who likes to feel at home and are tired of big hotels. I charged the batteries well, managed to do a good run and reached my goal! It was a lovely feeling=)
What next?

Ready!

FOOD!=) Very important before a long competition

My mother, the sports journalist...? This is where I was some seconds earlier

bikes everywhere

Suttestad gård

The start of the run, many nervous competitors