The 2011 UKBEG Buell Polarsirkel Challenge is an endurance run to the Arctic Circle in Norway. We've allocated ourselves 14 days to complete it which leaves enough free time for sightseeing etc.


(Click to enlarge)

Norwegian Arctic Circle web site: here

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We're not expecting many to join us this year but if you would like to take part in this fund-raising adventure registration forms are available via e-mail. Please send us a PM for details.

Closing date for entries is Friday 15th April 2011.
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Note;
You don't have to take 14 days to complete the Challenge - participants are free to travel at their own pace and choose their own route.

It is an endurance run for Buell motorcycles but all makes are welcome to take part.
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We anticipate riding approx. 3,300 miles over a period of 2 weeks. Our outward route will be Rotterdam to Assen, for the track weekend shown in this topic and then on through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, to the Arctic Circle. Our return route will be through Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Holland.

This will be the 3rd UKBEG Buell Challenge which Jane and I have organised and will once again raise money for Em's Charity, the Papworth Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Unit.

2009 'Lejog' - John O'Groats to Land's End, raised £8,981.65.
2010 'Emerald Isle' - a 1,000 mile ride around the coast of Ireland, raised £4,183.41.

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Hi there
This should be a great trip - hope the weather is kind to you (so early)

We have a group going out a little later for a ~ 2 wk tour - mid June

Currently there are 7 of us

We shall be doing some good miles and roads and also stopping at the Norwegian HOG Rally ... 2-3 Buells among the HDs

May see you at the Easter BBQ

Cheers

We certainly hope so ....

Of course we have to work around the Assen track weekend dates, 13th to 15th May, but I've got it all worked out with this handy guide to average weather conditions in Norway - what can possibly go wrong ....

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

As a coincidence, I was planning a trip to Hammerfest in August. I am thinking of changing my plans because you lot are such a good bunch to ride with. Even with that I can't break free with 13 days, so I'd have to modify a little. As people commit to the event will you post a roster of sorts?

As of now I am not commited, but I'm looking seriously at going.

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Every Curve Has A Highside, So I've Got That Going For Me

Bad Decisions Make Good Stories

With pleasure:

Chris Jessop - Buell XB12X Ulysses
Jane Jessop - Moto Guzzi Breva 750

We're not expecting to add many (if any) to that list but there's plenty of time so you never know...

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

If everything sorts out as planned, you may soon add one XB12-S to your list. Meaning, me!

I'm trying to get some locals here to attend. I'll help Chris & Jane any way I can and start by adverting on some Finnish forums. Hopefully we can arrange 'The most northerly Buell meet', as CJ it named.

Would be great to see some of you there.

-Timo

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>>Syteen tai saveen ja pubiin<<
--------Ride the Lightning--------

Timo - I've managed to contact a Buell owner in Norway so we may well have a few Buells at the Arctic Circle in May ....

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

I would take a LOT of rain gear. I went up to Trondheim in July two years ago on the Aprilia and I had three days of continuous cold rain. Don't get me wrong, I *love* Norway. Its a gorgeous country with brilliant scenery and roads, but it is WET and COLD, and it does get to you after a while... That's why we went in the car with Wieteke last year. Much better.

And with the prices climbing as they have been over the last few years it could get expensive for 2 weeks. Not so much fuel, but food.

Sorry to be a bit negative, just thought I'd add a hint of realism to the picture.

I'd love to come to be honest, just can't afford it at the moment...

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Illegitimi non carborundum

No problem, I welcome all input, negative or otherwise. I've done my homework and we will go prepared.

It's 30 years since I was in Norway (on a Honda CB900) and I want to go again on two wheels before I fall off my perch.

But as I posted earlier......

Of course we have to work around the Assen track weekend dates, 13th to 15th May, but I've got it all worked out with this handy guide to average weather conditions in Norway - what can possibly go wrong ....

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

I think if you take decent water proofs, including for your boots and gloves you should be alright. And make sure you have some sort of anti-fog thingy for your helmets too. After three days mine gave up!

I think if you can stay warm and dry you will have a blast of a time. The roads are REALLY grippy up there, even in the rain, so no need to slow down. I really enjoyed it. And blime, is there A LOT to see in that country. I just wish I could throw away £1500-£2000 to go for 2 weeks. Would be nice.

What sort of budget are you looking at for the trip CJ? Will you be camping or renting huts/hotels?

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Illegitimi non carborundum

Mich - in Norway/Sweden we will use their Hostel network (we're members of the International Hostel Association) which is one of the cheapest ways to visit those countries. They have an excellent network and they're located all along our proposed route(s). At that time of year we don't need to book ahead and prices are just a little more than we would normally pay in the UK.

We had thought of camping but we don't want the hassle of packing and unpacking when touring around. Regarding food, we will 'self-cater' as much as possible - I'm taking my own Head Chef , don't forget.

Other than being at the Arctic Circle in Norway during the middle weekend (21st/22nd May) our plans are totally flexible, it makes it more of an adventure that way. We have two weeks and a bit booked off work but may not use the whole period to complete the trip. We like touring without a set agenda.

We don't really have a set budget, it costs what it costs, but we'll do it as cheaply as possible.

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Hostels sound good. At least you won't have to carry tents, sleeping bags, pots and pans and all the other crap with you. Can you give me an idea of what the hostels cost for 2 persons per night? I have no idea!

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Illegitimi non carborundum

Official tourist information for hostels in Norway can be found here

Taken from that web site:
In general, a bed in a dormitory costs from NOK 100 up to NOK 300 and a double room from NOK 300 to 600. Duvets and pillows are always provided at the hostel, but you should bring your own bed linen, or rent it at the hostel.

NOK 100 = £11.01 at today's exchange rate.

If you're a member of the YHA/IHA you can obtain discounts and other privileges. We pay £22.95 for joint annual membership.

YHA/IHA details here

I realise hostels aren't everyone's cup of cocoa but many now have private rooms for couples and all have fully equipped kitchens so you can prepare and cook your own food. Most hostels also have drying facilities for wet riding gear - not that we'll need that facility ...

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

That's very competitive prices actually! Camping will come in slightly under that, and I see no advantage of camping if you can get a warm comfy bed for that sort of price. No faffing about with inflating air beds, fannying about putting up the tent in the rain, etc etc. We've all been there and got the wet t-shirt. It's a shame its so close. Should've started thinking and saving for this earlier...

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Illegitimi non carborundum

I thought the sponsorship covered the costs.