26 March 2013
Heading home for Easter break.
23 March 2013
Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Sledging adventure in Oslo.
Today was knackering, a little bit dangerous and a lot of fun!
Last week when Ken & Anne were here for a visit, we went looking for this toboggan run that was said to be at Holmenkollen. Well, as we found out last week, it wasn't there but at a place called Frognerseteren.
The T-bane station is at the Western end of the #1 from Oslo central. It's not the fastest ride but useful.
Finally walked into Asker at about 1100 hrs.
To get around, I bought a ticket which costs 130NOK for 24 hrs in zones 1 & 2. This would get me from Asker into Oslo on the NSB trains and then free access to the public transport in Oslo city centre. As it normally costs 50 NOK for a ticket each way just to get into Oslo, this is a bit of a bargain.
I was feeling a bit apprehensive, but the day was gloriously sunny which helped. The train on the way up wasn't as full as I thought it'd be, but then again the Norwegians don't seem to do anything early.
The path from Frognerseteren had been gritted since last week so the walk down to the toboggan hire wasn't as bad as I thought it could've been.
To hire a toboggan it was 125 NOK for the day, with no deposit. Last week it had been until 2100 hrs but today the limit was 1900 hrs. I didn't think that was going to be a problem. The toboggan hire place has approx 350 sledges for hire and most of them seemed to be out when I got back in the early afternoon.
I thought I'd do a total of three runs. 1 to see what was there, 1 to get faster at it for the camera and then after a third I'd be getting bored and call it a day. Oh how wrong was I.
A picture of me before the first run.
The toboggan run is about 2km long, down to another T-bane station at Midstuen. The shop had said it takes about 15mins to run. They were wrong. On the longest run it took me 10mins.
Each of the runs had something different about it.
Click on the pictures to see larger image of speed and elevation data.
Click on the pictures to see larger image of speed and elevation data.
Run #1 [follow link for YouTube video] - This started slightly lower down the hill than the t-bane station, by the car parks and restaurant. It was a great introduction. I did split my favourite pair of cargo pants though and it got pretty chilly in the crotch department when ice was thrown up by the sledge.
At one point where it levels out a bit and I came to a standstill I had a fear I'd lost the phone I'd used to take the pictures earlier out of the trouser pocket I'd put it in. I started to walk back a bit before I decided to check all the pockets. It was in the jacket pocket on the other side to where it was expected. I seem to be doing that a lot lately.
Parts of the track were bumpy and some places even had small jumps in it. The steering was not precise but I did manage to keep myself out of trouble..... most of the time.
There are parts of the track which have barriers, but mostly there isn't anything at all. There's plenty of scope for coming off and hitting a tree or going off a slope and hitting a tree.
Max speed just under 45 kph.
The end of the run is very close to the t-bane station at Midstuen. Had to wait quite a while for the train back up the hill.
Run #2 [follow link for YouTube video] - This started just down the from the station, higher up than run #1. Lots more people on the train.
There is a short piece down from the t-bane station to the restaurant car park. Nearly lost it at the first hairpin, due to not expecting it to be quite as sharp.
There's a bit of a walk across a car park about 1:30 in. I got out the 3XL waterproof trousers for this run so not as cold in the fork.
Each time I got to the second part of the run it seemed to be chokka with people just waiting for somebody to go first. I just got on with it. Might've been different if I was with somebody else I guess.
Seemed to be plenty of kids on the run as well. In the UK they'd probably not be allowed to go down on their own for safety fears. With me on the track this was probably justified. I overtook plenty of people.
I started to notice one particular telegraph pole which seemed to be acting as a Zippy magnet.
Max speed just under 45 kph
Run #3 [follow link for YouTube video] -
The starting area just below the t-bane station was starting to show signs of wear. The brilliant sunshine wasn't helping of course. More people out, as well as the heat.
Just after the first hairpin I ended up turning too hard and went a full 180°, eventually going down backwards for a short while before crashing due to even less steering capability.
On the flattish second near that start of the second section I saw a guy walking pulling his toboggan & carrying what looked like a full TV camera. Not sure if he was shouldering that while haring down the slope. Braver man than me, I was only using my GoPro.
Some of the bumps and jumps seemed to be a little bigger on this run, which didn't make steering any easier. Maybe it's the increased melting. There certainly seems to be more in the way of ice coming up off the track.
Nearly had a collision when I got close to two people and went between them.
I think the camera angle on top of the helmet was just right.
Max speed : just over 45 kph in two locations on the track.
Should've taken a break after run #3 but didn't as I was just too pumped up. I had to have another go. Turned out to be a bit of a mistake.
Just after getting off the t-bane I heard three guys speaking English and they looked as if they were looking for somewhere. I gave them directions to the hire shop.
Just after that I saw another English speaker fall over on a particularly slippery bit of ice, while carrying a baby. The child wasn't happy about it although it seemed like the parent kept them safe. I tried to spread some grit on it but it didn't dig in.
At the first hairpin I had to brake pretty hard to avoid running over a child.
At the top of the second part of the run a small lad almost got away from his dad on a large wooden sled. Thankfully it ran off the track before it could get any sort of speed up. Could've been nasty.
The camera on the helmet was moved further forward so I could get it to point down a bit more. This was a mistake.
On this run I ended up closer to the edge of the track on a few occasions than on previous runs. Probably due to the increased tiredness.
Max speed : just under 50 kph on two occasions.
On the first section I had to brake very hard to avoid running over a kid on a body board. From the video it looks like his legs still got very close.
After the first section I walked up to the restaurant for a break and some lunch. It was later than it should've been, in retrospect. The whole place was heaving. As usual they didn't have any English breakfast tea so I had to use one of my emergency bags with some hot water. Next time I will have to bring either a pack lunch or some means of making my own. Also need to relax for a longer period.
The second part of run 5 was pretty much out of my control. This was obvious when I came off towards the end and headed towards the Zippy magnet telegraph pole. I tried to steer back to the left away from the track edge but the right runner was already in the softer stuff and wouldn't budge. Luckily I managed to slow down enough and steer away from pole and hit some tree branches instead. I stopped literally inches away from face planting a tree trunk. This was definitely going to be the last run of the day.
At the end of the run I met up with two of the guys I'd given directions to earlier in the day. Turns out their mate had come off worse with a tree encounter. They'd left him at the top so they could do one last run. He didn't look happy when I saw him. Later on when they got on the train to head back into Oslo he had to be supported by his mates. Hopefully he'll be okay.
Max speed on this run between 45 and 50 kph.
At the end of the run I met up with two of the guys I'd given directions to earlier in the day. Turns out their mate had come off worse with a tree encounter. They'd left him at the top so they could do one last run. He didn't look happy when I saw him. Later on when they got on the train to head back into Oslo he had to be supported by his mates. Hopefully he'll be okay.
Max speed on this run between 45 and 50 kph.
17 March 2013
16 March 2013
Saturday 16th March 2013 - Train trip from Asker to Bergen
The train arrived on time. Unfortunately we were completely at the wrong end of the platform. We had to jump on at carriage 6 and then make our way forward to 1. Each carriage seemed to have it's own different method of opening.
The buffet is a lot better than the ones in the UK. There is also a family carriage which has a padded play room with a TV to keep the tykes happy. Very family oriented here in Norway.
0900 -1°C
Lots of snow. I'm in my normal position of facing backwards and I can see the light snow being picked up by our passage. Very picturesque. May even get better. Not good conditions for photography because of reflection in the windows. Slight hangover from yesterday. Plenty wine and port after being out all day. Found the tobogan place but too late in the afternoon to try it. 100 NOK to hire a sledge for the day and you go up and down as many times as you like. Will look into that for next weekend. Relatively cheap days entertainment.
1017 -1°C
Plenty tunnels at the moment. Not good reception for the phone to send regular updates.
On the way to Bergen I think the left hand side is better. When we found our seats somebody was in mine because somebody was in there's etc. I am therefore on the right hand side. Will have to see how it progresses.
1110 -2°C
Now we're on the other side of the mountain the scenery isn't as close and both sides of the train are equally good. Wider valleys at the moment.
At the end of each carriage is a matrix sign giving messages about what's happening on the service or the external temperature. Obviously quite important to know what is outside.
In the komfort class carriage, where we are, there is a drinks making station. The buffet car is about 4 carriages behind ours so this is most appreciated especially as it is free.
1200 -2°C
We're about 990m above MSL. Despite the overcast skies it is quite bright and I should've brought some dark glasses. I can understand how people get snow blind.
Feeling a bit tired and could probably nap for a bit but this trip is about looking out the window. If I just wanted to get from A to B without looking at the scenery, I'd've got the plane. Same goes for reading a book.
1224 -4°C
Just had a stop. I got off to take a picture. There appeared to be some sort of kite skiing going on. Couldn't see it from the door though so no pictures
1249 0°C
Amother stop, this time at the station where you'd catch the Flam train. The sun is actually coming out now. Scenery on the way down excellent.
Just thinking that the train could do with an observation car with glass roof.
1345
Now down in the lower foot hills. Just gone through Voss. Not all the water is frozen.
1435
Now close to Bergen and there's hardly a flake of snow to be seen. Completely different to the 4 inches we had fall last night in Asker.
1530hrs
In the hotel. The temperature in Bergen is a balmy +4°C. Meeting Ken + Anne in the lobby to go wandering.
03 March 2013
Sunday 3rd March 2013 - Asker Ice festival
Today I planned to go to the Asker Ice Festival.This was at the lake just behind the area where I live. I would use a pair of the cycling shorts I'd found while unpacking the bean bags yesterday. These would be better as they had baggy outers so people wouldn't be scared by the lycra.
No rush after waking up as I assumed that nothing would start before 1200hrs. Had an easy start to the day. Read a bit of the book then watched a bit of M.A.S.H.
About 1130 I had to work out how to get my camera bag strapped to the bike so it'd be easy to get at the equipment without the risk of it falling off.
Went via Iain's house to say hello to the birthday girl.
Cycling to the lake only took a few minutes and I arrived not long after 1200hrs. My assumption was correct as there didn't seem to be an awful lot going on except setting up for something. The ice was very slippery and was glad that I'd cycled there rather than risk walking. There were lots of people there. It was going to be a great social event from youngsters all the way up to oldsters. Some came by car, walking, skis and the odd bike or two. Around the outside I noticed that a couple of families had made a fire, either to cook on or just keep warm. Seems there's no problem doing that in the winter!
The main event for the day was a competition to see which team could extract 12 cubes of ice, approx 60cm to a side.
While they were setting up the ice cutting competition a group of local girls did an ice skating presentation to music, which was playing from a system installed on the ice.
The size of the ice cutting team seemed to be random, but I could've missed something.1 team was comprised solely of women. The oldest of which was probably in her 60's
The first task they had to complete was to cut a circular hole in the ice to get the big saws in.
Once that hole was dug they could then proceed with the big ice saws.
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The teams then created a grid to cut the blocks.
When it came to removing them it seems each team was only allowed 2 bill hooks for each team because I saw some members applying axes as well, but no more than two bill hooks.
The winners managed to do it in a reasonable time.
By this time it was about 1430hrs and I was starting to get very chilly in the fingers. Talked to a few more people then left for home to warm up.
No rush after waking up as I assumed that nothing would start before 1200hrs. Had an easy start to the day. Read a bit of the book then watched a bit of M.A.S.H.
About 1130 I had to work out how to get my camera bag strapped to the bike so it'd be easy to get at the equipment without the risk of it falling off.
Went via Iain's house to say hello to the birthday girl.
Cycling to the lake only took a few minutes and I arrived not long after 1200hrs. My assumption was correct as there didn't seem to be an awful lot going on except setting up for something. The ice was very slippery and was glad that I'd cycled there rather than risk walking. There were lots of people there. It was going to be a great social event from youngsters all the way up to oldsters. Some came by car, walking, skis and the odd bike or two. Around the outside I noticed that a couple of families had made a fire, either to cook on or just keep warm. Seems there's no problem doing that in the winter!
The main event for the day was a competition to see which team could extract 12 cubes of ice, approx 60cm to a side.
While they were setting up the ice cutting competition a group of local girls did an ice skating presentation to music, which was playing from a system installed on the ice.
The size of the ice cutting team seemed to be random, but I could've missed something.1 team was comprised solely of women. The oldest of which was probably in her 60's
The first task they had to complete was to cut a circular hole in the ice to get the big saws in.
Once that hole was dug they could then proceed with the big ice saws.
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The teams then created a grid to cut the blocks.
When it came to removing them it seems each team was only allowed 2 bill hooks for each team because I saw some members applying axes as well, but no more than two bill hooks.
The winners managed to do it in a reasonable time.
After a number of teams had completed the main event, the nutters were rolled out. These were mainly youngsters who, stripped to their swimming garments, were going for a dip in the winners ice hole. The nationalities were actually quite diverse from Brazil and Portugal, with only 1 Norwegian?!
01 March 2013
Friday 1st March 2013 - The Killers
Quite a busy weekend when all said and done.
Friday evening I went to The Killers concert at the Telenor arena. Not one of my top favourite bands but it'd be chance to get out and see something different. I'd heard they were coming when somebody at the office put two tickets up for sale a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I was too late to get them. Luckily for me another work colleague said his wife had suffered a leg problem and probably wouldn't be able to make it. I had to wait 'til last Monday to find out if I had a chance or not.
I was looking forward to going all week.
Up 'til today I had been cycling into work, as I felt it was safer than trying to walk on the blasted ice. This morning however I needed to walk so that I didn't have to leave the bike at the office when we went to the concert. Iain Knight who lives just up the road had promised to show me a relatively easy walk apparently. Still took us 30-35mins and I was sweating like a goodun, especially on the arms and back. Good thing I had spare clothes and a towel for showering when I cycle into work.
I had a rush to get the spreadsheet off to the REG before our planned departure time of 1600hrs. Didn't make it and I also cleaned up the cake trolley so it wasn't left til Monday again!
We did manage to get to the train for 1630hrs to take us into Oslo. The Telenor Arena lays on shuttle buses from the National Theatre. Not free as a return costs 100NOK. Still it's a lot less hassle than trying to use public transport or a car. Chris and I decided we'd have a few beers before setting off to the concert. Three poorly poured Guinness was out limit before we then headed out for something to eat at McDonald's.
The bus when we got on was quite full and took approx 20mins to get to the arena. The driver we had must've been a frustrated rally driver as we actually over took the bus in front of us. I was nervous about standing up between two glass panels. Took quite a while to get from the dropoff point to our entrance to the arena, and it was slippery all the way. Security was done by the same company that provides security for the Schlumberger office. G4S. as I went through the turn-stile I got recognised by one of the guards. Thought it might have been mistaken identity until I twigged.
As went up the stairs to our seats they were handing out ear plugs. I for one was grateful as I'd left mine in the trousers at the office.
The arena didn't look up to much but I guess they never do. As we took our places for the preview act I thought the stage looked a little small as it only covered about half the width of the floor space. This also meant we were quite a long way off.
The support group were not as I'd imagined a local band but also from the US. They weren't too bad and we may hear more of them on the mid week middle aged mosh on Radio2 drivetime in the future.
There was a long gap between them and The Killers. There was an almost constant parade of people leaving the row forcing me to stand more times than in a church.
Once the Killers finally turned up it was pretty good. I knew ssome of the ssongs and Chris knew most of them. I think he is a bit like Stafford in that he actually listens to the songs on an album whereas I have music on for background. Again the venue was a bit of a let down as we were quite far from the stage off to the side. Look at the attached videos (when I get them loaded).
We got another shuttle bus back to the central station where I managed to just make the 2339 train from platform 5 to Asker. This tied in just nicely with the 0010 bus to Voyen. Result.
Got to bed quite late.
Friday evening I went to The Killers concert at the Telenor arena. Not one of my top favourite bands but it'd be chance to get out and see something different. I'd heard they were coming when somebody at the office put two tickets up for sale a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I was too late to get them. Luckily for me another work colleague said his wife had suffered a leg problem and probably wouldn't be able to make it. I had to wait 'til last Monday to find out if I had a chance or not.
I was looking forward to going all week.
Up 'til today I had been cycling into work, as I felt it was safer than trying to walk on the blasted ice. This morning however I needed to walk so that I didn't have to leave the bike at the office when we went to the concert. Iain Knight who lives just up the road had promised to show me a relatively easy walk apparently. Still took us 30-35mins and I was sweating like a goodun, especially on the arms and back. Good thing I had spare clothes and a towel for showering when I cycle into work.
I had a rush to get the spreadsheet off to the REG before our planned departure time of 1600hrs. Didn't make it and I also cleaned up the cake trolley so it wasn't left til Monday again!
We did manage to get to the train for 1630hrs to take us into Oslo. The Telenor Arena lays on shuttle buses from the National Theatre. Not free as a return costs 100NOK. Still it's a lot less hassle than trying to use public transport or a car. Chris and I decided we'd have a few beers before setting off to the concert. Three poorly poured Guinness was out limit before we then headed out for something to eat at McDonald's.
The bus when we got on was quite full and took approx 20mins to get to the arena. The driver we had must've been a frustrated rally driver as we actually over took the bus in front of us. I was nervous about standing up between two glass panels. Took quite a while to get from the dropoff point to our entrance to the arena, and it was slippery all the way. Security was done by the same company that provides security for the Schlumberger office. G4S. as I went through the turn-stile I got recognised by one of the guards. Thought it might have been mistaken identity until I twigged.
As went up the stairs to our seats they were handing out ear plugs. I for one was grateful as I'd left mine in the trousers at the office.
The arena didn't look up to much but I guess they never do. As we took our places for the preview act I thought the stage looked a little small as it only covered about half the width of the floor space. This also meant we were quite a long way off.
The support group were not as I'd imagined a local band but also from the US. They weren't too bad and we may hear more of them on the mid week middle aged mosh on Radio2 drivetime in the future.
There was a long gap between them and The Killers. There was an almost constant parade of people leaving the row forcing me to stand more times than in a church.
Once the Killers finally turned up it was pretty good. I knew ssome of the ssongs and Chris knew most of them. I think he is a bit like Stafford in that he actually listens to the songs on an album whereas I have music on for background. Again the venue was a bit of a let down as we were quite far from the stage off to the side. Look at the attached videos (when I get them loaded).
We got another shuttle bus back to the central station where I managed to just make the 2339 train from platform 5 to Asker. This tied in just nicely with the 0010 bus to Voyen. Result.
Got to bed quite late.
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