Title: MTB Ride Over Svartdalsåsen: A Round Trip from Harstad Bikepark Through Folkeparken

Harstad Bikepark is an excellent gateway to exploring Harstad’s stunning terrain, and a bike ride over Svartdalsåsen offers both experienced riders and beginners an unforgettable nature experience. This circular route starts and ends at Harstad Bikepark, ascending via Fjellveien and passing Musvannet before reaching Svartdalsåsen. From the summit, the ride descends back to the bike park, with multiple trail options to match any skill level.

Route Summary

• Start and Finish: Harstad Bikepark

• Highlight: The view from Svartdalsåsen

• Terrain: Gravel road uphill, varied trails downhill

• Difficulty: Adjustable, with trail options for different skill levels

Part 1: Climbing via Fjellveien

The ride begins at Harstad Bikepark, which offers great parking facilities and amenities for cyclists. From here, the ascent starts on Fjellveien, a gravel road free from motorized traffic. Fjellveien is perfect for warming up, with a steady incline that lets you get comfortable with your bike while enjoying the serene surroundings.

The road winds through diverse landscapes, offering glimpses of mountains, forests, and open clearings. This provides a pleasant and peaceful introduction to the tour. Before long, you’ll reach Musvannet, a lovely lake where you can take a short break by the shore. This is a great spot to catch your breath before continuing up to the starting point at Svartdalsåsen.

Part 2: At the Summit – A View Worth the Effort

Reaching the summit of Svartdalsåsen, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Harstad, Vågsfjorden, and the surrounding areas. This is the literal and figurative high point of the ride, offering a perfect place to relax, snap some photos, and refuel before starting your descent.

The panoramic view from Svartdalsåsen gives you the sense of being on top of the world and highlights the natural beauty of Harstad. At this point, you can decide which trail to take back down to Harstad Bikepark, with options tailored to your skill level.

Part 3: The Descent – Trails for Every Skill Level

Descending from Svartdalsåsen, you’ll find several trails of varying difficulty, making this route suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced mountain bikers looking for technical challenges.

Option 1: Beginner Trail

For those new to mountain biking or looking for an easier ride down, a wider and more forgiving trail is available. This trail gradually winds back to the bike park, featuring stable terrain with minimal obstacles. It’s ideal for practicing balance and control while enjoying the surrounding scenery at a relaxed pace.

Option 2: Intermediate Trail

If you have some mountain biking experience, the intermediate trail offers a fun and slightly more challenging option. With natural obstacles like roots, rocks, and small jumps, this trail provides a balance of excitement and accessibility. It requires decent bike control and the ability to handle varied terrain, while still maintaining a smooth and enjoyable flow.

Option 3: Advanced Trail

For experienced riders, the advanced trail offers technical challenges with steep sections, larger rocks and roots, and tight switchbacks. This trail demands precise control, strong technique, and quick reflexes, but rewards you with an adrenaline-filled descent. It’s perfect for those who are comfortable navigating demanding terrain and want to push their limits.

Back at Harstad Bikepark – Recap and Amenities

After descending from Svartdalsåsen and returning to Harstad Bikepark, you can take advantage of the park’s facilities. The bike park is equipped with areas for bike maintenance and provides a chance to connect with other cycling enthusiasts and share stories about your ride. You can also find information about other trails and opportunities in the area if you’re looking for additional adventures.

Key Tips for a Successful Ride

1. Prepare Your Bike: Check your bike to ensure the brakes are working properly and the tires are suitable for mountain biking.

2. Safety Gear: Wear a helmet, and consider knee and elbow pads if you plan to tackle the more technical trails.

3. Be Weather-Ready: Northern weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and be prepared for varying trail conditions. Wet terrain can make roots and rocks slippery.

4. Choose Trails Wisely: Select a descent trail that matches your skill level. The steeper, more technical options can be demanding, so assess your comfort zone.

Summary

The MTB ride from Harstad Bikepark to Svartdalsåsen offers a fantastic combination of a manageable climb, stunning nature, and breathtaking views from the summit. With the ability to choose from multiple trails for the descent, the ride caters to all skill levels, allowing cyclists the freedom to challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of northern Norway’s terrain. This circular route is perfect for those looking to explore Harstad’s incredible landscapes on two wheels and promises to be an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.