Birkebeiner

This weekend is Birkebeiner weekend in Norway. The biggest mountain bike race in the world, there are a number of events: a slightly chilled Friday Birken, an extra long UltraBirken and the main event, Birkebeinerrittet, 94km over the mountain from Rena to Lillehammer on Saturday.

All cyclists must carry a 3.5kg backpack, in commemoration of the ancient tribe who took the infant king over the mountain (on skis, not mountain bikes) to safety, and who gave the Birkebeiner its name.

For the 3rd year in a row it was a muddy affair, and people and bikes were hosed down at the finish. This photo was taken of one of the early start groups just leaving Rena, nice and clean.

15000 people did it this year, and it seems to grow every year. Yours truly clocked in a time of 3:48 which considering the lack of training this year, is alright.