My 2019 TET Summer Adventure

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TET - Trans Euro Trail map

Sometime early 2019 I started hearing about TET through motorcycle groups on Facebook. I was promptly fascinated and embraced the TET concept, and I joined the wave of motorcyclist around the world who have fallen in love with adventure travel as it was intended to be – on gravel roads and off the beaten track. This was my first experience with TET – and I am loving it!

Overview of my 2019 TET Summer Vacation

What is TET?

TET – or Trans Euro Trail – is a 51,000km GPX route from the edge of Africa to the Arctic Circle, created by the community, and provided for free. Or as stated on the TET website; “The Trans Euro Trail® is a cultural dirt road adventure from deep within the Arctic Circle to the doorstep of Africa… and back.”

Read more and join the TET community here: https://transeurotrail.org/

Me, a TET’er.

I am by no means an experienced TET rider, in fact, my trip this time only covered the Northern Section of TET Norway, and a small section of TET Sweden. Never the less, I really embrace the concept of TET and everything involved with it; the route planning, the gravel, the freedom, the nature, the outdoor camping and the whole new variety of motorcycle riding it represented to me and my bike.

My bike and I somewhere in the midst of TET.

TET Forum

The TET Forum was of great help to me to begin with. I found inspiration especially from Thomas S. Hansen who (at that time) rode the same kind of bike as me – a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. Please check out his Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/_tshansen/ and YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/ThomasSHansen

The TET Forum can be found here: http://transeurotrail.org/forum/

A glimpse of what TET Norway has to offer.

My route

Starting off from where I live in Sandnes, I entered the two day leg to Vågåmo on August 2nd 2019. Passing the magnificent Suleskarvegen, my first stop was in Valle in Setesdal.

Quick stop in Valle on day 1.

From there I pushed on via 45 towards Tokke, Høydalsmo and a detour via Vinje towards Hjartdal. I drove off the E134 at Tuddalsvegen and enjoyed gravel for the first time.

Gravel and mud – oh what a joy

Day 2 I pushed on via Gol and Kvam before reaching Vågåmo in the evening. From there I entered the TET Norway Northern Section and enjoyed two full days of pure motorcycle happiness.

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon took place while passing Gaustatoppen.
Magnificent Gaustatoppen at 1883 meters above sea level.
The bike and I taking a bath.
Urgent stop to take in the scenery.
The 2nd highest road in Norway at Tronfjell was well worth the climb.
Big bike, even bigger nature.
These gloves were used and used well during the warm days of Norwegian summer.
Getting of the bike in the midst of absolutely nothing is a great feeling.
One happy camper taking in all the views.
The Mitas E-07 tires performed excellent for TET.

What I learnt

TET Norway, at least the Northern Section, is possible to do on a large GSA. It would feel a lot safer to ride in a group of at least two riders, however, I rode solo and I did fine.

I didn’t really know what to expect, except from what I had learned from YouTube at the TET Forum. That was good for me. Truth is, If I know up front what I was about to do, maybe I would not have dared. I am glad I did not know more. I am so grateful for all the experience I gained during the trip. Would I have done it again. Definitely. 

Tires

I changed for the Mitas E-07 tires prior to this trip. After studying the experience from other riders, advice and recommendations, I gave them a chance and I too give the the thumb’s up! Take a look at this video from MotoTrek.

GPS

Much can be said about the BMW Navigator V that my bike came equipped with. I haven’t really had any issues with it, however, in the midst of nowhere – and no return – I am really happy that I also brough with me the GPSMAP 64st. More than one time, I had to trust the GPSMAP over the Navigator.

I carried with my two GPS units on the TET, which proved itself valuable.

If you really want to dive into the discussion, please join the BMW Motorrad Navigator group on Facebook, see https://www.facebook.com/groups/2600062430278855/

GoPro Photos from TET Norway 2019 – Northern Section

I have added a selection of photos above, however, please also check out my Photos page for even more memories from this trip taken with my bike- and helmet mounted GoPro Hero 5 Black during the entire adventure on the Northern Section of TET Norway from 2nd August to 8th August 2019. Enjoy – and be inspired!

GPX file

Reach out to me if you are keen to get a copy of the GPX file for this trip.

10 Replies to “My 2019 TET Summer Adventure”

  1. Hei Edgar.

    Takker for en flott tur historie👍og god inspirasjon.
    Har en 2015 r1200 gsa også, sitter å planlegger TET til sommeren.
    Skulle gjerne hatt GPX filen fra din tur om mulig. Mail : skjong@online.no
    Jeg kjører i fra Ålesund og hadde tenkt meg inn på TET ruta ved Dombås området, tar gjerne imot anbefalinger.

    Mvh
    Frode Skjong

  2. Hei Frode, jeg skal få sendt GPX-fila samt noen anbefalinger til deg. Planlegging av TET er en stor del av gleden, så lykke til! 🙂

  3. Likte videoen du har puttet sammen om TET-turen din og mye god info her!
    Følte du at det var deler av TET du ikke burde kjørt alene? Jeg kjører mye alene da jeg liker en friheten men safety er også viktig.
    Jeg hadde også satt på en GPX-fil 🙂

  4. Hei Trond, jeg kan dele GPX-filen, no probs. Det gikk overraskende godt å kjøre alene, og det var nok til stor hjelp at det var tørt da jeg kjørte. På glattere føre ville det nok vært mer utfordrende. Enkelte småstier etter starten i Vågåmo var smale og bratte med enkelte krappe svinger der man helst ikke har lyst å få en stans, men det gikk bra med meg, og da går det helt sikkert bra med deg også.

    Enig med deg – å kjøre alene er herlig! Jeg forventet å treffe mange andre i løypa da jeg kjørte mellom 2-8. august, men traff forbløffende få andre TET-ere. Det blir TET sør-seksjonen på meg i år, er fryktelig spent på den!

  5. Det høres bra ut! Om Covid-19 trekker ut blir det hjemmeferie i år og da er planen min å ta all TET i Sør-Norge i sommer.
    Fra før har jeg kjørt fra Lidkoping og til norskegrensen. Fin tur det også

    1. Planen min er TET Norway Southern Section i år, pluss litt annet snadder. Planleggingen er i gang 🙂

      Når grensene åpnes igjen er jeg skikkelig sugen på Vildmarksvegen i Sverige. Lang transportetappe opp dit, men heldigvis mye bra veier på veien dit 🙂 https://wildernessroad.eu/

  6. Veldig fin reisebeskrivelse, og fin side! Jeg fikk lyst til å dra på grustur med motorsykkel av å lese denne. Det er så moro når folk bruker litt mer av det store potensialet for motorsykkelglede som er innebygd i GSA!

  7. Hei Edgar!
    Takk for at du tipset meg om bloggen din her! Jo mer jeg leser, jo mer øker lysten på både grus, TET og generelle turråd fra deg. Utrolig bra at du deler så mye nyttig info. Kunne jeg i førsteomgang spurt deg om du kunne sende meg GPX-filer til grusturer på Østlandet/Innlandet som du anbefaler?

    På forhånd takk og tomler opp for at du fortsetter bloggingen her;)

    Mvh Jakob

  8. Hallo, gerne hätte ich eine Kopie der Tour TET Norway. Vielen Dank für die tolle Seite. Grüße Jörg

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