Can the magic of ski-and-sail work for mountain biking? A group of adventurous riders set out to find trails on the remote islands of Northern Norway — accessible only by boat. Fighting through shrubberies and marshlands on Ulløya and Reinøya, they discovered hidden gems: singletrack descending to the Arctic Sea, with a yacht waiting in the harbour below.
The concept of bike-and-sail is new and experimental. Unlike ski-and-sail, where the mountains provide obvious descents, mountain biking in Northern Norway requires creativity. The terrain above the treeline is open and rocky; lower down, birch forest and marshland create natural obstacles. But between these zones lies a sweet spot of rideable terrain.
Our exploratory trips have identified several excellent riding zones. The islands of Ulløya and Reinøya in North Troms offer technical singletrack through heather and rock gardens, with descents ending at the water's edge. On Senja, old fishing paths and sheep trails create natural flow trails with spectacular ocean views.
The yacht provides the perfect support vehicle for this kind of adventure. Bikes, tools, and spare parts are stored on deck. After a day of riding, you return to hot showers, a warm meal, and a glass of wine in the saloon. The next morning, the yacht has moved to a new island and a new set of trails.
This is adventure in its purest form — no trail maps, no GPS tracks, no other riders. You're exploring virgin terrain, creating your own trails, and experiencing the Northern Norwegian landscape from a perspective that no one else has. It's not always perfect (the shrubberies can be brutal), but the rewards are unforgettable.
Bike & Sail trips run from June to September. We provide yacht and skipper; riders bring their own bikes (or we can arrange rentals). Groups of 4-6 riders work best, allowing flexibility and ensuring everyone gets plenty of time on the trails.