Mother North

Mother North is an unsupported gravel bikepacking adventure through the wild landscapes of Norway, designed for riders seeking a true test of endurance and self-reliance. Starting and finishing in Lillehammer, the route covers approximately 1,100 km with around 18,000 m of climbing, weaving through remote mountain plateaus, ancient forests, dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and endless gravel roads.

Unlike races built around speed alone, Mother North is about embracing the unpredictable nature of Scandinavia. Riders must navigate changing weather, long stretches of wilderness, and demanding terrain while remaining completely self-supported. The route follows a fixed GPX, combining fast Nordic gravel with paved mountain roads, rugged forest tracks, and occasional hike-a-bike sections that reward persistence as much as fitness.

The event takes place during Norway’s magical late-summer season, when riders experience long daylight hours, quiet valleys, and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. From high mountain passes to crystal-clear lakes and historic villages, every day offers a new landscape, making Mother North as memorable for its surroundings as for its physical challenge.

Mother North is best suited to experienced gravel and bikepacking riders looking for a remote, technical, and immersive ultra-distance adventure. Strong climbing legs, reliable equipment, and careful planning are essential, but those who reach the finish are rewarded with one of Europe’s most breathtaking and authentic gravel ultracycling experiences.