When my mind drifts, it’s usually to the same old recurring thought. “Wouldn’t it be grand to live on the doorstep of the Alps”. Even my wandering subconscious is ruled entirely by thoughts of being on the bike. To be able to ride into the tallest mountains on perfect roads at the drop of a hat or at the slightest passing fancy.

But more recently, albeit mostly when I’m looking out at some fantastic scene such as the above, I start to wonder if I would go completely loopy if I didn’t or couldn’t live within an easy 20/30 minute ride to the sea. It seems the majority of my journeys to see things involve a visit to some part of the coastline.

I have suspected for a while that this is because I lack a basic level of originality and keep repeating the same routes over and over. I am very much a creature of habit. However, I’d like to think that there is something more primal in my decision making process. My lizard brain wants to fill the weekly quota of sky, wind and water.

It’s entirely coincidental (but probably not) that seaside destinations usually offer up some moderately fun twisty or complex roads to navigate. I’ve also been quite aware that this years trip to Norway will probably blow my mind in ways I can’t fathom. Fjords, spectacular roads, more fjords, ferries. I’m fully expecting that the question will become “Wouldn’t it be grand to live in Norway?”