In just a few weeks, Karin Johansen (59), Maria Hasselgård (49) and Åsa Ravik (59) will be on the starting line in Trondheim. The ladies are ready to give it their all for 520 km all the way to the capital. And the goal for the great Styrkeprøven has been set:

– We will finish with a smile!

A big part of everyday life

Åsa and Karin have become good friends after cycling together for many years in Follo SK. They met Maria through a mutual friend.

– “We’re all generally active, with both cycling and long skiing trips,” they say.

– What does cycling mean to you?

– It’s part of our everyday life. A means of transportation to get to work, and we also occasionally take a ride on the mountain bike in the forest. In addition, the social aspect is important. To meet up, ride around and chat,” say Åsa and Karin.

For Maria, cycling is a form of exercise that she combines with valuable time for herself, as she often cycles alone.

– It’s also a great opportunity to see both parts of the local area and abroad that I wouldn’t otherwise have experienced. The Follo ladies have become important and a great inspiration in everyday cycling, because it’s very special to cycle with other women. We make every trip an experience and the interaction provides a unique camaraderie that is an experience in itself.

Participated previously

The ladies have plenty of experience with long trips and races. This will be Maria’s first participation in Styrkeprøven, while Karin has participated three times from Trondheim, Hamar (when it was Jentetråkk), Gjøvik and many times from Lillehammer. She has participated a total of 12 times.

Åsa has cycled once from Trondheim, once from Gjøvik and twice from Lillehammer.

– “It’s just as exciting and special every time,” say the 59-year-olds.

Two years ago, they cycled from Trondheim as a duo. At that time, it rained all the way to Dovre, hail and a headwind over Dovre, but then it was calm for the rest of the trip.

– What saved us along the way were the bags with warm and dry clothes so that we had a comfortable trip despite it being both wet and cold. Åsa’s gear broke on Dovre, but it was fine to use two gears for the rest of the trip.

– How have you prepared this year?

– We’ve cycled many miles, done strength training and skied a lot. We’ve also ridden some races. Otherwise, we’ve had a fairly relaxed relationship with it.

– You won’t regret it

The ladies’ plan is to finish and have such a good experience that it will be worth repeating. What they look forward to the most is the interaction between them, a sense of mastery and nature.

– “It will also be exciting with the new route and finish line,” they say, and add:

– It will also be nice to meet helpful people at the food stations and other friendly participants.

– Historically, there have been far more men than women who have participated in the great Styrkeprøven from Trondheim. What would you say to women who are considering signing up?

– Take a chance, we ladies are much tougher than we think! Plan carefully, but don’t take it too seriously. Take it as a pleasant trip, look around and enjoy yourself. And don’t forget to eat and drink, they say, and conclude:

– Just do it. You won’t regret it!