So I got my CycloCross tires last week, it was now time to see if they worked as advertised! =)
I decided to make a trip to Grängesberg and use the same gravel roads that was used by Finnmarksturen, FMT has changed the course and these roads will no longer be used for that.
I had to pass the central parts of Ludvika to get to the forest roads, made it past ABB:s latest building project, a new building is supposed to stand here later this autumn. The not so old parking lot has been totally removed and lots of trees have been cut down.

Here I had made it to "Golan" the heights at Östansbo, that was just the beginning of the climb!

The end of asphalt and start of the gravel...

So far so good, lots of loose gravel and larger stones.

Lot's of dark clouds around me but by the time I had made it down the hill to Kåsen the sun was shining again.

I was now going backwards on the route that FMT follows never thought the hill was this steep going the other way! Refused to jump off the bike so I almost puked when I finally managed to get over the steepest part. :)

Passed Hällsjön. Apparently there was a inn here way back in time.

Not much left today.

At last there was some roads that didn't point straight up.

I left the dark clouds behind me...

It was a bit scary alone in the wildernes but suddenly I felt safe!

Seems like someone lost the key since the top of the safe was removed. ;)

Time for a brake, coffee and a sandwich, at the southern shore of lake Hörken, can'r remember last time I was here, must be over 10-15 years ago. We had a boat here when I was a kid.

The tarmac seems to be from the same era:

Had forgot how picturesque it was around Hörken.

Didn't take long before I was closing in at Grängesberg.

Not often I arrive from this direction.

Stora Hagen, built for the mine workers.

Went past the electronics shop. Think AKAI is still a active company, not sure if the shop is still open, lot's of stuff inside though.

A glimpse at the back yard of Spendrups brewery.

Spendrup's new high bay storage construction visible in the horizon.

Had to take the moment and take a closer look.

Closer...

Perfect view, made a panorama:

First goal of the day in sight. Made a short pit stop at mum's and said bye to all the people that headed out to go visit some people in Gubbo.

Time to get home so I can come back later in the evening for some BBQ!
Think there was a short cut here...

Well, kind of, had to carry the bike over a deep ditch and up the other side to make it up on the gravel road.

Took "Promillevägen" back home. Almost straight roads.

Past lake Glaningen by the bike lane.

Resisted a urge to go for a swim in lake Väsman when I was getting close to Ludvika.

A short photo session on the pier behind ABB, really pleased with my CX-light. The tires worked well.

Incoming boat.

One last shot at the harbour before I was back at home.

Well, the CX-tires obviously don't roll as well as dedicated road tires but the freedom and peace of mid when riding gravel roads or trails sure makes up for the small increase in rolling resistance!
Next time I will make the route in reverse to avoid the insane climbs! :)
Part one:
Part two: