Birkenesrunden

Birkenesrunden is a 91 km road cycling event held in Birkeland, organized as a tour and recreational ride by the cycling group of Birkenes Idrettslag. The organizers refer to it as Sørlandet’s largest and oldest tour cycling race, and they also humorously call it the “world’s only Birkenesrunde.” It is typically a substantial local ride, attracting around 400 participants in a usual edition. The ride begins in Birkenesparken in Birkeland Sentrum and follows a loop through inland villages to Mykland center, where participants receive a drink before returning. The route follows RV 41, Telemarksvegen, passing Herefoss at 24 km and Hynnekleiv at 34 km, then continues on RV 42. It is not presented as a competition solely for elites; the description suggests a widely inclusive club-and-community cycling day with many recreational riders participating.