It is the Toten plateau, a broad upland of fields, birch woods and low ridges where Norwegians grow much of their grain and potatoes, with the lake glinting below to the east. The small settlements of Reinsvoll and Lena are the nearest, and Gjøvik, the main town of the district, is a short ride north.
Mjøsa has its own character. A paddle steamer, the Skibladner, has run on the lake since 1856 and is the oldest of its kind still in regular service, calling at the lakeside towns with a plume of smoke and the clack of its engine. The shores are lined with farms and orchards, and in the old days timber was floated down from the mountains to the sawmills along the lake. In summer, the water is surprisingly warm for a Norwegian lake, and swimming from small beaches is a popular pastime.
The riding on the plateau is relaxed. County roads rise and fall in easy bends over the ridges, with views of the lake and the surrounding hills, and traffic is light. The surface is usually good, though winter frost leaves patches that need watching. Wind across the open fields can be strong, and rain showers pass quickly. For a start, the road down to the lakeshore is a pleasant run, and the early morning light on the water is excellent.
For practical needs, fuel is easy at Gjøvik and Raufoss, and small shops in the villages sell basic supplies. If you want a swim, look for the public beaches on the lake, which have changing huts in some cases. The water is cold in May and pleasantly mild by August. Carry a towel and a flask of coffee, and watch for farm vehicles on the narrow lanes. A late evening swim, with the sun low over the water, is one of the pleasures of a Norwegian summer.