Sunday, December 16, 2012

Survivors - the return

Remember the outing of last February? Well, it's only December, but the weather gods this month are granting us with so much snow it feels like January or February already.

Here's the account of our last Sub24 of 2012, courtesy of Olivier:

The December edition of Sub 24 was indeed dominated by a Christmas feeling. We met at Bemböle in pitch darkness, the bike path had been miraculously cleared from the snow during the day and the biking was mostly comfortable almost all the way to Pirttimäki. 

Florian had come up with a beautiful idea of bringing skis on the bike to switch at Pirttimäki for some smooth 3 km skiing to our favourite hut. However he ended up being alone with his skis, though the skis tied to his bike had the most beautiful effect and impressed many pedestrians: 



It started to snow gently from Pirttimäki and as we walked to the hut I wondered if the forest has ever been that beautiful. All the trees heavy loaded with snow, lit by the light pollution and flashlights, being far away from it all. The hut was open and we were happy to take the challenge to make a fire from wet cold wood. And we were successful this time. 


 

Florian treated us so well with warm glögi and Pippari, but why of why did we forget to sing also some Christmas carols? Anyway, it was soon time to go to sleep. I learned a bit more on how to pitch up a tent on a frozen ground with only 20 cm of fresh snow. I think we slept quite alright and I would like to underline that Young is a real light-weight trekker: he had no mat and only a summer sleeping bag. This will remain in my memory for a long time. He even asked me if I really needed my mat because the snow was quite comfortable.

 

 

The trip back was a good opportunity to see in the morning light all what we had missed the day before. For the way back, the snow from the night was not yet cleared up and for me it felt like a long way. But still I didn't dare to feel tired because some were on single-speed bike. As it was cold and windy, Robin took the opportunity to remove his jacket that was preventing the wind to cool him down. He clearly demonstrated that protection against bitter cold is a matter of attitude.


I was very happy to have the opportunity to use my winter sleeping bag. The slight discomfort brought by the cold is completely overtaken by the feeling of being in one of the far North Canada adventure novel I was reading as a child. Many good ideas came to us in the midst of the forest. What about a Sub24 on skis only? What about a 2 or 3 days trip just on skis? Stay tuned not to miss any exciting trip!


 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Cross-training, Friday 14th December


 (Update below)

After careful consideration...

We're thinking of combining cycling and some other winter sport during this coming sub-24. The amount of snow on the ground gives some limitations as well as challenges - it opens the door to some interesting ideas of how best to survive, move about the world and how best to have fun...

After a short bicycle ride, we're planning to aim towards the cabin in Pirttimäki, which may possibly provide the actual heat of a real fire. Or it may not. Or it may be locked up completely. So bring a tent anyway. Rather than annoy the locals and waste our valuable energy on silly things as we did last winter, we were planning to leave the bikes and continue on ski or snow-shoe (or on foot) for the final couple of kilometres to the cabin.

I have not visited Pirttimäki, but in Leppävaara sports park there has been enough snowfall to allow skiing. Ploughs have prepared the base layer of the trails but they have not cut the ski tracks yet. In the forest under the trees there is probably so little snow that ordinary winter boots will be enough for a winter hike. Anyway, I'm checking on the snow-shoe hire situation (they appear to be closing the hire centre in Oittaa) and I'll update about that as soon as possible. Please comment on whether snow-shoeing this time interests you (if not this time, then maybe some other month?).

It has long been the desire of some sub-24ers to see skis strapped to bikes. Now is the time!

The details:             
Bemböle Shell, 18:00
7 km bike ride
3 - 5 km (or more) ski/snow-shoe/walk, depending on how far we want to go
If the worst comes to the worst, the cafe opens at 10 am...

Any takers?

***

Oittaa hire centre is closing so they're not hiring out any snow-shoes anymore. In fact, on Saturday morning they're selling off some old stuff - nothing too exciting though, it seems.

So, skis strapped to bikes or a walk in the woods. I'll walk with the walkers, but I might bring skis anyway. And dry socks.

It shouldn't be too cold, but come prepared for a night in your tent.

See you all in Bemböle at 6 pm...

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Hang-over (that's a climbing term)




Our fearless sub-24ers braved the drizzle to climb, sauna and relax after a hard year's riding and camping.


This typing is proving physically difficult and my wit is well and truly spent, so suffice to say: Andy and Tapanila Climbing Centre come highly recommended!


By common consent, the ride in December will take place on Friday 14th. Initial murmurings suggest a return to Väransby, although perhaps we should rather visit the forest before the ski tracks are made? Comments and suggestions are warmly welcomed.


If you failed to receive your very own sub-24 pikkujoulu special gift, pick it up on the ride next time.


Winter tyres at the ready...





 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Pikkujoulu 24th November

ONLY A FEW DAYS TO GO! INFORMATION ADDED BELOW...

Sub-24 Christmas(ish) get-together

24th November (24 as in sub-24!)...

Helsinki Climbing Centre, Tapanila

15 - 16:30... Climbing

16:30 - 17:30... Sauna

17:30 onwards... to the city for food and drink.

Cost... maximum 20e each, cheaper if there's more of us. Please bring cash!

As far as I'm concerned, you can come for all or any of the above. Emailing me at sub24helsinki@gmail.com comes to my phone, so I can get back to you straight away. Unless I'm halfway up an enormous wall, that is.

TruBlue Autobelay in climbing gym Auto belay unitFor those of you not warming to the idea of climbing - the automatic belays will keep you safe (you are attached to a device which will let you down gently if you fall - something like the one in the picture, I guess). If you're worried about heights, come and see what you can do. Personally, I'm hoping not to go above two metres...

Finally, please pass on this information to anyone who has ridden or plans to ride with us. In 2012, sub-24 has brought joy to the hearts of at least 40 people - if my count from a year's worth of photos is right. Come and have a drink and meet the other 39...

***********************************************************************************************************************

WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES, PEOPLE!

YOU CAN BUY SAUNA DRINKS FROM THE CAFE IN THE SPORTS CENTRE. TOWEL HIRE IS 2e, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BRING YOUR OWN. THERE ARE NOT SEPARATE SAUNAS FOR MEN AND WOMEN.

NOVICE CLIMBERS ARE WELCOME AS ARE THOSE NEW TO SUB-24 - COME CLIMBING AND THEN RIDING AND CAMPING NEXT TIME!

SPEAKING OF WHICH... LET'S PLAN THE NEXT RIDE WHEN WE MEET ON SATURDAY. PERHAPS IT WILL BE A WEEK EARLY THIS TIME TO AVOID INDEPENDENCE DAY.

ALL BEING WELL, I WILL TAKE THE N-TRAIN THAT LEAVES HELSINKI CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION AT 14:21. IT ARRIVES AT TAPANILA STATION AT 14:37. SEE YOU THERE...


Monday, November 5, 2012

Espoo Adventurers




  

Grey weather wasn’t going to deter our immigrant cyclists this month. On Friday at dusk, envoys from France, Switzerland, England, Spain, South Korea, and Australia convened at the clubhouse (the Bemböle Shell), and in high spirits set out on the road to Veikkola.






Feeling light as a bird, Matthieu soon realised he’d left his backpack at the Shell; this minor delay only strengthening our collective resolve to reach our destination: cabin, fire, sauna.

We rode in two groups. The trailblazers were charged with the heating of the sauna, while the second group (self-appointed ‘löylymestarit’) would follow, dismount from their saddles and enter their element: hot air. However, a string of wrong turns and chocolate stops left the trailblazers overtaken by the rearguard action of these steam-masters’.

 





It’s 15 kilometres from Bemböle to Veikkola, a fairly flat and straight stretch of road. About halfway the bike path ends, and we hugged the asphalt’s edge as the big rigs blew by. God bless the hi-vis vest. From Veikkola, it’s another 5 kilometres along an unlit backroad, in the pitch black rain, where the two groups were reunited. 
 
Olivier, honorary member of the Espoo Adventurers (Espoon Retkeilijät) arranged our accommodation for the nighta tidy two-storey cabin with no running water or electricity, but enough firewood and fireplaces to warm part of the house. Those smart enough to bring slippers were rewarded with warm toes, and those so inclined enjoyed one of Lee’s fizzy beers. 




How many non-Finns does it take to heat a sauna, and keep it hot? Tonight, eight. But as the first sweat broke, all agreed the ride was worth it. In true sub-24 fashion the conversation was sparkling, with topics ranging from the Gulf Stream to cycling the frozen seas. After a dip in the puro (stream), our cosmopolitan adventurers retired to the cabin to cook, eat (pesto being the choice dish of the discerning gourmand), and discuss the pressing philosophical concerns of modern man, before snuffing the candles and snuggling into their sleeping bags a touch past midnight.



Eight men and no snoring. No exaggeration, ladies. Florian made an early start for his next party, tip-toeing over the sleepers, who rose around 7. After coffee and puuro (porridge) we packed up, cleaned the cabin, and were on the road by 9. Despite tired thighs, the mist on the lakes around the sleepy township of Veikkola, the sparse traffic, and a last look at the lichen before the snow, all made for good cheer on the bitumen.


We were spared almost all the forecast rain. In fact, the sky was most kind. A big THANK-YOU to Olivier and the Espoon Retkeilijät. And to all the riders (from the serious to the seriously amateur, from sub-24 veterans to enthused newcomers), it was a memorable adventure. Prepare those head-torches for first weekend of December, and stay tuned to this space, and the Facebook page.




 






As Beaudelaire might have said.

When the low, heavy sky weighs like the giant lid
of a great pot upon the spirit . . . go for a bike ride.

Then all the bells at once ring out . . . bombarding heaven.


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Pikkujoulu

HUOM: Friday November 2nd ride information below

In the manner of the Finns that we know and love, sub-24 Helsinki will be holding a traditional pikkujoulu Christmas party...

Along with the drinking and the relaxing of inhibitions promoted by our neighbours at this time of year, sub-24 will offer an adventurous twist. Last year our cycling went underwater. This year, our hearts and muscles will strain upwards!

Andy, one of our sub-24 virgins last month, happens to be both a qualified climbing instructor as well as a sports centre guru based in Tapanila. He has offered to open up his wall for us and provide the space and advice necessary to make us all climb as high as our constitutions allow. No experience is necessary but a freer hand will be given to the experienced.

Once we're well and truly knackered, we can hopefully head to sauna and then on to a restaurant for stretching and meditation.

The rough cost will be 20e per person.

On the right-hand side, you can vote for when is a good night for you. Hopefully this is enough notice and we will find a weekend free that suits most of us. Please vote for every weekend that you are free and as soon as the vote closes, Andy will confirm the date for us...

Monday, October 29, 2012

Brrrrrr....

The cold and wet make me think of... Sub-24!

At least this Friday, whatever the weather throws at us, we have a dry place to sleep and a hot sauna to warm our frozen toes.

As mentioned before, Olivier is part of a mysterious outdoorsy club which has a cottage in Veikkola. He has arranged for us to sleep at this cottage on Friday night.


Some practical details from the man himself:

Address: Lamminpääntie, 02880 Veikkola.
No shoes inside->take some warm socks or slippers.
Sauna->take towel
Sleeping bag->quite warm. The place will be quite cold.
15 euro in cash please.
Early departure in the morning.
There is a kitchen and gas and a fireplace.
No running water though but a stream nearby.


Sounds lovely; a 15 km night ride and a sauna to look forward to!

My own timetable will find me at Bemböle Shell service station at 18:00, I'm afraid. If anyone wants to go earlier to light the sauna, please feel free. I'll make up for my late arrival by bringing beer in the space usually taken up by my tent.

Use the comments section below to arrange an earlier rendezvous or to ask any questions that you might have. Also, some people prefer Facebook.

I said this before, but...

I'll post again in a couple of days about a potential sub-24 pikkujoulu Christmas party and we can talk about it on Friday.

See you then!