(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...
Yeah, I take it!
ReplyDeleteIn principle I am enthusiast about snow shoeing combined with sub24 or not.
I will try to take my ski. That will be absolutely awsome.
Sounds like a great plan. I'm sure it will be possible to simply hike to the cabin, although skis on the bike does sound very cool. What's the general consensus so far?
ReplyDelete- Robin
Working this weekend.. missed the last one as well..
ReplyDeletehopefully january i have enough money to take a weekend off from work..
Too bad Dries. But January will see some action, no worries ;)
ReplyDeleteRobin, I will take my skis, what about you Lee? With the rather heavy bag I'll have to carry I'll doubt I will be faster than those on foot anyway (except downhill).
I'm definitely in for tomorrow. I've lost my phone but rest assured I'll be at the petrol station for 6. I can't really get my head around the logistics of strapping skis and luggage to my bike, so I'll be putting my trust in my humble hiking boots for the trek to the cabin.
ReplyDelete- Robin