An early summer

The times in this Sub24 reminded me how quickly the change of seasons sometimes takes place in Southern Finland. While the last Sub24 a month ago saw rain, hail, frozen lakes and chilly winds, this one was an early treat of sun, clear skies and warm temperatures.

The air temperature gaining two degrees every day for a week, it's with great excitement that cyclists from Britain, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and France (seven nationalities for five riders) met at the bridge on the road to Hanko over Espoonlahti. Destination: the small island of Linlo, east of the Upiniemi peninsula.

With high spirit and a light headwind, we took the peaceful road along the classic Kuninkaantie, and shifted south at Kirkkonummi on Eestinkyläntie and Hilantie. We found very similar sceneries than Porkkalantie with some deers in the distant fields and pale colors around since trees were just about to turn green.

Connecting the island to the mainland, a small wooden bridge was the last difficulty of the day. It was also where we meet Mickael and Emil (6 years old and first night out camping) coming by car. Distance cycled from Espoonlahti: 24 km.

Heading to the first nuotiopaikka on a lovely beach, we spotted a big rock overlooking the sea on the other side of the bay that would provide a better exposure to sunset and we quickly decided to aim for it it before cooling down.

Three riders took to the sea for a refreshing swim (water surprisingly warm) before all would set up tents and hammocks and prepare the dinner.

Gathered around the fire quickly set up by Markus and Olivier, we started to unpack the delicacies and I must say it's been a while since I have been so full in a Sub24: to the usual sausages, pasta and bread, some wine, cheese and mudcake completed the feast.

Retreating shortly after sunset to our night quarters, the night welcomed the tired bodies and feeling refreshed soon it was dawn again. 

The return trip went by Porkkalantie, adding 4 kilometers (scenic!) to the total trip. Leaving Markus in Espoonlahti, the four remaining riders made it back to Helsinki along the coast of Espoo, worshipping the sun.