Dear winter, where did you go?

With temperatures firmly stuck above freezing point and pretty much no snow left in Helsinki, Sub24 Helsinki will have to resort to bikes this February.

So see you with your trusty bike at the usual spot in Bemböle at 5.30 pm.

Direction Saarilampi, unless decided otherwise in Bemböle.

Kämmenlampi under the snow!

The first sub24 of the year! Destination: the wonderful laavu by Kämmenlampi in Nuuksio. It was quite a courageous destination since it is not the most easy to reach. For this edition, one group went there by bike (maybe not the smartest option) and another group went there hiking.

It started to snow seriously in the afternoon, I biked quickly to the meeting point of Bemböle from Otaniemi. Scared to be late because of the snow, I took a lot of margin and arrive 40 minutes early. I used this precious time to dry in the gas station, sip tea and observe the fauna that hang out at gas station.

We were three bikers to leave from Bemböle. Quickly, the snow cover on the road became thick and it was very difficult to keep the direction. I have to say, it has been my rougher ride to a sub24. Kuikunlääntie was made 15 cm of snow on top of plain ice! Then a last bit through the wood to drain our last energy. 

All this hardship got immediately forgotten when we arrive at the laavu. A cheerful fire was soon roaring, pasta were cooking, what to ask more from life? Soon after we arrived, the hiking group made it. A blissful evening followed in good company, steaks were grilled and shared, pancakes and jam came for dessert. 

After a very enjoyable night, we woke up full of energy for breakfast and our way back. The biking was not easier than the previous day, but the daylight and the new energy made it easier.

Thanks for the good moment!

Olivier

January 2015

looked like this:

Welcoming 2015

Happy new year to you all, outdoor enthusiasts!

Sub24 Helsinki is now in its fifth year, and still going strong. With some delay winter finally set in and the snow blanket seems to be holding... for now!

Weather conditions look ideal for this coming Friday (little wind, temperatures just below 0C to guarantee fresh air) so let's go camping! May I also point out that according to a fresh new study, the Finnish Forest Research Institute recommends spending at least five hours among nature per month, which has a significant impact on well-being. Still hesitating?

The white carpet not being thick enough to ensure proper skiing conditions, the first Sub24 of 2015 will be on our trusty (hopefully not too rusty) bikes.

Meeting place: the usual Bemböle Shell gas station (check our Destinations map)
Date: January, Friday 23rd
Time: 18.00.
Direction: Kämmenlampi (15-20 km ride from Bemböle). You can check the report of our trip to the place last autumn here

Please note that another party will set off on foot somewhere along Vihdintie to meet the cycling group in Kämmenlampi. No need to worry if you're bike is not set up for winter cycling!

Hikers will meet in Rinnekoti, Espoo, at the final bus stop of bus 345 leaving from Elielinaukio.
Meeting time: 18.00. See you there!

Merry Christmas from sub-24 Helsinki

To all sub-24ers, past, present and future, we wish you a very happy Christmas and an adventurous new year!

Next trip: January 2015.
Comments welcome.

Sub-24 Pikkujoulu

I've finally recovered enough from the sub-24 pikkujoulu to put some pictures on here. When I'm feeling up to it, I might even post something about them:

24th October

is when a very chilly sub-24 ride took place.

We'll tell you all about it some time soon...