Friday April 24th

Bemböle to Porkkala

Kilometres: 80, roundtrip
Riders: 5
Campers: 4
Punctures: 0
Elk: 5
Deer: Many

Merry riding in cheerful rain.

I don't what would it take for a sub24 no to take place. At least, the foul weather did not prevented us to meet in Bemböle as usual, ready for exciting adventures. This time, we were four. We decided to ride somewhere to Nuuksio instead of distant Porkala because of the rain. We aimed at Holma-Saarijärvi, a bit north from Siikajärvi.

The ride went smoothly until Siikajärvi, until we went to the trails in the forest. We were expecting it, but the paths were covered in place by a slippery layer of ice. And it was mostly prevalent in steep uphill or downhill. Sometimes, it did feel like we had forgotten our (night) ice climbing equipment. After an hour of pushing into the wood and the night, we arrived to one of the most beautiful camping sport of Nuuksio on an island located in a small lake. But on the island, we could see the light and laughing and shouting of hundreds of scouts. After a short debate, we decided to head to the following spot, thankfully not so far away (the author was feeling a bit exhausted). 

As usual, everything felt right when we settled down, pitched up our tent, hammock or minimalistic tarp, chopped wood, started the fire and cooked a lot of food. In the distance, we could still hear the scouts. The rain decided to stop falling to let us enjoy our evening with full comfort.

When we wake up in full day light, we could even actually see the landscape around us. The lake was still well frozen. Full of a new energy after a restful night and a plentiful breakfast, we headed towards Nuuksionpää, thus making a loop through Nuuksio by the hiking path. The rain started again to accompany us during our ride home. 

Thanks a lot for the nice company and the stainless steel spirit!

Next sub24 Friday 24th April. Stay tuned for the exact time of the meeting point and the destination. Target: no more slippery walk on icy path ;).

Olivier

Weather forecast were pretty bad and accurate.

I think I found a gear that keeps me dry in any weather. However, my look makes children laugh at me in the street.

Isn't it minimalistic packing for a night out in rain and just above freezing weather?

Hints of Spring

Hello Sub24ers,

It's been close to a month now that snow has receded in Helsinki region. Another skiing season cut short by the unusual high temperatures. Luckily the sun gone missing for months is now back and it's becoming little by little less of a hassle to move the bikes around.

As last Friday if the month is this coming Friday, time to plan!
Meeting point: Bemböle, Espoo (check the map)
Time: 17.30
Direction: Let's decide the direction at the meeting at Bemböle. If the weather is OK, Porkala. If it is too stormy, we go to nearby Nuuksio.

If you're new to Sub24 activities just run a search about Porkkala on this blog, you'll find a few trip reports in different seasons.

Before we close the winter chapter for good this year, here are 3 pictures from last Month' trip to Saarilampi:

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!